Stakeholders weigh in on draft procurement regulations
Cohesive procurement environment sought
The draft regulations are part of a broader reform initiative aimed at improving procurement laws and broadening them to include frameworks for local content policy.
The Namibia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NCCI) and the finance ministry convened a consultation meeting last Wednesday at the Windhoek Country Club, focused on the newly drafted regulations for public procurement. The meeting follows the ministry's previous engagement with public sector stakeholders to outline procurement processes and requirements.
Amalia Shikongo, deputy director for legal at the Procurement Policy Unit (PPU) of the ministry and Jafet Nelongo, director for capacity building and professionalisation, presented the draft regulations. Shikongo detailed the processes and requirements for bidders seeking to secure government tenders, emphasising the regulations' importance in facilitating successful contract acquisitions.
These regulations are part of a broader reform initiative aimed at improving procurement laws and broadening them to include frameworks for local content policy. This push for reform was initially recommended by the NCCI last year to enhance local participation in emerging sectors like green hydrogen and fossil fuels.
Streamlining processes
Director of the NCCI board, Parastus Nepolo, described the review of the draft with private sector representatives as an exciting opportunity for final input before the draft is presented to parliament. "The draft really speaks to the industry," Nepolo said. “There are a few adjustments needed from the private sector’s perspective, but overall, it addresses current challenges. For example, when servicing air conditioners, the extensive documentation required can be burdensome. Our suggestion is to identify and prequalify bidders for up to two years to streamline the process.”
Nepolo also proposed that contractors be shortlisted regionally, which would allow local suppliers to be preferred for bids in their areas.
“Those who have invested in a particular region should be prioritised for bids there, provided they meet the necessary qualifications,” he explained. He noted that before the establishment of the procurement unit in 2017, an annual tender arrangement reduced administrative burdens, and he welcomed a return to such practices with increased inclusivity and empowerment for SMEs.
Cohesive work
In addition, Nepolo proposed that the committee overseeing procurement should include members from private sector associations rather than solely from public entities. “We recommend that the committee include experts from various private sector associations to ensure impartiality and effectiveness,” he said.
Salath Nembungu from Kadhila Poultry said: “Government wants to integrate everything to make it more efficient, which we see and appreciate as business owners. The government has many initiatives, but they often operate in silos. It’s important that initiatives are not isolated but rather cohesive. While today's workshop was a positive step, we need to see if these discussions translate into tangible results.”
The feedback gathered will be crucial as the draft regulations move forward in the legislative process.
Amalia Shikongo, deputy director for legal at the Procurement Policy Unit (PPU) of the ministry and Jafet Nelongo, director for capacity building and professionalisation, presented the draft regulations. Shikongo detailed the processes and requirements for bidders seeking to secure government tenders, emphasising the regulations' importance in facilitating successful contract acquisitions.
These regulations are part of a broader reform initiative aimed at improving procurement laws and broadening them to include frameworks for local content policy. This push for reform was initially recommended by the NCCI last year to enhance local participation in emerging sectors like green hydrogen and fossil fuels.
Streamlining processes
Director of the NCCI board, Parastus Nepolo, described the review of the draft with private sector representatives as an exciting opportunity for final input before the draft is presented to parliament. "The draft really speaks to the industry," Nepolo said. “There are a few adjustments needed from the private sector’s perspective, but overall, it addresses current challenges. For example, when servicing air conditioners, the extensive documentation required can be burdensome. Our suggestion is to identify and prequalify bidders for up to two years to streamline the process.”
Nepolo also proposed that contractors be shortlisted regionally, which would allow local suppliers to be preferred for bids in their areas.
“Those who have invested in a particular region should be prioritised for bids there, provided they meet the necessary qualifications,” he explained. He noted that before the establishment of the procurement unit in 2017, an annual tender arrangement reduced administrative burdens, and he welcomed a return to such practices with increased inclusivity and empowerment for SMEs.
Cohesive work
In addition, Nepolo proposed that the committee overseeing procurement should include members from private sector associations rather than solely from public entities. “We recommend that the committee include experts from various private sector associations to ensure impartiality and effectiveness,” he said.
Salath Nembungu from Kadhila Poultry said: “Government wants to integrate everything to make it more efficient, which we see and appreciate as business owners. The government has many initiatives, but they often operate in silos. It’s important that initiatives are not isolated but rather cohesive. While today's workshop was a positive step, we need to see if these discussions translate into tangible results.”
The feedback gathered will be crucial as the draft regulations move forward in the legislative process.
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