The most important success factors for implementation of government projects in developing countries

Projects are generally conducted to meet specific objectives. In the case of government projects these objectives are normally to ensure economic growth or to meet social development goals. Project success has been the subject of research by researchers and practitioners, throughout the world. Almost all research has been focussed on the private sector, leaving a gap relating to project success factors in the public sector (projects carried out by governments) until now. This research study aimed at identifying the main factors that impact positively and negatively on projects undertaken by government institutions in Mozambique and to ascertain how project success is determined. Extensive related literature was reviewed and primary data gathered by designing a questionnaire and conducting a survey amongst project managers in government institutions. Current government structure is not perceived to be hampering project implementation. Customer/ end user satisfaction was found to be the most important criterion of project success, followed by the availability of technical experts, political support and stakeholder involvement. These findings contribute to an understanding of the factors impacting project success for government institutions specifically in Mozambique and, by extension, in other developing countries. Further research is required to determine the success factors for government projects worldwide.