The Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (ARCOP) officially launched the experimental phase of its digital platform, Public Procurement in Electronic Procedures (APPEL), this Thursday, marking a key step in the modernization of Senegalese public governance. Integrated into the State's New Technology Deal, this innovation aims to dematerialize procurement procedures, aligning Senegal with a "digital, fair, and efficient" vision, according to ARCOP Director General Dr. Moustapha Djitté: "The dematerialization of public procurement is not just a technical reform; it is a cultural transformation that places transparency and traceability at the heart of public action."

Designed to simplify and accelerate processes, APPEL offers a single digital space for planning, submitting, and awarding calls for tenders. Interoperable with public systems (DGID, DGD, Treasury) and compliant with OECD standards, it automatically generates key performance indicators (KPIs). The pilot phase will bring together government agencies, businesses, financial partners, civil society, and the media, with interactive demonstrations and debates on digitization.

ARCOP aims to: accelerate procurement, strengthen transparency, facilitate access to markets for SMEs, and promote state reforms. The gains are significant:

1. Cost reduction: 300 billion FCFA in annual savings thanks to less paper and logistics costs (e.g.: -10% per digital call for tenders).
2. Time savings: rapid processing of files and reduction of delays through automation.
3. Transparency: total traceability, reduction of disputes and fair competition.
4. Environmental impact: lower carbon footprint, in line with green governance.
5. Macroeconomic effect: increased competitiveness, budget optimization and 500 digital jobs created.

An ARCOP impact study confirms: 84 billion FCFA in immediate gains, 30% more productivity in procurement units, and a 40% reduction in access costs for SMEs.