Senegal Launches Digital Procurement Platform to Boost Openness and Economic Growth
Senegal is embarking on a major overhaul of it’s public procurement system with the launch of a new digital platform, aiming to increase transparency, reduce fraud, and stimulate economic competitiveness. The initiative, known as APPEL (Public Procurement in Electronic Procedures), represents a meaningful step towards modernizing government operations and attracting foreign investment.
The Senegalese Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (ARCOP) has initiated a pilot phase of the APPEL platform, with full implementation slated for January 2026. This ambitious project seeks to digitize the entire procurement cycle, from the initial publication of calls for tenders to the final awarding of contracts.
“This is a reform that has been mobilizing us for a year,” stated Moustapha Djitté, CEO of ARCOP. “Every week, we dedicate a technical meeting to the digital platform. We want to have reliable indicators concerning the deadlines within which calls for tenders are processed, the savings made, the participation rate of companies and the level of satisfaction of public procurement stakeholders.”
The new platform is designed to be modular, secure, and compliant with international standards, drawing inspiration from successful models implemented in Morocco, Rwanda, and Mauritius. ARCOP also plans to integrate APPEL with key public databases, including those managed by the Treasury, tax authorities, and the commercial register.This interconnectedness is intended to further enhance transparency and traceability throughout the procurement process.
Did you know? – Senegal’s public procurement sector accounts for a significant portion of its economy, between 15% and 20% of the national GDP. Modernizing this sector is key to economic growth.
This initiative aligns with Senegal’s broader “New Technological Deal,” a national digital strategy focused on dematerializing 90% of public services by 2034. Given that the public procurement sector represents between 15 and 20% of Senegal’s national GDP, modernizing its management is seen as crucial for bolstering investor confidence and ensuring sustainable economic growth.
The anticipated benefits of the APPEL platform are far-reaching.Officials predict increased visibility and predictability in public procurement, reduced processing times, and a more level playing field for businesses. The platform is also expected to generate ample savings for the state and limit opportunities for corruption.
Senegal’s move towards digital procurement comes as part of a wider trend across Africa, with nations increasingly recognizing the potential of technology to improve governance and drive economic development.The success of the APPEL platform will likely serve as a model for other countries in the region.
Reader question: – How will the APPEL platform specifically address corruption risks? What measures are in place to ensure the integrity of the digital procurement process and prevent fraud?
Moreover, this project builds upon recent advancements in data sharing, as highlighted in a related report detailing the operational status of a data interoperability platform launched in December. Ultimately, this innovation is expected to strengthen good governance in the public sector and position Senegal as a leader in digital transformation.
