E-systems key to closing corruption loopholes, experts say
The cracks in Namibia's procurement system have once again come under scrutiny, with regional leaders and the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) calling for urgent reforms to stem the tide of fraud and mismanagement.
Speaking at The Institute for Public Policy Research's (IPPR) 4th Integrity Regional Conference in Rundu last Tuesday, National Council lawmaker Paulus Mbangu raised the alarm over the exclusion of political leaders from procurement processes, arguing that their absence has allowed corruption to thrive unchecked.
He described the current system as non-transparent and vulnerable, leaving leaders powerless to ensure accountability.
“Political leaders are not allowed to interfere in procurement processes. We are only presented with the final product, a successful bidder, and that’s where it ends. We are not part of the meetings, so we have no access to what happens during the procurement process. This lack of involvement makes it very difficult to tackle corruption effectively,” Mbangu argued.
Boost the systems
Mbangu highlighted that the only way forward is to improve the procurement systems. “I have always advocated for the implementation of e-procurement system, an electronic procurement system. Such a system could help Namibia address the issue of corruption more effectively," he said.
He added: “Another critical challenge we face is the lack of accountability among public officials. This makes it difficult to hold individuals responsible for corrupt practices. The weak enforcement of anti-corruption laws exacerbates the problem."
He said the "absence of a strong civil society in the region is a significant challenge. Civil society organisations and non-government organisations (NGOs) play a crucial role in combating corruption."
Key actions
Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) spokesperson Josefina Nghituwamata echoed Mbangu’s sentiment, saying that the ACC has prioritised the digitalisation of procurement processes within its national anti-corruption strategy and action plan.
“We have identified the digitalisation of procurement processes as a key action point within our strategy. We strongly believe that digitalising these processes will effectively address and curb loopholes that facilitate corruption,” she said.
Nghituwamata acknowledged that the government has already taken steps towards digitalisation by implementing an e-portal for procurement.
“This portal allows for tenders to be uploaded, along with lists of those awarded contracts. However, the selection of companies or suppliers is still conducted manually. This remains a critical area that requires further digital integration," she said.
“For a more detailed perspective on digitalising procurement processes, I encourage engagement with the ministry of finance. They have issued comprehensive reports detailing the current and future stance of government procurement,” Nghituwamata advised.
Procurement concerns
Mbangu’s concerns are highlighted by recent controversies involving Namibia’s procurement system. Last year, the Central Procurement Board of Namibia (CPBN) launched an investigation into a N$14-million tender it awarded to Truth Investments CC, a company allegedly implicated in submitting false documents to win a N$7.3-million road upgrade contract from the Oshakati Town Council.
Last year, the media reported that Truth Investments, owned by businessman Japhet Mvula, allegedly made false claims to have completed projects for two northern councils. In response, the finance and public enterprises ministry's review panel earlier this year advised the Oshakati Town Council to apply for the company’s blacklisting.
In another high-profile case, CPBN chairperson Amon Ngavetene admitted to procedural lapses in awarding a N$650-million medical supply tender to Shapwa Kanyama’s Amnics Trading. The company claimed it would manufacture condoms and surgical gloves locally, yet the board failed to verify the existence of such facilities.
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Speaking at The Institute for Public Policy Research's (IPPR) 4th Integrity Regional Conference in Rundu last Tuesday, National Council lawmaker Paulus Mbangu raised the alarm over the exclusion of political leaders from procurement processes, arguing that their absence has allowed corruption to thrive unchecked.
He described the current system as non-transparent and vulnerable, leaving leaders powerless to ensure accountability.
“Political leaders are not allowed to interfere in procurement processes. We are only presented with the final product, a successful bidder, and that’s where it ends. We are not part of the meetings, so we have no access to what happens during the procurement process. This lack of involvement makes it very difficult to tackle corruption effectively,” Mbangu argued.
Boost the systems
Mbangu highlighted that the only way forward is to improve the procurement systems. “I have always advocated for the implementation of e-procurement system, an electronic procurement system. Such a system could help Namibia address the issue of corruption more effectively," he said.
He added: “Another critical challenge we face is the lack of accountability among public officials. This makes it difficult to hold individuals responsible for corrupt practices. The weak enforcement of anti-corruption laws exacerbates the problem."
He said the "absence of a strong civil society in the region is a significant challenge. Civil society organisations and non-government organisations (NGOs) play a crucial role in combating corruption."
Key actions
Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) spokesperson Josefina Nghituwamata echoed Mbangu’s sentiment, saying that the ACC has prioritised the digitalisation of procurement processes within its national anti-corruption strategy and action plan.
“We have identified the digitalisation of procurement processes as a key action point within our strategy. We strongly believe that digitalising these processes will effectively address and curb loopholes that facilitate corruption,” she said.
Nghituwamata acknowledged that the government has already taken steps towards digitalisation by implementing an e-portal for procurement.
“This portal allows for tenders to be uploaded, along with lists of those awarded contracts. However, the selection of companies or suppliers is still conducted manually. This remains a critical area that requires further digital integration," she said.
“For a more detailed perspective on digitalising procurement processes, I encourage engagement with the ministry of finance. They have issued comprehensive reports detailing the current and future stance of government procurement,” Nghituwamata advised.
Procurement concerns
Mbangu’s concerns are highlighted by recent controversies involving Namibia’s procurement system. Last year, the Central Procurement Board of Namibia (CPBN) launched an investigation into a N$14-million tender it awarded to Truth Investments CC, a company allegedly implicated in submitting false documents to win a N$7.3-million road upgrade contract from the Oshakati Town Council.
Last year, the media reported that Truth Investments, owned by businessman Japhet Mvula, allegedly made false claims to have completed projects for two northern councils. In response, the finance and public enterprises ministry's review panel earlier this year advised the Oshakati Town Council to apply for the company’s blacklisting.
In another high-profile case, CPBN chairperson Amon Ngavetene admitted to procedural lapses in awarding a N$650-million medical supply tender to Shapwa Kanyama’s Amnics Trading. The company claimed it would manufacture condoms and surgical gloves locally, yet the board failed to verify the existence of such facilities.
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