New Questions Regarding the Role of Odelie NDIHO and Irregularities Identified in the Preparation of the SIGEFP Project
In this fourth part of its investigation, the organization continues its analysis of the mechanisms that, according to information collected, may have been put in place to facilitate the awarding of the SIGEFP (Integrated Public Financial Management System) contract to the company MEDIABOX.
The investigation focuses in particular on the role played by certain officials involved in the governance of the project, as well as on several anomalies identified in the technical and administrative preparation of the procurement process.
Persistent Questions Surrounding the Position of Ms. Odelie NDIHO
In previous parts of this investigation, the organization reported that Ms. Ir. Odelie NDIHO, a former employee of MEDIABOX, was appointed Director General for the Digital Economy at the Ministry of Public Finance on 11 November 2025.
According to information recently gathered, Ms. Odelie NDIHO continues to make regular visits to MEDIABOX premises while simultaneously exercising her responsibilities within the Ministry.
This situation has raised growing questions regarding the exact nature of her ongoing relationship with her former employer.
Several observers have expressed concerns about potential conflicts of interest, particularly given that MEDIABOX remains a candidate for a strategic public contract financed by international development partners.
The organization believes that these issues deserve clarification in order to ensure transparency in the public procurement process and preserve the credibility of the institutions involved.
Two Working Groups for One Project: An Unusual Situation
The investigation has also identified another issue considered problematic in the preparation of the SIGEFP project.
According to documents reviewed by the organization, a first working group composed of 24 members was established in October 2025 to prepare the Bidding Documents (DAO) for the future software system.
Document Appointment of the First Working Group Responsible for Preparing the Bidding Documents
However, it later emerged that this group had not worked on a fundamental component of any large-scale information technology project: the functional and technical specifications of the system.
A second working group was subsequently established to develop these specifications.
As a result, two separate teams now exist:
A first team responsible for preparing the bidding documents;
A second team responsible for defining the software’s technical specifications.
According to several specialists consulted during this investigation, such an approach raises important questions regarding compliance with established best practices in information technology procurement.
Technical specifications normally serve as the foundation upon which a tender process is built. They enable bidders to clearly understand the administration’s requirements and submit proposals tailored to those needs.
This situation therefore raises several questions:
How could a bidding process be prepared before the system specifications had been finalized?
On what technical basis were bidders expected to prepare their proposals?
Were the planning and preparatory requirements normally required in public procurement procedures fully respected?
According to the organization, these inconsistencies could have significant consequences for both the quality of the project and the effective use of the funds allocated to it.
Growing Concerns About Project Implementation
Beyond questions relating to the procurement procedure itself, several sources consulted by the organization have expressed concerns regarding the project’s ability to be completed within the established timeframe.
As noted in previous parts of this investigation, the World Bank-financed program operates under a strict schedule and is expected to close on 27 June 2028.
However, delays accumulated during the preparation phase and the controversies surrounding the relaunch of the procurement process could jeopardize the project’s completion within the prescribed deadlines.
According to several experts interviewed, substantial delays could lead development partners to reassess their financing commitments, potentially resulting in serious consequences for the public finance reforms currently being implemented.
A Presidential Visit Raising Additional Questions
The investigation also examines an event that reportedly took place on 5 January 2026.
According to several testimonies collected by the organization, the President of the Republic made an unexpected visit to the Ministry of Public Finance.
Contrary to initial interpretations, the visit reportedly did not concern the Minister of Finance, who was at that time on an official mission abroad.
According to the information obtained, the Head of State first met with several senior administrative officials before holding discussions with Ms. Odelie NDIHO in her office.
Some sources indicate that the discussions focused, among other issues, on the progress of the World Bank-financed project.
Although the details of the meeting have not been officially disclosed, several observers consider the visit a sign that the matter is receiving increasing attention at the highest levels of government.
Questions That Remain Unanswered
At the conclusion of this phase of the investigation, several important questions remain:
Why does the SIGEFP procurement process continue to generate so much controversy?
Have internal oversight mechanisms fully performed their role?
Have the potential conflicts of interest identified been properly assessed by the competent authorities?
Have the technical capacities of the bidding companies been evaluated with the rigor required for such a strategic project?
What guarantees currently exist to ensure the proper use of the funds mobilized under the PAFEN program?
According to King Umurundi Freedom, these questions deserve clear answers in order to safeguard the integrity of public procurement processes and prevent any risk of misuse of resources intended for the modernization of public financial management.
The organization further announces that additional findings will be published in the coming weeks, particularly concerning the implementation of other public contracts awarded to MEDIABOX and several strategic digital projects whose execution continues to raise concerns.