| Year of assessment | 2018-2019 |
| Date of publication | March 2023 |
| Country procurement volume | 289 million USD (2017) |
| Principal organisation | Directorate General of Budget and Public Finances |
| Main partners | World Bank (WB) |
Gabon
Recognizing the central role that public procurement plays in public service delivery, financial management, and sustainable development, this MAPS MAIN assessment for Gabon resulted in recommendations targeting the improvement of legal and regulatory coherence, institutional capacity, procurement efficiency, market access, and integrity mechanisms to enhance transparency and accountability in public procurement.
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Quick facts
Background
Why was a MAPS assessment initiated?
The assessment was initiated as part of Gabon's efforts to improve the efficiency and transparency of its public procurement system. It aligns with the country's broader financial governance reforms under the Plan Stratégique Gabon Émergent (PSGE) and aims to align its procurement system with international best practices.
Who initiated the assessment?
The evaluation was a joint effort between the Gabonese government and international development partners. The World Bank played a significant role in funding and supporting the process, along with technical and financial partners such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the African Development Bank (AfDB).
Brief description of the country procurement system:
Gabon’s procurement system is moderately centralized, with key institutions such as the Agence de Régulation des Marchés Publics (ARMP) overseeing regulations. The legal framework has undergone multiple revisions (2012, 2014, 2015, and 2018), leading to inconsistencies. There is no comprehensive e-procurement system, and the use of gré à gré (direct contracting) remains prevalent. The procurement system is not subject to supranational regulations like EU directives but follows regional and international best practices.
Other relevant country context:
Gabon has undergone significant procurement reforms, including the creation of the ARMP and the introduction of digital financial management tools such as VECTIS. However, gaps in implementation, lack of transparency, and weak institutional capacity remain challenges.
Were there any disruptions?
Yes. The assessment process faced delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which slowed World Bank activities. Additionally, the establishment of the MAPS Secretariat in 2021 led to further revisions and certification requirements, delaying the final report
Main results and impact
Lack of clarity and coherence in the legal framework
- Issue: The legal and regulatory framework for public procurement lacks clarity, consistency, and alignment with best practices, leading to difficulties in implementation and compliance.
- Recommendations:
- Review and consolidate public procurement laws, regulations, and guidelines to ensure coherence.
- Strengthen enforcement mechanisms and provide clear legal guidance to procurement entities.
Limited scope for sustainable procurement
- Issue: There are insufficient provisions to support sustainable procurement practices, including environmental and social considerations.
- Recommendations:
- Develop a legal framework for sustainable public procurement (SPP), integrating economic, environmental, and social objectives.
- Provide guidance and tools for incorporating sustainability criteria in procurement processes.
Weak institutional capacity and regulatory oversight
- Issue: The institutions responsible for public procurement oversight lack adequate capacity, staffing, and resources to effectively regulate and monitor procurement processes.
- Recommendations:
- Strengthen institutional capacity through training programs and staff recruitment.
- Enhance coordination among regulatory bodies and procurement entities.
Limited implementation of e-procurement
- Issue: The adoption of electronic government procurement (e-GP) is limited, reducing efficiency and transparency in procurement operations.
- Recommendations:
- Accelerate the implementation of e-GP systems at all levels of government.
- Provide training and technical support to procurement professionals to facilitate the transition to digital procurement processes.
Barriers to private sector participation
- Issue: The public procurement market presents barriers to entry for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and international suppliers, reducing competition and market efficiency.
- Recommendations:
- Simplify qualification and bidding requirements to encourage wider participation.
- Increase transparency in supplier selection and contract award processes.
Delays in procurement processes and contract execution
- Issue: Inefficiencies in procurement planning and contract management lead to significant delays in project implementation.
- Recommendations:
- Improve procurement planning and contract management procedures.
- Establish monitoring mechanisms to track project implementation and mitigate delays.
Lack of comprehensive anti-corruption measures
- Issue: There is a need for stronger mechanisms to prevent and address corruption in public procurement.
- Recommendations:
- Strengthen anti-corruption laws and enforcement measures.
- Increase transparency in procurement decisions and ensure public access to procurement information.
Limited civil society engagement and oversight
- Issue: The role of civil society in monitoring public procurement is limited, reducing accountability.
- Recommendations:
- Promote civil society participation in procurement oversight.
- Improve access to procurement data and enhance public reporting mechanisms.