Creating successful PFI projects: Skills required by the client

Private Finance Initiatives (PFI) procurement strategy has evolved to become one of the most
used methods of procuring public services by governments around the world. Its evolution and practice
differ across countries; however the major players remain the same. This procurement strategy has been
touted as being more efficient and effective than the traditional procurement method before it. But
replicating the success being attributed to it has not been easy across all sectors. The fact that in spite of the
failings being recoded governments are still bent on pursuing its use has made it pertinent to seek ways of
optimizing its benefits while minimizing the impact of its weaknesses. To do this requires clearly
delineating the role of the clients and the skills required by them in order to achieve successful delivery of
public services.