Private Sector In Africa Research Articles

The contribution of Specialist Family Physicians to South Africa's private sector: A position statement.

No abstract available.

A Quantitative Review of Un-licensed and Off-label Medicines Use in Children Aged 0-2 Years in the Private Sector in South Africa: Extent, Challenges, and Implications.

The global lack of suitable formulations for children leads to off-label and unlicensed medicine use, posing significant risks of adverse effects. Understanding this usage on a national level can help guide interventions for better formulations. This study aimed to measure the prevalence of off-label and unlicensed medicines among children in South Africa's private sector. The study used a point prevalence methodology to review medicine use in children aged 0-2 years enrolled in a selected pharmaceutical benefit management company in South Africa from January to June 2022. A sample size of 1055 prescriptions was calculated using a 90% confidence interval, 50% prevalence rate, and 5% error margin. A systematic random sampling approach selected every seventh entry from 91,973 total entries, resulting in a final sample size of 13,139. Data included patient age, number and characteristics of medicines, quantity, and indications. Descriptive statistics analysed and reported the prevalence of unlicensed and off-label medicine use. Among the 13,139 prescribed medicines, 40% (5,246) were off-label or unlicensed, and 60% (7,893) were on-label. Of the off-label/unlicensed medicines, 16.85% (2,214) were unlicensed, and 23.08% (3,032) were off-label. Methylprednisolone was the top off-label medicine, probiotics were the top unlicensed, and the ICD10 code Z76.9 was the top diagnosis. The study found that 40% of children aged 0-2 years were prescribed unlicensed or off-label medicines in South Africa's private healthcare sector between January and June 2022. This suggests a widespread practice of off-label or unlicensed prescriptions in paediatric treatment in the South African private sector.

Strengthening Law Enforcement to Address White-Collar Financial Crime in South Africa's Private Sector

With the government's focus on combatting public sector corruption and violent crime, the plight of white-collar financial crime in the private sector is of subordinate priority. This contribution seeks to explore means to enhance the capacity of law enforcement agencies to combat white-collar financial crime in the private sector. We clarify the salient terminology and give an overview of the role of financial sector regulators in financial crime prevention in South Africa, focussing on the Financial Sector Regulation Act 9 of 2017. Financial sector regulators have an important role to play against financial crime, though they are dependent on the criminal justice system to protect the financial sector against criminals. This section is followed by an overview of the role and functions of the South African Police Service, the National Prosecuting Authority, and the court system. We identify difficulties which may hinder the prosecution of white-collar financial crime. First, there is a tendency that companies do not investigate conduct that may amount to white-collar financial crime, and otherwise do not report such incidents. Second, there is a need for a specialised and independent law enforcement agency to attend to serious white-collar financial crime. There is also a skills shortage in the National Prosecuting Authority relative to the intricacies of white-collar financial crime. As remedial measures, companies ought to apply the corporate governance principles of King IV more robustly. Artificial intelligence can also be utilised to prevent white-collar financial crimes committed in cyberspace. Private sector agencies should be vested with a more comprehensive duty to report white-collar financial crime to the authorities, and the protection and scope of whistle-blowers should be increased. We propose the introduction of Deferred Prosecution Agreements, as well as cooperation between the State and the private sector, to weaken capacity constraints in the prosecution process.

Expiry of veterinary medicines in supply outlets in Central Uganda: prevalence, management and associated factors

BackgroundAnimal diseases are a danger to livestock, businesses, and public health. This is why the public and private sectors in Africa have invested immensely in the manufacture and distribution of veterinary drugs. However, veterinary drug supply chain actors still suffer losses as a result of expiration. Besides, the way expired products are managed might pose risks to human, animal, and environmental health. This study investigated the prevalence, management of, and factors associated with the expiry of veterinary medicines in supply outlets in Central Uganda.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted among owners and caretakers of veterinary drug supply outlets. Data were collected using self-administered, semi-structured questionnaires. The level of expiry was computed as “acceptable” (for levels reported as ≤ 5%) and “unacceptable” (for levels reported as ˃5%). Logistic regression was used to assess associations between the level of drug expiry and predictor variables.ResultsA total of 168 owners/caretakers of veterinary drug supply outlets were included in this study. The majority (148/168, 88.1%) of respondents reported having experienced expiries in their outlets. Unacceptable levels of expiry were reported in 38/168 (22.6%) of the outlets. Retail outlets accounted for the majority (34/38, 89.5%) of the unacceptable levels. Powdered drugs accounted for most expiries (106/148, 71.6%). Most expiries were for drugs supplied to outlets on credit (58/124, 46.8%) and those used to treat rare diseases (26/124, 21%). Major reasons for expiry included irrational prescription, inaccurate forecasts, overstocking, dry seasons, and stocking without considering stock-at-hand. Methods of disposal of expired drugs included throwing at pits (74/168, 44.1%); returning drugs to suppliers (51/168, 30.4%); and incineration (33/168, 19.6%). Factors associated with acceptable levels of expiry included the caretaker being female [adjusted OR = 2.9, 95% CI = 1.22–5.08]; having a procurement policy [adjusted OR = 3.9, 95% CI = 1.29–4.81] and practicing first expiry, first out [adjusted OR = 6.07, 95% CI = 4.71–8.70].ConclusionsVeterinary drug expiries are common in Uganda, and environmentally unfriendly methods of disposal are widely used. Acquisition and use of inventory tracking technologies that support First-Expiry-First-Out principles as well as proper disposal of expired medicines are recommended.

