世界银行-非洲的信息和通信技术采购（英）-2023-50页_5mb

ICT Procurement in Africa: Key Insights and Recommendations

Introduction and Context

This technical background paper examines Information and Communications Technology (ICT) procurement in Africa, addressing its role in economic growth, governance, and digital transformation. It targets country officials, international organizations, NGOs, academics, and private sector stakeholders in Africa. Key objectives include defining ICT categories, explaining importance across governance levels, and recommending best practices to enhance procurement efficiency and reduce corruption risks.

ICT Categories and Infrastructure

ICT encompasses hardware (e.g., devices and networks), software (proprietary and open-source), cloud services (private, public, hybrid), professional services, data centers, and GovTech (using ICT for government operations and transparency). Africa's ICT infrastructure is lagging globally, with most nations classified as "Starters" in the Global Connectivity Index, focusing on basic connectivity. Urban areas show better coverage, but rural regions face challenges in fiber deployment and broadband access. Progress includes adopting cloud services for government use and leveraging TVWS for last-mile connectivity.

Importance for Governance and Corruption Prevention

ICT and digital transformation can significantly improve governance by enhancing transparency, accountability, and service delivery. Data from the Ibrahim Index of African Governance indicates modest improvements in infrastructure due to ICT advancements, indirectly supporting governance. E-government procurement (eGP) systems reduce corruption risks by enabling real-time monitoring and fraud detection. Better technology procurement correlates with lower corruption perceptions, though Africa scores low on emerging technology investment promotion (average 27/100).

Cor iation in ICT Procurement

Corruption remains prevalent in ICT procurement, involving bid rigging, collusion, and fraud in cases like SAP and Oracle scandals. Root causes include systemic corruption, system complexity, high costs, and low enforcement risks. Best practices to mitigate this include robust eProcurement systems, clear requirements, and vendor debarment mechanisms.

Best Practices in Procurement

• GovTech Framework: A five-step process for designing, procuring, and implementing solutions, including technology assessment, requirements definition, procurement strategy, implementation, and ongoing management.
• Value for Money (VfM): Evaluates total lifecycle costs, efficiency, and non-price attributes to ensure optimal resource use.
• Framework Agreements: Long-term contracts for repeat purchases, offering cost savings and efficiency, applicable to hardware, software, and cloud services.
• Total Cost of Ownership (TCO): A methodology to account for direct and indirect costs, encompassing purchase, maintenance, and disposal expenses.
• Disruptive Technologies: Requires performance-based specifications and competitive dialogue for complex scenarios, allowing innovation and customization.

Progress and Recommendations

Africa has moderate adoption of best practices like VfM (40% of countries) and MEAT (38%), with many using TCO and framework agreements. Recommendations include implementing competitive best practices, conducting thorough market research, maintaining vendor contact, and strengthening anti-corruption measures through eProcurement and client management. Specific steps involve reviewing procurement frameworks, leveraging market intelligence, ensuring cost-effective decisions, and fostering transparency to build a sustainable digital economy in Africa.