By Kinshasa, August 21, 2024 – A critical call was issued on Wednesday by Merveille Mbombo, an expert in public procurement and public-private partnerships (PPP), urging Congolese citizens to master the procedures for public procurement. This call comes as the law governing this area, passed in 2010, remains widely misunderstood and often violated, even by those tasked with upholding it.
The Importance of Public Procurement Procedures
Public procurement plays a crucial role in the economic development of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). It ensures that government contracts are awarded in a transparent, fair manner, adhering to established norms and making efficient use of public resources. However, widespread ignorance of legal procedures creates an environment conducive to abuse and corruption.
Mbombo emphasizes that the lack of knowledge regarding public procurement procedures extends from ordinary citizens to corporate executives, leading to misunderstandings and inadequate practices that limit the effectiveness of the process. He stresses the importance of ongoing education and training to address this issue.
Analysis: Challenges and Opportunities in DRC’s Public Procurement
The current state of public procurement in the DRC reflects a significant lack of awareness and adequate training. The complexity of the procedures, combined with a relatively new legislative framework, has resulted in incomplete adoption of best practices. This has direct consequences on the quality of public services and infrastructure projects, which are often delayed or poorly executed.
However, this situation also presents a significant opportunity. Increased awareness and improved training in this area could transform public procurement into a driver of development for the DRC. By enhancing transparency and ensuring that contracts are awarded based on competence and efficiency, the DRC can attract more investment, improve the quality of its infrastructure and services, and reduce economic losses due to corruption.
Recommendations for a Transparent and Effective Future
- Ongoing Training: It is crucial to establish continuous training programs for officials and staff involved in public procurement. These programs should be accessible at all levels, including small businesses and civil society actors.
- Public Awareness: Awareness campaigns should be launched to educate the public on the importance of public procurement and how to report violations of procedures.
- Strengthening Oversight: Oversight and regulatory mechanisms must be reinforced to ensure that public procurement laws and procedures are followed.
- Inclusion of Civil Society: Active participation of civil society and the media in monitoring public procurement can contribute to greater transparency and accountability.
In conclusion, mastering public procurement procedures is essential for the development of the DRC. By promoting transparency and ensuring strict enforcement of the rules, the country can not only improve the quality of its public projects but also strengthen the trust of citizens and investors in public institutions.
