### Ethics awareness: an urgent necessity for IGF and beyond
The rapid evolution of our world requires a strengthening of ethical standards, particularly in public institutions. It is in this context that the General Inspectorate of Finance (IGF) decided to give a boost to ethics and ethics by an innovative seminar, held on February 17, 2025. Hosted by experts from the Observatory for monitoring corruption and professional ethics (OUCE), this event is not content to approach an administrative problem; He initiates crucial reflection on fundamental pillars of governance.
### An ethical renewal need
Why this insistence on ethics? A study conducted by the European Union shows that 70 % of European citizens believe that corruption is a major problem in their country. This dystopian table is not the prerogative of developing countries only, but transcends borders. Corruption, when it is installed in the inners of the administration, undermines public confidence and obstructs the good management of public funds, with sometimes catastrophic consequences for social and economic development.
Henri Paul Kazadi, in his capacity as an assistant inspector general, laid the groundwork for a paradigm shift: “act with integrity to inspire confidence”. Indeed, integrity is not only a moral value, but an effective guarantee of operation within institutions. In an environment where 20 % of agents say they are faced with ethical dilemmas in the exercise of their function, according to an OECD survey, it seems urgent to establish a working climate based on transparency.
### The seminar: a starting point
This training proposed by the IGF tackles various themes – from morality to social responsibility – while anchoring in a practical approach. Professor Saint Augustin Mwandambali, by his intervention, recalled that ethics should not be a superficial perspective, but the base on which good governance is based. From a fraction of the discourse of the theorists of ethical governance, he drew practical elements applicable in the field.
Indeed, ethical practice must result in concrete behaviors of agents. For example, the implementation of a precise and accessible conduct can encourage employees to act responsible. Study results show that 80 % of employees feel more motivated when their organization meets clear ethical standards.
### Training issues
The importance of this initiative is all the more accentuated in a context of rapid staff growth at IGF. Jules Aligente, the head of service, rightly stressed that the increase in agents, without a solid ethical basis, could lead to a dilution of standards and, potentially, to an increase in corruption cases. By strengthening this ethical culture, the IGF stands as a model, but also as a guardian of public perception. Indeed, studies of the World Bank demonstrate that institutions perceived as honest can increase the confidence of citizens by 40 %.
### An ethical culture as public goods
Restoring institutional culture to integrate values of ethics and responsibility is not only a trend, it is a necessity. Collective approaches, supported by institutions such as the Ouce, must tend towards a common objective: to promote enlightened governance, not only within the framework of the IGF, but also beyond, within all public administrations. By forming agents who become ambassadors of ethical behavior, the IGF hopes to gradually transform the institutional landscape as a whole.
But the real question remains: can these initiatives really change the perception that the public of its institutions has?
### Conclusion: towards an ethical rebirth
The seminar on ethics and ethics at IGF is a first step towards a general awareness of the importance of integrity within public administration. Beyond inspiring speeches, it is essential that each agent integrates this philosophy into his daily practice.
Thus, the challenge to be met is colossal: IGF must embody rigor, but also to inspire other institutions. By strengthening confidence through more ethical governance, the IGF has the potential not only to positively impact public finance management, but also to redefine the relationship between the State and the citizen.
We are probably experiencing a pivotal era, an ethical rebirth at hand. The question is whether these awareness will lead to lasting and resilient changes. The path is still long, but it starts here and now.