Validation of the MAPS evaluation concept note in the Republic of Congo

The concept note prepared by the Technical Secretariat of the MAPS evaluation mission in the Republic of Congo with the support of the international consultant, for the realization of the MAPS evaluation was validated during a workshop held on February 20, 2025 at the Grand Lancaster hotel in Brazzaville. The specific objectives were to conduct a detailed examination of the concept note, formulate, where appropriate, verbal or written observations and contributions on this note and validate its final version.

The validation of the concept note will enable the evaluation of the procurement system, according to the MAPS methodology, in the Republic of Congo, an essential phase for improving public procurement practices and strengthening public investment management.

In his opening address, the Prime Minister's Special Advisor for governance, economic dialogue and the fight against corruption, Mr. Gervais BOUITI VIAUDO recalled the Government of the Republic's commitment to conduct the evaluation of the procurement system, according to the MAPS methodology, with the support of the World Bank through the Program to Accelerate Institutional Governance and Reforms for Sustainable Service Functioning (PAGIR).

He indicated that to guarantee this evaluation, the concept note highlights the evaluation indices of the country's economic and financial system to maintain accountability, identify reforms undertaken in public finance, target the main actors involved in the evaluation and in information collection, issue proposals and recommendations.

Furthermore, Mr. Gervais BOUITI VIAUDO asked participants to take an active part in this major stage of the MAPS evaluation process in the Republic of Congo, with a view to generating a true national consensus on the draft note submitted and the actions to be undertaken to improve our public procurement system.

This workshop brought together about sixty executives from the public sector, private sector and civil society. The presentation of this note was made by the international consultant, Pierre MORIN. The content and form of this note were examined, followed by observations and proposals from stakeholders with the aim of refining and consolidating it.

The workshop work was conducted in plenary under the coordination of a presidium composed of Mr. Davy Wolfgang OPOKO, Acting Director General of ARMP and Mr. Joël IKAMA NGATSE, Director General of Public Procurement Control, under the moderation of Raymond NTI, PAGIR communication manager. This work was marked by presentations and exchanges.

Mr. Pierre Morin specified that the evaluation process includes planning through the concept note, execution of the evaluation itself through the indicator matrix, and reporting. He showed that the evaluation takes place in three stages: qualitative evaluation of the situation based on good practices, quantitative evaluation that supports the previous one by providing numerical information and identification of gaps. These three stages constitute the factual basis for observing the current situation, identifying strengths and weaknesses of the procurement system, identifying reform actions for areas showing gaps and developing targeted and concrete recommendations formulated in terms of priorities and action plans with the aim of improving the effectiveness and efficiency of public procurement, ensuring integrity and transparency in the use of public funds.

The MAPS evaluation also indicates those responsible. This is the lead institution, in this case ARMP, which ensures the support and adherence of the authorities. Technical and financial partners notably the World Bank which supports the process, through PAGIR, the African Development Bank (ADB), the French Development Agency (AFD) and the IMF for their oversight and possible support to the process.