In an era of increasing fiscal constraints and growing demand for high-quality public infrastructure and services, Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) have emerged as a globally recognized and increasingly vital mechanism for mobilizing private sector expertise, innovation, and capital to deliver essential public projects. These collaborative arrangements offer a strategic pathway for governments to bridge infrastructure gaps, enhance efficiency, and share risks with the private sector, thereby accelerating development and improving service delivery across various sectors, from transportation and energy to healthcare and education. This comprehensive training course is meticulously designed to provide participants with a foundational understanding of the core concepts, diverse models, and underlying principles that govern successful PPPs, equipping them with the essential knowledge to identify, evaluate, and engage in these complex yet highly effective collaborative ventures. Without a clear grasp of Public-Private Partnerships: Concepts & Models, stakeholders risk misjudging project viability, misallocating resources, and failing to unlock the full potential of cross-sector collaboration for public good, underscoring the vital need for specialized expertise in this critical domain.

Duration: 10 Days

Target Audience

• Government Officials and Policymakers
• Public Sector Project Managers and Planners
• Private Sector Investors and Developers
• Financial Analysts and Advisors
• Legal Professionals (entry to mid-level)
• Consultants in infrastructure and development
• Civil Engineers and Urban Planners
• Development Bank Professionals
• Academics and Researchers interested in infrastructure finance
• Anyone seeking a foundational understanding of PPPs

Objectives

• Understand the fundamental definition and rationale behind Public-Private Partnerships.
• Learn about the various types and models of PPPs and their characteristics.
• Acquire skills in identifying suitable projects for PPP implementation.
• Comprehend techniques for assessing the benefits and risks associated with PPPs.
• Explore strategies for differentiating PPPs from traditional procurement.
• Understand the importance of value for money (VfM) in PPP decision-making.
• Gain insights into the key stages of the PPP lifecycle.
• Develop a practical understanding of critical success factors for PPP projects.
• Master basic financial concepts relevant to PPPs.
• Acquire skills in understanding the roles and perspectives of different PPP stakeholders.
• Learn to recognize common challenges in PPP development.
• Comprehend techniques for effective communication in a PPP context.
• Explore strategies for promoting transparency and accountability in PPPs.
• Understand the importance of legal and regulatory frameworks for PPPs.
• Develop the ability to contribute effectively to initial PPP discussions and assessments.

Course Content

Module 1: Defining Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs)

• What is a Public-Private Partnership?
• Why governments engage in PPPs: rationale and benefits.
• Key characteristics that distinguish PPPs from traditional procurement.
• The spectrum of public-private collaboration.
• Global trends and the growing importance of PPPs.

Module 2: Core Concepts and Drivers of PPPs

• Public sector objectives for engaging in PPPs (e.g., efficiency, innovation, risk transfer).
• Private sector motivations for participating in PPPs (e.g., profit, long-term contracts).
• The concept of 'value for money' (VfM) in PPPs.
• Risk allocation as a central tenet of PPPs.
• The role of competition and private sector discipline.

Module 3: PPP Models and Structures (Part 1)

• Service Contracts and Management Contracts.
• Lease Contracts and Affermage.
• Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) and Build-Own-Operate (BOO).
• Build-Own-Operate-Transfer (BOOT) and Design-Build-Finance-Operate (DBFO).
• Understanding the continuum of risk transfer in different models.

Module 4: PPP Models and Structures (Part 2)

• Concessions and their variations.
• Joint Ventures and Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs).
• Public-Private Dialogue and Framework Agreements.
• Hybrid PPP models.
• Case studies illustrating different model applications.

Module 5: The PPP Project Lifecycle Overview

• Project identification and screening.
• Feasibility studies and business case development.
• Procurement and tender process.
• Financial close and contract signing.
• Construction, operation, and maintenance.

Module 6: Identifying Suitable Projects for PPPs

• Criteria for assessing PPP suitability (e.g., complexity, revenue potential, public need).
• Sectoral applications of PPPs (transport, energy, water, social infrastructure).
• Challenges in identifying bankable PPP projects.
• Role of project pipelines and PPP units.
• Early-stage project screening tools.

Module 7: Introduction to PPP Risk Allocation

• Principles of optimal risk allocation: allocating risk to the party best able to manage it.
• Common risks in PPP projects: construction, operational, financial, political, legal.
• Risk matrices and their use in preliminary assessment.
• Consequences of inappropriate risk allocation.
• Mitigating basic risks through contractual provisions.

Module 8: Overview of PPP Legal and Regulatory Frameworks

• Importance of an enabling legal and regulatory environment.
• Key elements of a PPP law or policy.
• Role of government institutions and PPP units.
• Public procurement laws vs. specific PPP regulations.
• International guidelines and comparative legal practices.

Module 9: Introduction to PPP Project Finance

• Basic concepts of project finance.
• Sources of funding for PPPs: debt, equity, grants.
• Key financial metrics (e.g., IRR, NPV) in a simplified context.
• Revenue streams in PPP projects (e.g., user fees, availability payments).
• Understanding the financial viability of a project.

Module 10: Stakeholders in PPP Projects

• Roles and interests of the public sector (government agencies, ministries).
• Roles and interests of the private sector (developers, contractors, financiers, operators).
• Role of end-users/citizens and civil society organizations.
• International financial institutions (IFIs) and development partners.
• Managing diverse stakeholder expectations.

Module 11: Key Success Factors and Common Challenges

• Critical success factors for PPP projects (e.g., strong legal framework, political will, robust project preparation).
• Common challenges and pitfalls in PPP implementation (e.g., delays, cost overruns, renegotiations).
• Lessons learned from successful and unsuccessful PPPs.
• Strategies for overcoming common obstacles.
• The importance of a balanced approach.

Module 12: Transparency, Accountability, and Governance in PPPs

• Importance of transparency throughout the PPP lifecycle.
• Mechanisms for public disclosure and accountability.
• Preventing corruption and ensuring ethical conduct.
• Role of independent oversight bodies.
• Good governance principles in PPPs.

Module 13: Introduction to PPP Procurement Processes

• Overview of competitive tendering for PPPs.
• Key stages of the procurement process (e.g., Expression of Interest, Request for Qualifications, Request for Proposals).
• Bid evaluation principles (technical, financial, legal).
• Role of advisors in the procurement process.
• Fairness and non-discrimination in tendering.

Module 14: PPPs in Different Sectors

• Transportation PPPs (roads, airports, ports).
• Energy PPPs (power generation, transmission).
• Water and Sanitation PPPs.
• Social Infrastructure PPPs (hospitals, schools, housing).
• Digital infrastructure PPPs (broadband, smart cities).

Module 15: Future of PPPs and Emerging Trends

• Impact of climate change and sustainability on PPPs.
• Green PPPs and climate-resilient infrastructure.
• Social PPPs and inclusive development.
• Digitalization and the role of technology in PPPs.
• The evolving landscape of infrastructure finance and delivery.

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.