Sustainable Frameworks of Public-Private-Partnerships in Zimbabwe: A Holistic, Sector-Wide Review

Abstract

In the wake of increasing calls for open governments amid declining external and domestic financial support, Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) are emerging as viable models of financing infrastructural development and service delivery across the globe. The main goal of this study is to present a holistic, sector-wide review of the genesis, etymology, forms, impact and constraints in the implementation of PPPs in Zimbabwe. In Zimbabwe, the case of PPPs is particularly imperative in view of the recent change in political leadership. The study answered the questions: What measures are being taken to attract-in PPPs? What are the constraining factors? What should be done to mainstream PPP best practices towards increasing private participation towards investment in Zimbabwe? Through desk-research and key informant interviews, the study found that PPPs assist in: sourcing finance, risk management, improving efficiency through technology, employment creation and reduction due to technology. Among its key recommendations are: the revamping of the legislative framework, harnessing the demographic dividend, roll-out PPPs in-basket training workshops, formulate policy documents on PPPs, incentives for risk, ensure community participation through roping-in the traditional leaders as well as systemizing policy consistency and predictability to build investor confidence as framework for sustainable implementation of PPPs in the new dispensation.