For any government or private entity contemplating a Public-Private Partnership (PPP), mastering PPP Project Feasibility Studies and Business Case Development is an absolutely critical initial undertaking, serving as the indispensable analytical foundation that determines a project's viability, strategic alignment, and ultimate value for money before significant resources are committed. This rigorous process moves beyond mere concept, involving comprehensive technical, economic, financial, legal, and environmental assessments to ascertain whether a proposed project is genuinely suitable for a PPP structure and offers a compelling rationale for public investment and private sector involvement. This comprehensive training course is meticulously designed to equip public sector officials, project developers, financial analysts, and technical experts with the advanced knowledge and practical skills required to conduct thorough feasibility studies, develop robust business cases, and make informed decisions that ensure only the most promising and impactful PPP projects proceed to procurement. Without meticulous PPP Project Feasibility Studies and Business Case Development, stakeholders risk pursuing unviable projects, misallocating scarce public resources, and failing to attract credible private investment, underscoring the vital need for specialized expertise in this critical domain.

Duration: 10 Days

Target Audience

• Public Sector Officials from PPP Units, Ministries of Finance, and Sectoral Ministries
• Project Developers and Sponsors (public and private)
• Financial Analysts and Modellers
• Economic Advisors and Planners
• Technical Experts (Engineers, Planners, Environmental Specialists)
• Legal Professionals (to understand feasibility implications)
• Consultants specializing in project preparation and advisory services
• Senior Procurement Officers
• Infrastructure Planners and Policymakers
• Anyone involved in the early-stage appraisal and decision-making for PPP projects.

Objectives

• Understand the strategic importance of feasibility studies and business cases in the PPP lifecycle.
• Learn about the key components and methodologies for conducting comprehensive feasibility studies.
• Acquire skills in assessing technical, economic, financial, and legal viability of PPP projects.
• Comprehend techniques for developing a robust Public Sector Comparator (PSC).
• Explore strategies for conducting Value for Money (VfM) analysis for PPPs.
• Understand the importance of identifying, assessing, and allocating project risks at the feasibility stage.
• Gain insights into demand forecasting and revenue modeling for project viability.
• Develop a practical understanding of environmental and social impact assessments (ESIAs).
• Master stakeholder analysis and engagement during feasibility.
• Acquire skills in preparing a compelling business case for decision-makers.
• Learn to apply international best practices and guidelines for feasibility studies.
• Comprehend techniques for managing the feasibility study process and external advisors.
• Explore strategies for integrating findings from various assessments into a coherent business case.
• Understand the importance of fiscal implications and affordability in the business case.
• Develop the ability to lead and oversee the preparation of bankable PPP business cases.

Course Content

Module 1: Introduction to PPP Feasibility and Business Cases

• Role of feasibility studies and business cases in the PPP project lifecycle.
• Why comprehensive appraisal is critical for PPP success.
• Distinguishing feasibility studies from project identification and prioritization.
• Key objectives of a business case: justification, decision-making, stakeholder communication.
• Overview of international guidelines for PPP business cases (e.g., HM Treasury, World Bank).

Module 2: Strategic Assessment and Project Definition

• Aligning proposed projects with national development plans and sectoral strategies.
• Defining the project's strategic objectives and desired outcomes.
• Developing a clear project scope and output specifications.
• Identifying the public need and problem statement.
• Preliminary options analysis (e.g., traditional procurement vs. various PPP models).

Module 3: Technical Feasibility Assessment

• Evaluating the technical viability of the proposed infrastructure/service.
• Review of design concepts, technology options, and construction methods.
• Assessing site suitability, geotechnical conditions, and existing infrastructure.
• Operational feasibility and maintenance requirements.
• Identifying technical risks and mitigation strategies.

Module 4: Economic Feasibility Assessment

• Economic rationale for the project: market failures, externalities.
• Cost-Benefit Analysis (CBA) for public sector projects.
• Valuing economic benefits (e.g., time savings, productivity gains, environmental benefits).
• Discounting economic costs and benefits.
• Sensitivity analysis of economic viability.

Module 5: Financial Feasibility Assessment

• Developing a preliminary financial model for the project.
• Forecasting project revenues (user fees, availability payments) and operating costs.
• Estimating capital expenditure (CAPEX) and construction costs.
• Assessing project financial viability (Project IRR, NPV).
• Identifying potential funding gaps and initial financing structures.

Module 6: Public Sector Comparator (PSC) Development

• Definition and purpose of the Public Sector Comparator (PSC).
• Methodologies for estimating the "raw" PSC (public sector delivery cost).
• Identifying and valuing risks retained by the public sector in traditional procurement.
• Adjusting the PSC for competitive neutrality.
• Role of the PSC as a benchmark for Value for Money.

Module 7: Value for Money (VfM) Analysis

• Definition and principles of Value for Money (VfM) in PPPs.
• Quantitative VfM assessment: comparing the PPP option with the risk-adjusted PSC.
• Qualitative VfM assessment: non-quantifiable benefits of PPPs (e.g., innovation, risk transfer).
• Decision-making based on VfM analysis.
• Limitations and challenges in VfM assessment.

Module 8: Risk Assessment and Allocation

• Comprehensive identification of project risks (technical, financial, commercial, political, legal, environmental, social).
• Qualitative and quantitative risk assessment methodologies.
• Principles of optimal risk allocation between public and private sectors.
• Developing a detailed risk matrix for the project.
• Preliminary risk mitigation strategies.

Module 9: Legal Feasibility Assessment

• Review of the enabling legal and regulatory framework for PPPs.
• Assessing legal authority for the proposed project and PPP structure.
• Identifying potential legal barriers or requirements (e.g., land acquisition, permits).
• Legal implications of proposed risk allocation.
• Compliance with public procurement laws.

Module 10: Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIAs)

• Legal and regulatory requirements for ESIAs.
• Methodologies for assessing environmental impacts (e.g., pollution, biodiversity).
• Methodologies for assessing social impacts (e.g., resettlement, livelihoods, cultural heritage).
• Developing environmental and social management plans (ESMPs).
• Stakeholder engagement and public consultation during ESIA.

Module 11: Affordability and Fiscal Implications

• Assessing the affordability of the project for the public sector.
• Impact of PPP payments and contingent liabilities on government budget.
• Fiscal risk management and reporting.
• Ensuring long-term fiscal sustainability.
• Balancing affordability with public need and VfM.

Module 12: Stakeholder Analysis and Engagement

• Identifying all relevant stakeholders for the project.
• Analyzing stakeholder interests, influence, and potential impacts.
• Developing a stakeholder engagement plan for the feasibility stage.
• Conducting effective consultations and managing feedback.
• Building consensus and public support for the project.

Module 13: Developing the Comprehensive Business Case

• Structure and content of a robust PPP business case.
• Integrating findings from all feasibility assessments into a coherent document.
• Presenting the strategic case, economic case, financial case, commercial case, and management case.
• Clear recommendations for decision-makers.
• Executive summary for high-level audience.

Module 14: Managing the Feasibility Study Process

• Scoping and terms of reference for feasibility studies.
• Selecting and managing external consultants and advisors.
• Data collection, validation, and information management.
• Quality assurance and peer review of feasibility reports.
• Project management for the feasibility phase.

Module 15: Case Studies and Best Practices in Feasibility Studies

• Analysis of successful PPP projects and their underlying feasibility studies.
• Lessons learned from projects that failed at the feasibility stage.
• Best practices in conducting rigorous and objective assessments.
• Discussion of specific challenges in different sectors or country contexts.
• Workshop: Practical exercise in developing a section of a PPP business case.

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.