This report by Frederico Links reveals serious shortcomings in public procurement transparency and access to information across Namibia’s regional and local authorities.
Assessing 34 regional and local councils, the report finds widespread failures to publish procurement plans, tender awards and other essential public information. Only 43% of regional councils, 33% of municipalities and 25% of town councils assessed had published their annual procurement plans on their websites.
The assessment also highlights poorly functioning websites and a lack of readiness to implement the Access to Information Act, raising concerns about public accountability and citizens’ ability to scrutinise local government decisions. Four years after IPPR’s first assessment, progress remains limited. The report identifies key governance weaknesses and recommends practical reforms to strengthen transparency, accountability and public access to information.