Diagnosing Corruption in Ethiopia - Ethiomedia

98 Diagnosing Corruption in Ethiopia
indirect indications that it could occur through the practice, as reported
by some respondents, of dismissing the need for open tendering on the
grounds of remoteness or urgency. Although a strong majority say that
purchasing plans are publicly announced as required, 12 percent
“strongly disagree” that this is the case.
Favoritism, nepotism, or bribery in short-listing of suppliers or provision of
tender information—risk: medium. Survey responses indicate that most
higher-education staff do not believe procurement procedures to be at all
influenced by political or influential connections or by illegal payments.
However, about 20 percent of the respondents neither agreed nor disagreed
that such influences occur, and about 15 percent perceived corrupt
influences to occur, albeit in the form of influential connections and bribery
rather than through political connections.
Tendering companies owned by persons linked with the award of contracts—
risk: high. Interview responses suggest a widespread perception of family
or other connections between tendering companies and officials responsible
for procurement.
Specifications that favor a specific supplier—risk: low. This corrupt practice
entails the writing of specifications in a manner that limits the number of
suppliers capable of responding to the procurement request. Given the
generally low-tech nature of most educational supplies and equipment,
the risk of this form of corruption, though possible, is considered to be
low. Any specific study of such a risk should ideally focus initially on the
procurement of relatively high-tech specialist equipment, such as that
required for the remote learning program.
Fraud, falsification of tender documents, with or without associated bribery—
risk: medium. This corrupt practice could potentially entail a supplier
falsifying documentation to qualify for or win the procurement contract.
The falsified information may relate to the company status, its past experience
or turnover, or the specifications of the supplies or equipment to
be provided. In light of the pattern of risks indicated elsewhere through
survey responses, there is considered to be a medium risk of this form of
corruption.
Collusion among suppliers—risk: medium. This corruption risk could take
many forms, including the formation of a cartel, obstruction of potential