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Fostering a gender responsive public procurement in East Africa
In 2021, Africa Freedom of Information Centre (AFIC) in partnership with The Institute for Social Accountability (TISA) and Open Contracting Partnership carried out a research study to understand barriers and solutions to include women-led businesses in Public Procurement. It was discovered that only 1% of women-led businesses secured public procurement contracts, despite governments allocating a substantial 60% and more of their annual budgets to this sector.
In response, AFIC in collaboration with its country partners embarked on an advocacy campaign to foster inclusion of women-led businesses in public procurement. Tremendous results have been made so far.
- There have been policy changes in Tanzania, Rwanda and Uganda.
- Champions have been created across the region
- Various stakeholders including media, parliament, civil society have committed to the agenda of inclusion.
- Capacity building for women has been made
- There has been awareness of the barriers and recommendations across the region.
Discover the story of change across the five project countries from the video below.
Country stories of change
Tanzania
Tanzania’s procurement law has been amended to ensure gender responsive public procurement.
In Tanzania, the procurement law provides for a 30% reservation for special interest groups including women. A new law has also been recently passed in Tanzania on September 8, 2023, and it’s anticipated that the new regulations offer new opportunities to empower women’s participation.
“The government on July 01, 2023 introduced a new platform called the Nest platform; this is the national e-procurement system of Tanzania. We are anticipating with this new platform some of the issues that were observed during the research such as the issue of lack of gender disaggregated data will be resolved.” Tony Alfred K, researcher with the Chazo Initiative, Tanzania.
Discover the story of Change in Tanzania in the video below.
Uganda
In Uganda, in response to the research findings; Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Authority (PPDA) has made draft guidelines that seek to reserve 15% for special interest groups (women, youth and persons with disabilities groups in Uganda.
“Before, our focus was mainly on who has applied and who is qualified, but with the guidelines, we aim to have gender disaggregated data which will help us measure how many women enterprises are benefiting from the 15% reserve which we believe will assist us in including more women.” PPDA, Executive Director, Mr. Tumuramye Benson.
Discover the story of Change in Uganda in the video below
Kenya
In Kenya, there is an existing affirmative action law on Access to Government Procurement Opportunities (AGPO), that requires public entities to apportion at least 30% of procurement budget to businesses owned by women, youth and people living with disabilities (PWDs).
“I registered my business with AGPO, under the women category, I was able to secure a contract which has created employment opportunities for me and other people. For example, my company is currently constructing chief ‘s offices in Juja constituency.” Kenzia Nyambura from Kenya.
Discover the story of Change in Kenya in the video below
Ethiopia
In Ethiopia, a working committee has been established composed of civil society organizations, women leaders, private sector and government officials to push for inclusion of women-led businesses.
Discover the story of Change in Ethiopia in the video below
Rwanda
In Rwanda, The Rwanda Public Procurement Authority (RPPA)Law has been recently amended to provide for inclusiveness.
“The new RPPA law provides that at least one third of the members of procurement committees should be women and it has also provided that the minister should issue a ministerial order among which, he should determine what contracts can be obtained without bidders having to pay for a bid.” Mr. Gilbert Sendugwa.
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