| Year of assessment | 2018-2019 |
| Date of publication | June 2022 |
| Country procurement volume | 717 million USD (2019) |
| Principal organisation | DGCMEF (National Directorate for the Control of Public Procurement and Financial) |
| Main partners | World Bank (WB), African Development Bank (AfDB), Swiss Cooperation Office (BCS) |
Burkina Faso
Recognizing the central role that public procurement plays in public service delivery, financial management, and sustainable development, this MAPS MAIN assessment resulted in recommendations concerning reforming the legal framework, enhancing institutional capacity, implementing e-procurement, improving SME participation especially from local businesses, streamlining procurement procedures, and strengthening audits and oversight.
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Quick facts
Background
Why was a MAPS assessment initiated?
The assessment aimed to identify strengths and weaknesses in Burkina Faso’s public procurement system and public service delegations. It sought to formulate recommendations for further reforms and improvements.
Who initiated the assessment?
The process was initiated by the Ministry of Economy, Finance, and Development (MINEFID) with support from the World Bank, the African Development Bank, and the Swiss Cooperation Bureau. The evaluation was conducted in collaboration with various international partners, including the European Union, and involved the private sector and civil society.
Brief description of the country’s procurement system
Burkina Faso’s procurement system is regulated and integrated into public financial management. It follows directives from the West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA), ensuring adherence to regional regulations. The system is structured with oversight authorities such as the Autorité de Régulation de la Commande Publique (ARCOP) and the Direction Générale du Contrôle des Marchés Publics (DG-CMEF), which handle regulatory and audit functions.
Anything else about the country that merits mention?
Burkina Faso has undergone several procurement reforms, including adopting UEMOA procurement directives in 2007 and restructuring its regulatory bodies. In 2014, the Autorité de Régulation des Marchés Publics (ARMP) was rebranded as ARCOP, expanding its role to cover public-private partnerships (PPP).
Were there any disruptions?
Yes, the assessment faced challenges such as social movements affecting procurement timelines in 2018, issues with data collection due to poor archiving practices, and instability in the procurement management system (SIMP). Additionally, delays in the planning and execution of procurement processes, as well as difficulties in information circulation among stakeholders, were reported
Main results and impact
Issue: Fragmentation and Weakness of the Legal Framework
The regulatory framework for public procurement in Burkina Faso is complex and fragmented, leading to inconsistencies and inefficiencies in the procurement process.
Recommendations:
- Revise the public procurement code to harmonize all procurement regulations under a single, coherent legal framework.
- Establish clear legal definitions for different procurement procedures to minimize ambiguity.
- Improve regulatory monitoring and ensure compliance with international best practices.
Issue: Limited Institutional Capacity and Coordination
Key procurement institutions, including regulatory and oversight bodies, lack sufficient human and financial resources, limiting their effectiveness.
Recommendations:
- Strengthen the capacity of procurement authorities through targeted training programs and resource allocation.
- Improve coordination mechanisms between procurement institutions to ensure consistency in policy implementation.
- Establish a dedicated unit within the central procurement authority to monitor compliance and provide technical support to contracting entities.
Issue: Inefficiencies in Procurement Processes and Lack of Market Engagement
Delays and inefficiencies in procurement processes, coupled with limited engagement with the private sector, hinder competition and value for money.
Recommendations:
- Streamline procurement procedures to reduce administrative bottlenecks and improve efficiency.
- Implement a centralized e-procurement system to enhance transparency and simplify bidding processes.
- Develop policies to encourage participation of local businesses, particularly SMEs, in public procurement.
Issue: Weak Audit Mechanisms and Limited Oversight
The existing audit and control mechanisms are insufficient, resulting in limited enforcement of procurement rules and inadequate follow-up on irregularities.
Recommendations:
- Strengthen audit institutions by increasing their capacity and ensuring independence.
- Implement a mandatory annual procurement audit and require public disclosure of findings.
- Establish a whistleblower protection mechanism to encourage reporting of corruption and malpractice.