Extending political will into action in African LMICs: abating global antimicrobial resistance

Extending political will into action in African LMICs: abating global antimicrobial resistance

Will Africapitalism work?

ABSTRACT Africapitalism suggests a refined capitalist system aimed at achieving collective good unlike the shareholder value maximization model of Anglo-American capitalism. It emphasizes the obligations of the private sector in Africa to pursue socio-economic development. Despite these proposed benefits, this paper queries the functionality of such capitalism. It presents six major criticisms of Africapitalism and argues for a more realistic approach to African development.

An Analysis of Public-Private Partnerships in East Africa

The impact of the implementation of public-private partnerships (PPPs) in the Sub-Saharan African region on infrastructure and services is becoming increasingly perceptible. A considerable number of African countries have embraced PPPs as a mechanism to finance large projects due to a constrained fiscus. At present, many financial institutions, such as the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund and the African Development Bank, which finance some of the projects, have established a department or unit that mainly focuses on infrastructure development in developing countries. The private sector in Africa is equally seen as a significant partner in the development of infrastructure. African governments need to tap into private capital to invest in infrastructure projects. This scientific discussion provides an analysis of PPPs in the East African region. This article selected a number of countries to illustrate PPP projects in the sub-region. The analysis of this study illustrates that the East African region represents unique and valuable public-private partnership lessons in different countries. This study also traces the origins of PPPs to more than a century ago where developed countries completed some of their projects using the same arrangement. This paper further demonstrates that the application of PPPs is always characterised by three factors, namely a country, a sector and a project. Experts in the field often refer to these elements as layers, which usually precede any successful PPP.

Notes on Contributors: Youth Employment and the Private Sector in Africa

This is the notes on contributors for IDS Bulletin 49.5, 'Youth Employment and the Private Sector in Africa'.

Glossary: Youth Employment and the Private Sector in Africa

This is the glossary for IDS Bulletin 49.5, Youth Employment and the Private Sector in Africa.

Introduction: Youth Employment and the Private Sector in Africa

This introductory article of the IDS Bulletin maps out the African youth employment challenge from a policy perspective. While policymakers have endorsed the role of the private sector as a job generator, it remains unclear whether, and under what conditions, the formal private sector generates enough and decent jobs. This IDS Bulletin begins to fill that gap. Contributors address questions including: to what extent do formal private enterprises create decent, secure jobs for young people? What obstacles do young adults face when trying to access jobs in the formal private sector? What additional difficulties are present in fragile and conflict-affected settings? And, how can policies ensure the formal private sector does not reproduce and entrench insecure and vulnerable employment? The articles in this issue demonstrate the importance of effective policy measures to ensure that private sector growth creates sufficient numbers of decent, secure jobs to provide employment to African youth.

Rhinoceros ownership and attitudes towards legalization of global horn trade within South Africa's private wildlife sector

AbstractSouth Africa's private sector is vital to rhino conservation yet there is a lack of research into the attitudes of current and potential rhino owners towards rhino conservation and horn trade. We surveyed 169 members of the South African private wildlife ranching industry to examine these matters. We sought to understand: (1) ranchers’ motivations for owning or not owning rhinos, (2) how rhino ownership affects ranchers’ income and operations, and (3) the attitudes of wildlife industry members towards legalization of global rhino horn trade. Our findings indicate that all respondents recognize the risks of rhino ownership and tend to distrust national and provincial environmental departments. In addition to these concerns, rhino owners have substantial monthly security and management expenditures. We found positive attitudes overall towards global rhino horn trade. Rhino owners strongly agreed that legalization would benefit rhino owners and rhino conservation. Documenting the realities of private rhino ownership and the opinions of the wildlife industry is important for policy design and for informed debate about the legalization of the rhino horn trade.

