Public Procurement Reforms and Their Impact on Transparency in Developing Economies

Public procurement-the process by which governments purchase goods, works, and services-is a crucial component of governance and economic development. In numerous developing countries, public procurement accounts for a substantial portion of national spending, often estimated at about 30% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), and serves as a lever for delivering public services and infrastructure. However, procurement processes have historically been prone to corruption and inefficiencies, undermining development outcomes. This article examines how public procurement reforms implemented over the past two decades have impacted transparency in developing countries. It defines public procurement and its role in governance, outlines major reform types (legal frameworks, e-procurement, capacity building, anti-corruption measures), and analyzes links between these reforms and improvements in transparency, accountability, and efficiency. Using case studies from Nigeria, Kenya, India, and Bangladesh, the paper illustrates successes and challenges in reform implementation. Despite notable progress-such as the introduction of e-procurement systems that curb discretion and digitize the tender process-persistent challenges like political interference, weak enforcement, and institutional capacity gaps continue to hinder full transparency. The study finds that while reforms can significantly enhance openness and accountability (e.g. through online procurement portals and stronger legal oversight), their effectiveness depends on robust institutional frameworks and sustained political will. The article concludes with recommendations for strengthening procurement reforms to ensure transparency is sustained and corruption curtailed, including legal and institutional measures, technological upgrades, capacity development, and stakeholder engagement.