Cameroon Unveils New Digital Procurement System Funded by $12M Korean Grant

Published Date : 6/30/2025 

Cameroon's government has rolled out an upgraded digital procurement system, COLEPS, funded by a $12.5 million grant from the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA). The platform aims to enhance transparency, reduce corruption, and streamline public contract processes through real-time monitoring and automated systems. 

The government of Cameroon has taken a significant step toward modernizing its public procurement processes with the launch of an upgraded digital system called COLEPS. This initiative, backed by a $12.5 million grant from the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), marks a major shift in how the country manages its public contracts. The system, which stands for Cameroon Online e-Procurement System, is designed to improve efficiency, curb corruption, and ensure greater transparency in government spending. n nPublic Contracts Minister Ibrahim Talba Malla emphasized the importance of the upgrade during the official launch event. He highlighted that the new version of COLEPS allows for real-time monitoring of procurement activities, integrating with banks and financial institutions to verify bid securities and performance guarantees automatically. This feature is expected to reduce delays and errors in contract management while making the process more secure and traceable. n n 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS): 

Q: What is COLEPS, and why is it important for Cameroon?

A: COLEPS stands for Cameroon Online e-Procurement System, a digital platform designed to modernize public procurement. It is crucial for Cameroon as it aims to increase transparency, reduce corruption, and streamline contract management through real-time monitoring and automated processes.

Q: How much funding did Cameroon receive for the COLEPS upgrade?

A: Cameroon received a $12.5 million grant from the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) to support the upgrade of COLEPS, with an additional $12.5 million expected in 2026 for further development.

Q: What are the key features of the upgraded COLEPS system?

A: The upgraded COLEPS allows real-time monitoring of procurement activities, integrates with banks for automated verification of bid securities, and serves as a one-stop-shop for tender publishing, bid evaluation, and contract tracking.

Q: When will the full implementation of COLEPS be completed?

A: The government aims to complete the full implementation of COLEPS by 2028, when all public procurement activities will be conducted entirely online.

Q: How does COLEPS compare to similar systems in other African countries?

A: COLEPS is part of a growing trend in Africa, with countries like Ethiopia integrating digital procurement systems with national digital IDs. Cameroon's initiative is seen as a regional model for leveraging technology to improve governance and efficiency. 

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