Cameroon digitises its public procurement to combat corruption

Cameroon has fully digitised its public procurement procedures, marking a significant shift toward fighting corruption and embracing modernisation.

This revelation was made by the he the Divisional Delegate for Ministry of the Economy, Planning and Regional Development, MINEPAT, for Fako, Pascaline Besong on Wednesday, April 30, 2025 during the fourth quarter Public Investment Budget (PIB) follow up meeting. 

This process focuses on the use of a dedicated platform called the Cameroon Online E-Procurement System ( COLEPS). The COLEPS was initiated in 2018 with financial support from the South Korean government.

It is worth noting that in its 2018 report, the National Anti-Corruption Commission (CONAC)) identified the Ministry of Public Procurement as the most corrupt agency in the country.

The DD for MINEPAT for Fako, Pascaline Besong has revealed that the Government, for 2025, awarded a total of 94 projects to the Division valued at FCFA 2, 935, 309, 286. She added there is a slight increase of 17 percent increase as compared to last year.

“Its goal is to streamline contracting processes in public procurement while reducing face-to-face interactions among stakeholders. These interactions can often lead to corrupt practices.” Pascaline Besong said.

In her intervention the Chairperson of PIB for Fako, Hon. Gladys Etombi Ikome said the Administration were in control of 15 of the projects while the seven Subdivisional Councils shall handle the rest accordingly. 

Buea Council, for this 2025, was awarded a total of 13 projects worth FCFA 515,485; Muyuka Council has 14 projects at FCFA 307 million while Tiko Council was awarded 14 projects at FCFA 247.119 million. 

The Limbe I Council was awarded 6 projects to execute value at FCFA 157 million, Limbe II with 7 projects worth FCFA 157 million while the Limbe III Council has the greater package of 14 projects value at FCFA 233 million and Idenau accorded a total of eleven projects at FCFA 335.

Hon. Etombi, called on Mayors and the Councils concerned as well as the different state institutions that have projects to execute this year to immediately get to work with the execution of the projects at their different Council levels or institutions. 

"We are here to ensure the effective execution of the State budget to improve upon the lives of the populations. I urge you all to take your responsibilities seriously," she said. 

On his part, the Divisional Delegate of the Ministry of Public Contracts for Fako, Takom Mathias Basum said his office is ready to assist Councils facing difficulties to see how they can quickly adapt to the new system. 

BY SNK 

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Cross section of stakeholders of PIB, Fako after the fourth quarter follow up committee meeting

(L-R) Divisional Delegate of MINEPAT Fako, Pascaline Besong speaking to the press as Divisional Delegate of MINMAP, Fako, Takom Mathias looks on