PRIVATIZATION AND THE EFFICIENCY OF THE MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIAL SECTOR (WITH EMPHASIS ON IRAQ

After decades of poor performance and inefficient operations by state-owned enterprises, governments all over the world earnestly embraced privatization (or conversion the public sector). Thousands of state-owned enterprises (SOEs) have been turned over to the private sector in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and Eastern and Western Europe since the eighties successive programmes of privatizations have been campaigning, particularly, in the developing countries. This operation to all countries was characterized by different contents , processes , conditions and periods of application , but the actual structural relations , in all of its details: the local ,international, social and cultural environments were reflected on the conversion operation in fields of application, levels of momentum, levels of efficiencies and trends of their effects. The experience of Iraq during the late 1980s (and precisely in 1987) and early 1990s (and precisely in1993) is a case of this phenomenon which deserves special attention as the essence of conversion to private sector and its efficiency consequences. Thus, to identify the research’s problem, it has being necessary to reply a basic question which is (if privatization concerned as a more effective solution to the production inefficiency of the public manufacturing sector in the developing countries?). In so far, the researcher concentrated on the following issues:  Privatization and its main conceptual properties.  Privatization and its positive impact on the efficiency of the industrial establishment.  The obstacles that face the positive role of privatization in Manufacturing Industries  Deterioration of the Private Manufacturing Industrial Sector and Privatization Experience in Iraq  Conclusions and recommendations

BRAIN-BASED LEARNING AS AN APPROACH FOR IMPROVING EDUCATIONAL PRACTICE IN KURDISTAN REGION: AN EMPIRICAL STUDY IN PERSPECTIVE OF EDUCATIONAL PLANNING

After decades of poor performance and inefficient operations by state-owned enterprises, governments all over the world earnestly embraced privatization (or conversion the public sector). Thousands of state-owned enterprises (SOEs) have been turned over to the private sector in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and Eastern and Western Europe since the eighties successive programmes of privatizations have been campaigning, particularly, in the developing countries. This operation to all countries was characterized by different contents , processes , conditions and periods of application , but the actual structural relations , in all of its details: the local ,international, social and cultural environments were reflected on the conversion operation in fields of application, levels of momentum, levels of efficiencies and trends of their effects. The experience of Iraq during the late 1980s (and precisely in 1987) and early 1990s (and precisely in1993) is a case of this phenomenon which deserves special attentionas the essence of conversion to private sector and its efficiency consequences. Thus, to identify the research’s problem, it has being necessary to reply a basic question which is (if privatization concerned as a more effective solution to the production inefficiency of the public manufacturing sector in the developing countries?). In so far, the researcher concentrated on the following issues: Privatization and its main conceptual properties. Privatization and its positive impact on the efficiency of the industrial establishment. The obstacles that face the positive role of privatization in Manufacturing Industries Deterioration of the Private Manufacturing IndustrialSector and Privatization Experience in Iraq Conclusions and recommendations

Private Sector Development and Korea-Africa Development Cooperation

Although Africa has witnessed outstanding economic performance, poverty remains prevalent because economic growth has not been translated into more jobs and higher income. Still trapped within the confines of a mono-cultural economy, Africa's dependency on a limited inventory of primary goods and its retreat into de-industrialization hinders it from escaping the poverty trap. With the shifting paradigm of development cooperation from a public sector led development to private sector development, the development of Africa's private sector is considered crucial in translating economic growth into inclusive growth. However, Africa's private sector faces many challenges including the accessibility of SMEs to government services, large size of the informal sector and excessive regulations. Analysis of a wide spectrum of variables through a cross-sectional model to identify areas that increase the effects of private sector development and their degree of efficacy shows that small business ownership is the most important factor that affects both income and employment. Other variables such as technological readiness, market size and concentration of rent had an impact on income while improvements in higher education and training, labor market efficiency and primary education had an impact on employment. With reference to the PSD policies of the UK, US and Germany and in consideration of Korea's development experiences and handicaps four areas are considered as a priority for PSD cooperation with Africa: entrepreneurial support, construction of industrial complexes, human resource development and agricultural development.

Juxtaposing South Africa's Private Sector and Its Public Service Regarding Innovation Diffusion, to Explore the Obstacles to E-Governance

Juxtaposing South Africa's Private Sector and Its Public Service Regarding Innovation Diffusion, to Explore the Obstacles to E-Governance

Bibliography

Bibliography

Systematic literature review of integrated community case management and the private sector in Africa: Relevant experiences and potential next steps.

