Switzerland and South Africa have strengthened their development cooperation following the launch of the second phase of the Procurement, Infrastructure and Knowledge Management Capacity Development Programme (PINK II), an initiative aimed at improving public financial management and service delivery across South Africa.
The launch took place on 8 October 2026, with Switzerland, through the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO), joining South Africa’s National Treasury and programme partners to mark the beginning of the programme’s second phase.
The initiative builds on the lessons and achievements of Phase I, with a renewed focus on strengthening supply chain management and infrastructure management at provincial and municipal levels.
Strengthening Public Procurement and Infrastructure Management
PINK II seeks to improve how public institutions manage procurement processes, infrastructure projects and public resources. By strengthening institutional capacity, the programme aims to support more effective, accountable and sustainable public administration.
A key priority is to enhance supply chain management practices and infrastructure planning and implementation within provincial treasuries and municipalities. These improvements are expected to contribute to better resource utilisation, stronger institutional performance and more effective delivery of public services.
Effective public procurement and infrastructure management are essential to ensuring that public funds are translated into tangible developmental outcomes for communities.
Switzerland’s Commitment to Institutional Development
Through SECO, Switzerland continues to support initiatives that strengthen public institutions and promote sustainable economic development in South Africa.
The partnership reflects a shared commitment to improving local ownership, enhancing institutional capacity and ensuring that public resources contribute to better infrastructure and essential services.
By supporting reforms in public financial management, Switzerland’s cooperation with South Africa seeks to reinforce the systems and capabilities required for responsive, efficient and accountable governance.
Collaboration with National and Local Government
The implementation of PINK II will involve continued collaboration with National Treasury, provincial treasuries, municipalities and programme partners, including Ecorys.
This multi-level approach recognises the importance of coordinated institutional support in addressing public financial management challenges and strengthening the relationship between planning, resource allocation and service delivery.
Cooperation between national and subnational institutions will be important in ensuring that programme interventions respond to operational needs and contribute to sustainable improvements in public administration.
Advancing Sustainable Service Delivery
The second phase of PINK II represents a continuation of efforts to strengthen public sector capacity and improve the management of public resources in South Africa.
Through enhanced procurement systems, improved infrastructure management and stronger knowledge management capacity, the programme aims to support institutions in delivering services more effectively and sustainably.
The partnership between Switzerland and South Africa demonstrates the continued importance of international development cooperation in strengthening governance systems, building institutional capacity and advancing public sector reform.
As implementation progresses, collaboration between the participating institutions and programme partners will remain central to translating these objectives into practical improvements for municipalities, government institutions and the communities they serve.
