Navigating Public–Private Partnership success: A cross-country study of key factors in Nigeria and South Africa

Abstract

Public–private partnership (PPP) has delivered expected results on a number of significant projects. Yet, despite the growing appeal, problems have been encountered which have either resulted in slow progress or the total failure of such arrangements. This study offers a comparison between Nigeria and South Africa focusing on several identified critical success factors (CSFs) for PPPs. We rely on secondary data to compare Nigeria and South Africa based on the top ten ranking CSFs identified in the literature. Findings reveal that both countries account for the highest number of PPP projects in Africa but have not recorded huge successes as a result of their shortcomings in important CSFs responsible for the success of PPPs. Nigeria, for instance, is still being challenged with poor energy supply, bad road networks, and ineffective waste management practices, among others. South Africa appears to have had better success in PPP delivery due to a suitable financial market, stable economic policy, favorable legal framework, and a transparent procurement process. We conclude by highlighting the key CSFs for PPPs in Nigeria and South Africa and emphasize the need to address the identified shortcomings. The relevance of this study is in its contribution to the understanding of CSF in PPP projects thereby offering useful insights for policy makers and administrators in improving the success rate of PPPs and enhancing the delivery of public services in these countries.