Abstract

• Public-private partnerships (PPPs) have been defined by the World Bank as “a long-term contract between a private party and a government entity, for providing a public asset or service, in which the private party bears significant risk and management responsibility, and remuneration is linked to performance.” PPP aims to deliver good quality projects through a transparent and competitive process. However, transparency obligations in a PPP contract are typically subject to a number of limited exceptions in order to protect commercial or sensitive information of the parties and they can also be prone to and be a source of corruption. This paper focuses on addressing transparency as a key tool to implement SDG Goal 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institution) through Target 16.5 (to substantially reduce corruption and bribery) in the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This paper uses a qualitative research approach with the use of case studies to highlight the role of transparency in combating corruption and to highlight the factors threatening the transparency of PPP projects. It has been found that confidentiality of commercial information, if over protected, would threaten the integrity of PPPs and foster a lack of trust, unfair competition and unaccountability. It is also important that the PPP process maintains a zero tolerance for corruption since it can damage the quantity and quality of public services at any stage of the duration of a PPP project. For there to be a successful PPP regime, the process must be free of corrupt practices under good governance which demands elements of transparency, equal treatment, and open competition.