• Benin approves digital public procurement system to streamline procedures and improve transparency
• System aims to simplify contract awarding, enhance fairness, and reduce opacity in bidding processes

Benin's government approved the implementation of a digital public procurement system in a Council of Ministers meeting on Wednesday, April 9, aiming to streamline procedures, enhance contract awarding efficiency, and ensure greater transparency in public contract allocations. Revised public procurement regulations will support the new system, with relevant ministers tasked to guarantee its effective application.

"Beyond the irrefutable advantages of technological evolution, the digitalization of public procurement will generate significant gains and progress beneficial to both bidders and contracting authorities," the Council of Ministers stated.

The move aligns with Benin's broader digital transformation efforts. Since 2016, over 1,000 public services have been digitized, with 210 fully dematerialized, allowing citizens to complete administrative tasks online. The Ministry of Digital Affairs and Digitalization has allocated 29.03 billion CFA francs (approximately $48.6 million) for 2025, a 19.3% increase from 2024, to support these modernization initiatives. Further sector modernizations are expected in the coming months.

The digital procurement system is projected to strengthen transparency, simplify processes, and mitigate opaque practices. By automating procedures and centralizing data, it will facilitate bidder access to information, ensure equal treatment among candidates, and reduce ambiguity in bid evaluations. This approach may also shorten procurement timelines, improve decision traceability, and generate budgetary savings. Ultimately, it should enhance contracting authority accountability and foster an environment conducive to investment and competitiveness.

By Samira Njoya,

Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji