{"id":7624,"date":"2026-07-30T22:29:00","date_gmt":"2026-07-30T22:29:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/kingumurundifreedom.org\/en\/?p=7624"},"modified":"2026-08-02T22:48:48","modified_gmt":"2026-08-02T22:48:48","slug":"sigefp-maneuvers-around-a-strategic-public-contract-the-minister-of-finance-at-the-heart-of-the-investigation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/kingumurundifreedom.org\/en\/sigefp-maneuvers-around-a-strategic-public-contract-the-minister-of-finance-at-the-heart-of-the-investigation\/","title":{"rendered":"SIGEFP: Maneuvers Around a Strategic Public Contract \u2013 The Minister of Finance at the Heart of the Investigation"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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Part Six<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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An Investigation into the Ministry of Finance’s Role in the Controversial Relaunch of the SIGEFP Procurement Process<\/strong><\/p>\n

Introduction<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Why was the procurement process for the SIGEFP software relaunched after it had already been awarded to a foreign company with the World Bank’s approval? Why did MEDIABOX, which had initially been eliminated during the technical evaluation, eventually reappear at the center of the process? What role did the Minister of Finance, Dr. Alain NDIKUMANA, play in these developments?<\/p>\n

These questions lie at the heart of our investigative series examining the role of the Minister of Finance in these developments and the alleged irregularities surrounding the award of this strategic contract for the management of Burundi’s public finances. The evidence gathered suggests that the SIGEFP case goes far beyond a standard public procurement process, revealing a struggle for influence over the future digital architecture of the Burundian State.<\/p>\n

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1. A Strategic Reform for Public Financial Management<\/strong><\/h4>\n

The Integrated Public Financial Management System (SIGEFP) is one of the most significant modernization projects undertaken as part of the public finance reforms supported by the World Bank. The system is designed to integrate budget preparation, execution, accounting and financial monitoring into a single digital platform.<\/p>\n

According to experts consulted during this investigation, the reform extends far beyond the computerization of administrative procedures. It fundamentally reshapes the distribution of budgetary authority between the Ministry of Finance, other government ministries and provincial administrations.<\/p>\n

Under the new budgetary framework, each ministry, as well as each of Burundi’s five provinces, would enjoy greater autonomy in managing its financial resources. The Ministry of Finance would primarily retain responsibilities related to overall coordination, financial oversight and revenue collection.<\/p>\n

As a result, control over the technical development of the SIGEFP system represents not only a technological issue but also a major political and administrative stake.<\/p>\n

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2. The Transfer of the Digital Economy Directorate to the Ministry of Finance<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Before 2025, the Directorate of the Digital Economy operated under the Ministry of Communication. Digital transformation projects and strategic government software procurement were traditionally managed by that ministry.<\/p>\n

At the time, Dr. Alain NDIKUMANA headed the Bureau of Strategic Development Studies (BESD) within the Presidency of the Republic. He had established himself as one of the government’s most influential experts on economic development and public sector reforms.<\/p>\n

According to several sources familiar with the matter, Dr. NDIKUMANA believed that the success of the government’s development agenda largely depended on effective control over the State’s financial management instruments. It was within this context that preparations were allegedly made to transfer the Directorate of the Digital Economy from the Ministry of Communication to the Ministry of Finance.<\/p>\n

The reorganization took place shortly before Dr. NDIKUMANA was appointed Minister of Finance in August 2025. Officially, the transfer could be presented as an administrative measure aimed at aligning digital transformation projects with ongoing public finance reforms. Nevertheless, the decision generated considerable confusion and concern within the Ministry of Communication.<\/p>\n

According to information gathered during this investigation, the late Gabby BUGAGA, then Minister of Communication, repeatedly sought to have the Directorate returned to his ministry. The World Bank, the principal technical and financial partner supporting the digital sector, also reportedly questioned the reasons behind the transfer.<\/p>\n

At this stage of the investigation, no evidence establishes any connection between Gabby BUGAGA’s death and this institutional dispute. It remains noteworthy, however, that the issue generated significant tensions within the government administration.<\/p>\n

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3. A Contract That Had Already Been Awarded<\/strong><\/h4>\n

By the time Dr. Alain NDIKUMANA assumed office as Minister of Finance, the SIGEFP procurement process appeared to have reached its conclusion. The Tunisian company SIGA<\/strong> had already been declared the successful bidder following the international tender.<\/p>\n

The procurement process had advanced through all the major stages:<\/p>\n