Public - Private Partnerships, Crucial to Development, Says JCTR
Abstract
Zambia is facing human development challenges that call for concerted efforts among various players. . It is therefore encouraging that the Government has been calling for enhanced Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) by entering into agreements with the private sector through contracts between a public-sector authority and a private party. The rising cost of living has continued to make it challenging for many urban households to meet their basic needs and subsequently lead decent lives. For the month of March, the Basic Needs Basket (BNB), which measures the cost of living in high density areas of Lusaka and other towns across Zambia, showed an increase in basic commodities. The Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection’s (JCTR) urban BNB and Rural Basket continue to reflect serious development challenges, especially in rural communities making the role of the public-private partnerships even more relevant.
Description
Government alone cannot adequately address the poverty and food insecurity situation. Therefore, it is imperative that other stakeholders like the private sector and Non State Actors play a more active role in partnering and supplementing government programmes and initiatives if sustainable economic development is to become a reality for Zambia. This statement shows how public-private partnerships (PPP) can foster desired economic growth, reduce poverty and provide an effective and appropriate mechanism to manage the complexity of the development challenges.