The recent termination of the contract for the modernization of the Customs and Excise Department of the Democratic Republic of Congo with the company African Union Financial Services (AUFS) raises questions about the effectiveness of public-private partnerships in the field of modernization of public services.
The announcement of the end of this contract, signed in 2015 and expired several months ago, by the Congolese government led by Her Excellency Mrs. Judith Suminwa Tuluka, highlights the challenges encountered in the implementation of projects aimed at strengthening the capacities of state institutions.
Since its establishment in 2006, this partnership aimed to provide the General Directorate of Customs and Excise (DGDA) with equipment to more effectively combat fraud. However, it is clear that several objectives have not been achieved.
The decision to terminate the contract follows the findings of an ad hoc commission tasked with assessing contractual obligations and the transfer of equipment to the DGDA. It is clear that shortcomings have been observed in the implementation and monitoring of this partnership, highlighting the need for better governance and greater transparency in the management of such collaborations.
In this context, it is essential that the Congolese authorities take transitional measures to ensure the maintenance of the equipment acquired under this contract, so as not to compromise the operations of the DGDA.
The Minister of Finance, Doudou Fwamba Likunde Li-Botay, welcomed the contribution of the AUFS company to the modernization process of the DGDA while expressing the will of the Congolese Executive not to renew the contract. This decision marks a turning point in the way public-private partnerships are envisaged and implemented in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
It is essential that the lessons learned from this experience be incorporated into the design and future management of similar projects, in order to ensure greater efficiency and ownership of public service modernization initiatives.
In short, the termination of the DGDA modernization contract with AUFS highlights the issues and challenges facing public-private partnerships in the modernization of public services in the DRC. It is an important reminder of the importance of transparency, accountability and quality governance in the success of such initiatives.