DRC automates its procurement process to enhance transparency
KINSHASA – In a bid to weed out graft within its public sector, the Democratic Republic of Congo has launched an integrated public procurement management system.
This new switch to online procurement is part of President Felix Tshisekedi’s political promise of fighting corruption. “The latter consists firstly in materializing the reforms made in the governance of public finances and secondly in effectively raising the level of improvement in the quality of public spending.”
According to Budget minister Aimé Boji Sangara, “The new system will ensure that the entire procurement cycle, project requisition, tendering, contract award and payment will be done online, cutting physical contacts with government officials that fuel corruption.”
Mr. Sangara also pointed out that public contracts take up 63 percent of government spending and the implementation of the integrated management system for public contracts will guarantee the proper allocation of public funds.
The Public Procurement Regulatory Authority said the electronic system will be a catalyst for good governance, an essential element for social justice, and, consequently, for sustainable economic development.
Mr. Sangara further said the new software will integrate the registration of procurement plans, processing of prior control, management, and the publication of public notices. It will also be used to manage all procurement operations and monitor the execution of public contracts.
Mid this year the DRC Licensed rights for 30 oil and gas blocks through an auction on opening parts of the world’s second-biggest rainforest to drilling that could release large amounts of carbon into the atmosphere.
President Felix Tshisekedi presided over the launch of bidding at a ceremony in the capital Kinshasa. Attendees included representatives from France’s TotalEnergies and several domestic companies, although a spokeswoman from the French oil giant said the company would not participate in bidding.
GAROWE ONLINE
