Outsourcing in the Public Sector and Its Negative Effects on Service Delivery in Zambia

Abstract

Abstract The 21st century has seen the public sector in Africa adopting the strategy of outsourcing so that public resources can be distributed using market mechanisms. However, the involvement of the private sector in the delivery of public goods and services has been associated with poor performance. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to examine the nature of outsourcing in the public sector, and its negative effects on service delivery in Zambia. In Zambia, outsourcing of public goods and services has mainly assumed four forms: 1) joint venture, 2) supply, 3) build-operate-transfer, and 4) management contracts. The paper argues that, the outsourcing of public goods and services in Zambia has resulted in overpriced goods and services, non-delivery of paid for goods and services, delays in the delivery of goods and services, delivery of substandard goods and services, and manipulation of procedures. The paper asserts that, these negative effects are as a result of the desire by non-state actors (mainly private companies), engaged by the Zambian government to deliver public goods and services, to maximise their profits. Consequently, outsourcing of public goods and services in Zambia does not benefit the public and government.