A new study supported by Transparency International Global Health examines the progress of procurement transparency reforms in nine low- and middle-income countries across Africa and Asia.  

The research, published in the Governance journal, is an in-depth analysis of efforts to improve legal frameworks and open access to data in government contracting between 2008 and 2019. 

Read the full study here  

The research highlights that while transparency reforms are vital for improving public spending efficiency, their implementation can be hindered by political sensitivity and their complexity.  

Through a series of interviews with key informants, the study finds that success relies on strong leadership commitment, broad coalitions of state and non-state actors, and sufficient technical expertise. It also finds that how reforms are framed is important in securing the necessary support and resources, such as positioning greater transparency to improve efficiency, rather than combatting corruption. 

Positioning these reforms as tools for enhancing efficiency – rather than combating corruption – is crucial for garnering the necessary support and resources. 

For a comprehensive understanding of the factors influencing the success of procurement transparency reforms, read the full study here.