Developments in the SIGFP-BI Software Procurement Process
Have Our Alerts Started to Produce Results?
Following the various revelations published by the organization regarding alleged irregularities surrounding the procurement process for the SIGFP-BI software project, financed under the World Bank’s PAFEN Program, several significant developments have reportedly been observed within the Ministry of Public Finance.
While the opening of bids was initially scheduled for 5 May 2026, changes reportedly occurred within certain bodies involved in managing the procurement process. At the same time, the authorities are said to have extended by an additional two weeks the deadline granted to bidders for the submission of their proposals.
As a result, the deadline for the receipt and opening of bids was postponed to 19 May 2026.
SIGFP-BI – Tender Extension and Postponement Notice
These developments come amid growing concerns regarding the conditions under which this strategic contract has been prepared and managed.
At this stage, it remains difficult to determine whether these adjustments will effectively address the irregularities and risks previously highlighted, particularly those related to a potential award of the contract to MEDIABOX, despite concerns raised about the company’s technical capacity to successfully implement a project of such scale and complexity.
It is also worth recalling that several officials mentioned in our previous publications continue to appear at different stages of this case, including Mr. Bienvenu IRAKOZE, Coordinator of the PAFEN Project in Burundi; Ms. Odelie NDIHO, appointed Director General for the Digital Economy on 11 November 2025 after previously serving within MEDIABOX; and Dr. Alain NDIKUMANA, Minister of Public Finance, who officially assumed office on 6 August 2025.
According to information collected by our organization, these institutional responsibilities occupy an important position in the monitoring and evolution of the SIGFP-BI procurement process.
However, according to several internal sources within the Ministry of Finance, the publication of our investigations reportedly drew the attention of certain institutions involved in overseeing the project. These bodies are said to have requested a more thorough review before allowing the procurement process to proceed further.
According to the same sources, this development has been viewed as an encouraging signal by several ministry officials and technical staff who had previously expressed concerns regarding the consequences of awarding the contract under conditions that might not fully guarantee the principles of transparency, fair competition, and good governance.
According to multiple corroborating sources, the decision to postpone the opening of bids and introduce certain adjustments to the management of the procurement process also reportedly generated frustration within MEDIABOX. According to these same sources, Mr. Donatien NDAYISHIMIYE, the company’s Managing Director, had expected a more favorable evolution of the process and a swift award of the contract to his company.
Several observers believe that the postponement of the procedure and the strengthening of review mechanisms may have altered certain expectations initially associated with this strategic procurement process.
Without prejudging the final outcome of the procedure, these developments nevertheless demonstrate the importance of the financial, institutional, and governance issues surrounding this World Bank-funded project. They also highlight the importance of public vigilance, administrative transparency, and strict compliance with public procurement rules when projects involving such significant resources and national interests are concerned.
King Umurundi Freedom will continue to closely monitor developments in this case and will make public any new information or findings deemed to be in the public interest.