Togo Seeks Four Consultants to Advance Electronic Public Procurement

• Togo's public procurement regulator, ARCOP, is seeking four consultants to implement an electronic public procurement system (e-GP).
• The e-GP system aims to move public contracting online, reducing paperwork and improving transparency.
• Consultant roles include an IT business analyst, procurement specialist, change management expert, and systems and network administrator for 12-month contracts.
• The project is expected to make tenders more accessible for businesses and procurement activities easier to track.
• Preparatory steps included recruiting a project manager in May 2025 and stakeholder meetings with World Bank experts in September and October 2025.

Beyond operational efficiencies, a primary goal of the e-GP project is to bolster transparency in the awarding of public contracts.

Togo's public procurement regulator, Autorité de régulation de la commande publique (ARCOP), recently issued a call for expressions of interest. The country is actively seeking four specialized consultants to facilitate the implementation of a new electronic public procurement system, known as e-GP. This initiative is a crucial step in transitioning Togo's public contracting procedures from traditional paper-based methods to an online platform.

The specific roles being sought include an IT business analyst, a procurement specialist, a change management expert, and a systems and network administrator. These positions are critical for the successful deployment and operation of the e-GP system. Each consultant will be engaged for an initial period of 12 months, with contracts including provisions for potential extensions depending on the project's evolving requirements and individual performance.

Their responsibilities are multifaceted, encompassing the adaptation of the e-GP system to align with Togo's national procurement procedures, the systematic organization of contract and supplier data, and the crucial task of maintaining a robust and reliable IT infrastructure. Furthermore, the consultants will play a vital role in supporting government agencies and businesses as they learn to effectively utilize the new digital platform.

The overarching objective behind establishing the electronic public procurement system is to modernize and streamline Togo's public contracting processes. Once fully operational, the e-GP platform is designed to significantly enhance accessibility for businesses seeking to participate in public tenders, thereby fostering broader participation and competition. A key benefit anticipated from this digital transformation is a substantial reduction in administrative paperwork, which is expected to simplify procedures for all parties involved.

The system is also engineered to make procurement activities considerably easier to track and monitor, providing greater oversight capabilities. Beyond operational efficiencies, a primary goal of the e-GP project is to bolster transparency in the awarding of public contracts. By moving these processes online, the government aims to create a more open and accountable environment, reducing opportunities for irregularities and increasing public trust. This move away from paper-based procedures represents a strategic effort to improve governance and efficiency within the public sector.

The current recruitment drive for consultants is not an isolated effort but rather a continuation of a series of preparatory actions undertaken to ensure the successful launch of the e-GP system. Significant groundwork has already been laid to set the stage for this digital transformation.

As early as May 2025, ARCOP initiated the recruitment process for a dedicated project manager. This individual was tasked with the critical responsibility of coordinating the overall implementation of the electronic procurement system, ensuring a cohesive and organized approach. Following this, in September and October 2025, key stakeholders involved in public procurement convened for important discussions. These meetings included representatives from Agence Togo Digital and experts from the World Bank. The primary purpose of these collaborative sessions was to meticulously develop a comprehensive rollout plan for the e-GP system, outlining the strategic steps and timelines required for its successful deployment across the nation. These earlier efforts underscore the methodical and planned approach Togo is taking towards modernizing its public procurement landscape.

Source: Original reporting based on information from the source.