Public Procurement in Developing Countries: Objectives, Principles and Required Professional Skills

Abstract

Over the last fifteen (15) years, developing countries have continued to reform their public procurement in an attempt to increase competition, transparency, accountability and value for money. However, the significance of these reforms is not fully appreciated and compliance appears to be inconsistent since the reforms are treated as guidance for optimal implementation rather than a requirement tied to the provision of funding. Therefore, this paper is based on the literature review and the author experience in public sector procurement. The paper is organized in the following manner; it begins with detailed description of public procurement then discusses the procurement objectives and principles. The author also shares very pertinent professional skills required from the procurement stakeholders so as to impact the procurement process. The author concludes that, achieving best procurement practice depends widely on leadership and competence of the procurement stakeholders in the organization. As a result, procurement officers should understand all the procurement objectives and principles since it all encompasses the concepts of efficiency and effective procurement, transparency, accountability, competitiveness, confidentiality, non-discrimination and fairness.

Keywords: Public Procurement, Procurement Systems, Procurement Objectives, Principles and Professionalism