An integrated Public-Private Collaboration (PPC) framework to enhance a country's resources: a case for Namibia
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Authors
Uaandja, Rauha Nangula
Issue Date
2024-01
Type
Thesis
Language
en
Keywords
Complementary Resources , Economic development , Foreign direct investment , GDP rate , Gross domestic product , Natural resources , Public policy design , Public private collaboration , Public private dialogue , Public private partnerships , Social exchange theory , Unemployment rate
Alternative Title
Abstract
Developing countries like Namibia are endowed with resources providing opportunities for
economic development. However, the public sector controlling those resources does not always
possess complementary assets needed for value-addition and wealth creation. The private sector
possessing the requisite skills extracts natural resources and exports them in raw form to one
processing centre where the cost of production is low. This misalignment of resources results in
countries with resources endowment losing out on their value. In Namibia, there is rising tension
as public and private sectors accuses each other of doing little to alleviate the socio-economic
challenges facing the populace. In the absence of a well-coordinated public-private dialogue, these
accusations and shunning of responsibilities continue while socio-economic challenges persist.
This study researched Namibia's approach to PPC resulting in developing an integrated PPC
Framework to enhance the resources of the country. Although practised over centuries, PPC in a
formalised and governed practice is relatively new in comparison to the well-established PPP. The
objectives of this study were achieved using combined instruments based on MMR. These
instruments include gathering of primary data using a survey, review of secondary data on
companies and countries, and interviews. Primary data was collected from 389 participants
responding to an invitation sent to 1,000 out of a population of 3,000 senior leaders in the public
and private sector as well as other stakeholder groups. Furthermore, interviews were conducted
with 30 participants selected from the three groups. The outcomes of the quantitative and
qualitative methods were integrated using the sprinkling and mixing/stirring approach. The result
of the study indicates a misalignment between the ownership of resources and complementary
assets required to enhance value. The findings further point to insufficient investment in R&D for
building complementary asset capabilities by both the public and private sectors. Finally, the study
revealed that PPC would be a valuable avenue to assist in solving challenges faced by the country
and positively contribute to economic development. The proposed PPC framework, based on
Namibian circumstances, aims to be universally applicable and replicable. Allowing for slight
amendments, it can be applied to countries facing similar challenges.