Critical success factors (CSFs) of public-private partnership (PPP) road projects in Ethiopia

The Ethiopian road sector is entirely dominated by the public-sector investment. The procurement method used in the sector is mainly traditional methods. However, the road sector has been characterized by cost and time overruns and quality concerns. On the other hand, public-private partnership (PPP) has become increasingly popular among governments as alternative procurement method than the traditional public-sector financing. The current government of Ethiopia has also understood the need for mobilizing resources from different sources in order to meet the growing demand for public infrastructure. Nonetheless, rushing to implement PPP projects without careful study of enabling environment may end up with projects being terminated in later stages. Therefore, this research examined the critical success factors of PPP road projects in Ethiopia. Both qualitative and quantitative research methods were employed. The findings revealed that for effective implementation of PPP road projects in Ethiopia, the government should ensure at least the presence of an enabling specific PPP policy, well organized and committed public agency, stable political and social environment, favourable legal frameworks and good governance. It is also recommended that the PPP procurement process indicated in the PPP proclamation should be properly regulated with sector specific laws, guidelines, standard bidding documents and contract models for PPP road projects.