In an era demanding heightened public accountability, prioritizing Anti-Corruption and Transparency in PPP Procurement is not merely a regulatory compliance issue but a fundamental imperative for building public trust, attracting credible investors, and ensuring that Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) deliver genuine value for money. Given the large scale, long-term nature, and complex financial flows inherent in PPPs, they can be particularly susceptible to corruption risks if not managed with the utmost integrity and openness, leading to inflated costs, suboptimal outcomes, and reputational damage. This comprehensive training course is meticulously designed to equip public sector officials, procurement specialists, legal professionals, and private sector participants with the advanced knowledge and practical tools required to identify, prevent, and mitigate corruption risks throughout the entire PPP procurement cycle, fostering a culture of transparency, fairness, and ethical conduct. Without robust expertise in Anti-Corruption and Transparency in PPP Procurement, projects risk undermining public confidence, deterring reputable bidders, and ultimately failing to achieve their intended developmental impact, underscoring the vital need for specialized expertise in this critical domain.

Duration: 10 Days

Target Audience

• Public Sector Procurement Officers and Specialists
• PPP Unit Professionals
• Government Officials involved in project development and evaluation
• Legal Professionals specializing in public procurement and anti-corruption
• Internal and External Auditors
• Anti-Corruption Agency Officials
• Private Sector Bidders, Developers, and Compliance Officers
• Civil Society Organizations and Oversight Bodies
• Policymakers involved in governance reform
• International Development Practitioners

Objectives

• Understand the nexus between corruption, transparency, and PPP procurement.
• Learn about common corruption risks at each stage of the PPP procurement process.
• Acquire skills in designing and implementing robust anti-corruption measures.
• Comprehend techniques for enhancing transparency and public disclosure in PPPs.
• Explore strategies for fostering integrity and ethical conduct among all stakeholders.
• Understand the importance of due diligence on bidders and their integrity.
• Gain insights into managing conflicts of interest effectively.
• Develop a practical understanding of whistleblower protection and reporting mechanisms.
• Master international anti-corruption conventions and best practices.
• Acquire skills in conducting integrity pacts and independent oversight.
• Learn to apply technology for transparency in PPP procurement.
• Comprehend techniques for investigating and responding to corruption allegations.
• Explore strategies for building a culture of accountability and good governance.
• Understand the importance of stakeholder engagement in promoting transparency.
• Develop the ability to lead and champion anti-corruption efforts in PPPs.

Course Content

Module 1: Introduction to Corruption and Transparency in PPPs

• Defining corruption in the context of PPPs (bribery, fraud, collusion, abuse of power).
• The economic and social costs of corruption in infrastructure.
• Rationale for transparency in public procurement and PPPs.
• Overview of global corruption indices and their relevance to PPPs.
• The "integrity gap" in PPPs.

Module 2: Common Corruption Risks in PPP Procurement Cycle

• Risks in project identification and prioritization (e.g., project capture, bias).
• Risks in feasibility studies and VfM assessment (e.g., manipulation of data).
• Risks in tender document preparation (e.g., tailor-made specifications).
• Risks in bidding and evaluation (e.g., collusion, undue influence).
• Risks in contract award and financial close (e.g., kickbacks, hidden clauses).

Module 3: Legal and Regulatory Framework for Anti-Corruption

• National anti-corruption laws and their application to PPPs.
• Public procurement laws and their transparency provisions.
• International conventions (e.g., UNCAC, OECD Anti-Bribery Convention).
• Role of anti-corruption agencies and investigative bodies.
• Whistleblower protection laws.

Module 4: Enhancing Transparency through Public Disclosure

• Principles of proactive disclosure in PPPs.
• What information should be disclosed (e.g., project pipeline, feasibility reports, contracts, financial models).
• Timing and format of disclosure (online platforms, public registries).
• Balancing transparency with commercial confidentiality.
• International standards for PPP disclosure (e.g., World Bank, GI Hub).

Module 5: Integrity Pacts and Independent Oversight

• Concept and implementation of Integrity Pacts in PPP procurement.
• Role of independent external monitors/observers.
• Citizen monitoring and civil society engagement.
• Auditing functions by supreme audit institutions.
• Lessons learned from successful integrity pacts.

Module 6: Managing Conflicts of Interest

• Definition and types of conflicts of interest in PPPs (personal, organizational).
• Policies and procedures for identifying and managing conflicts of interest.
• Disclosure requirements for public officials and private sector participants.
• Ethical guidelines and codes of conduct.
• Consequences of undeclared conflicts of interest.

Module 7: Due Diligence on Bidders and Integrity Checks

• Importance of integrity due diligence on private sector bidders.
• Screening for past corruption convictions or ethical breaches.
• Utilizing international databases and watchlists.
• Assessing beneficial ownership and corporate structures.
• Reputational risk assessment.

Module 8: Promoting Ethical Conduct and Professionalism

• Developing and implementing codes of ethics for public officials in PPPs.
• Training and awareness programs on anti-corruption.
• Fostering a culture of integrity and accountability.
• Professionalization of procurement and PPP units.
• Leadership commitment to ethical conduct.

Module 9: Whistleblower Protection and Reporting Mechanisms

• Importance of safe and accessible channels for reporting corruption.
• Legal and institutional frameworks for whistleblower protection.
• Investigating allegations promptly and impartially.
• Protecting whistleblowers from retaliation.
• Building trust in reporting mechanisms.

Module 10: Role of Technology in Enhancing Transparency

• E-procurement platforms for PPPs.
• Digital contract management and monitoring systems.
• Blockchain for enhanced transparency and traceability.
• Data analytics for identifying red flags and anomalies.
• Open contracting data standards for PPPs.

Module 11: Combating Collusion and Anti-Competitive Practices

• Identifying signs of bid rigging and cartel behavior.
• Role of competition authorities in PPP procurement.
• Legal frameworks for prosecuting anti-competitive practices.
• Strategies for promoting genuine competition in PPP tenders.
• Lessons from anti-collusion efforts in public procurement.

Module 12: Managing Unsolicited Proposals (USPs) with Integrity

• Specific corruption risks associated with USPs.
• Developing transparent and competitive USP frameworks (e.g., Swiss Challenge).
• Ensuring fair evaluation and preventing undue influence.
• Public disclosure requirements for USPs.
• Safeguarding public interest in USP processes.

Module 13: International Cooperation in Anti-Corruption

• Mutual legal assistance in corruption investigations.
• Asset recovery and international cooperation frameworks.
• Role of international organizations (e.g., UN, OECD, World Bank, IMF).
• Cross-border enforcement of anti-bribery laws.
• Sharing best practices and knowledge.

Module 14: Post-Award Transparency and Oversight

• Ongoing disclosure of contract performance and financial data.
• Monitoring for contract variations and renegotiations.
• Public access to audit reports and performance reviews.
• Citizen feedback mechanisms for service quality.
• Ensuring accountability throughout the PPP lifecycle.

Module 15: Case Studies and Future Trends in Anti-Corruption

• Analysis of prominent corruption cases in PPPs and lessons learned.
• Discussion of successful anti-corruption initiatives in various countries.
• Emerging challenges: new forms of corruption, cyber risks.
• Future trends: AI for fraud detection, predictive analytics for risk.
• Workshop: Developing an anti-corruption action plan for a hypothetical PPP project.

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 7 working days before commencement of the training.