BackgroundDespite substantial investments made over the past 40 years in low income countries, governments cannot be viewed as the principal health care provider in many countries. Evidence on the role of the private sector in the delivery of health services is becoming increasingly available. In this study, we set out to determine the extent to which the private sector has been utilized in providing integrated care for sick children under 5 years of age with community–acquired malaria, pneumonia or diarrhoea.MethodsWe reviewed the published literature for integrated community case management (iCCM) related experiences within both the public and private sector. We searched PubMed and Google/Google Scholar for all relevant literature until July 2014. The search terms used were “malaria”, “pneumonia”, “diarrhoea”, “private sector” and “community case management”.ResultsA total of 383 articles referred to malaria, pneumonia or diarrhoea in the private sector. The large majority of these studies (290) were only malaria related. Most of the iCCM–related studies evaluated introduction of only malaria drugs and/or diagnostics into the private sector. Only one study evaluated the introduction of drugs and diagnostics for malaria, pneumonia and diarrhoea in the private sector. In contrast, most iCCM–related studies in the public sector directly reported on community case management of 2 or more of the illnesses.ConclusionsWhile the private sector is an important source of care for children in low income countries, little has been done to harness the potential of this sector in improving access to care for non–malaria–associated fever in children within the community. It would be logical for iCCM programs to expand their activities to include the private sector to achieve higher population coverage. An implementation research agenda for private sector integrated care of febrile childhood illness needs to be developed and implemented in conjunction with private sector intervention programs.

How Large is the Private Sector in Africa? Evidence from National Accounts and Labor Markets

In recent years, the private sector has been recognized as a key engine of Africa's economic development. Yet, the most simple and fundamental question remains unanswered: how large is the African private sector? We present novel estimates of the size of the private sector in 50 African countries derived from the analysis of national accounts and labor market data. Our results point to a relatively large size of the African private sector. National account data shows that this accounts for about 2/3 of total investments, 4/5 of total consumption and 3/4 of total credit. In relative terms, large private sector countries are concentrated in Western Africa (Cote d'Ivoire, Guinea, Niger, Senegal and Togo), Central Africa (Cameroun, Republic of Congo) and Eastern Africa (Kenya, Sudan, Uganda and Tanzania), with the addition of Mauritius. Countries with small private sectors include a sample of oil-exporters (Algeria, Angola, Equatorial Guinea, Libya and Nigeria), some of the poorest countries in the continent (Burundi, Burkina Faso, Guinea Bissau, Mali and Sao Tome e Principe), Zambia and Botswana. Over the last ten years, the size of the private sector has been contracting significantly in oil exporting countries, although the variation in its size does not appear to be significantly correlated with growth performance. Labor market data reinforces the idea of a large private sector, which provides about 90% of total employment opportunities. However, most of this labor is informal and characterized by low productivity: permanent wage jobs in the private sector account on average for only 10% of total employment (a share similar to that provided by public administration and state owned enterprises). South Africa is the notable exception, with formal wage employment in the private sector representing 46% of total employment. Finally, we find evidence of negative private sector earning premiums, suggesting that market distortions abound. These are likely to prevent the efficient allocation of human resources, and to reduce the overall productivity of the African economies.

The impact of AIDS on government service delivery: the case of the Zambia Wildlife Authority

The loss of working-aged adults to HIV/AIDS has been shown to increase the costs of labor to the private sector in Africa. There is little corresponding evidence for the public sector. This study evaluated the impact of AIDS on the costs and service delivery capacity of a government agency, the Zambia Wildlife Authority (ZAWA). Data were collected on workforce characteristics, mortality, costs, and number of days spent on patrol between 2003 and 2005 by 76 current patrol officers (reference subjects) and 11 patrol officers who died of AIDS or suspected AIDS (index subjects). The impact of AIDS on service delivery capacity and labor costs and the net benefits of providing treatment were estimated. Reference subjects averaged 197.4 patrol days per year. After adjustment index subjects patrolled 68% less in their last year of service (P < 0.0001), 51% less in their second to last year (P < 0.0001), and 37% less in their third to last year (P < 0.0001). For each employee who died, ZAWA lost an additional 111 person-days for management, funeral attendance, vacancy and staff replacement. Each death also cost ZAWA the equivalent of 3.3 years' annual compensation for care, benefits, recruitment, and training. In 2005, AIDS reduced service delivery capacity by 6.0% and increased labor costs by 9.3%. Impacts on this government agency are substantially larger than observed in the private sector. AIDS is constraining ZAWA's ability to protect Zambia's parks. At a cost of US $500/patient/year, antiretroviral therapy (ART) would result in service improvements and net budgetary savings to ZAWA.

Using Collaborative Technology in Environmental Strategy Development

This viewpoint explores, through a case study in Malawi, the application of collaborative technology tools to support National Environmental Strategy Development initiatives with the public and private sectors in Africa. A particular type of groupware, Group Support Systems, is introduced as a technology and approach that enables large groups of stakeholders to be involved in efficient and effective decision making. It helped the different ministries, community leaders, the private sector, NGOs, and different donors to find new and challenging opportunities for collaboration. The results of the case study show how an environmental strategy, including a prioritised plan of action, was developed and presented to the Ministry within three days. The most important lessons are identified. Participants to the presentation of the paper will be given hands-on experience using these tools.