Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
Government says it is working towards refining the regulatory framework to guide effective implementation of Public Private Partnership (PPP) projects.
Commerce, Trade and Industry Minister M
argaret Mwanakatwe says this is aimed at attaining the best value for money in Public Private Partnership projects.
Ms Mwanakatwe says as a nation, Zambia needs skills set and build team capacity to acquire ideas and knowledge in creating new partnerships.
She notes that in the African region, private sector involvement in infrastructure development has progressed although Zambia is still lagging behind despite the country’s impressive economic growth rates which have averaged 6.6% in the recent years.Ms Mwanakatwe says a review of the Public Private Partnership implementation process in Zambia has revealed a complex arrangement that necessitates capacity development of the public and private sectors in areas of finance, risk management, contract management, among others.
The Commerce said this in a speech read on her behalf by Permanent Secretary in the ministry of Commerce,trade and industry Siazongo Sikalenge during the Public Private Partnership Training in Lusaka today hosted by the British High Commission.
Speaking earlier, Acting British High Commissioner to Zambia Sean Melbourne says he is encouraged that the Zambian Government is keen to further enhance PPP frameworks and build institutional capacities to secure private sector investment.
Mr. Melbourne says the British Government welcomes the plan to strengthen central government coordinating functions on PPPs in order to provide policy and strategic guidance to line ministries.