The Minister of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP) Kenneth Matambo has said Botswana’s economic growth hinges on delivering quality products and services as well as improved productivity.
The two aspects of quality and productivity have contributed to crippling the different economic sectors. Botswana continues to lag behind in competitiveness globally, with the last ranking placing Botswana 7th in the Sub Saharan Africa region and 94th overall, down three places since the last edition of the Index.
“Growth of Botswana economy can benefit immensely from improved productivity and customer focused quality services and products that meet international standards,” said Matambo.
Matambo said creating a customer centric mindset at all levels of the economy would boost productivity and improve Botswana’s competitiveness globally.
“The customer of today demands decent service from government, parastatal and private entities,” he said.
Matambo was speaking at the handover ceremony of the Public Procurement Asset Disposal Board (PPADB) BOS ISO 9001:2008 certificate. “It is pleasing to see PPADB having taken a bold step to be counted among organisations that embrace an internationally recognised Quality Management System,” said Matambo.
He said having PPADB adhering to a quality management system is commendable as it will have spin-offs on the overall service delivery of procuring entities.
By integrating ISO standards into its mandate PPADB assures the public of improved quality of services and continuous performance improvement in aspects such as procurement, outsourcing, and records management, preventive and corrective actions.
Matambo said PPADB is implementing a quality management system with well established and documented processes which enable it to continually improve effectiveness in accordance with international standards.
He said the ministry is aware that PPADB is facing a number of challenges including having to serve its wider customer base that is spread across the country from their offices in Gaborone.
“The ministry and PPADB continue to reflect on this matter and see how best to address it when funding situation improves,” he said.
Meanwhile PPADB is in the process of shortening turnaround times for contractor registration as well as introducing a fast track service. Matambo urged stakeholders to join PPADB in this journey by providing constructive feedback on their services.
