Abstract

This paper theoretically attempts to examine a ‘buzzword’ which has been used to describe a system of awarding tenders [infamously referred to as ‘tenderpreneuring’] in developing countries, by conducting a review of the literature on this practice. The paper endeavors to define ‘tenderpreneuring’ by examining literature, reports, opinion pieces etc on this practice which seems to be spreading rapidly in the public and private sectors in Botswana, South Africa, Kenya in particular. The paper also makes an effort to make a comparison between “tenderpreneuring’ and the traditional form of tendering which follows best practice governance principles. An endeavor is also made to trace the roots of ‘tenderpreneuring’ and how ‘tenderpreneuring’ has the potential to negatively impact citizen economic empowerment. The paper further attempts to use the theory of accountability to demonstrate that where tendeperpreneuring is practiced, there are potential connotations of poor governance on the part of [government or private company] officers who award lucrative tenders to tenderpreneurs. The paper concludes by attempting to examine the possible ramifications of ‘tenderpreneuring’. Consisely, it concludes that tenderpreneuring has the potential to condemn the society to poverty at both personal and national level and rob them of their respect and dignity.

The discussion from this paper has potential to conscientise policy decision makers on bad governance practices emanating from possibly crooked tendering processes both in the public and private sector under the code name ‘tenderpreneuring’.

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