DIGITAL PROCUREMENT FRAMEWORK

Centralised ticket acquisition system
The platform has been developed by the Ministry of Economy and Finance in collaboration with the Ministry of Digital Transition. It is intended to standardise and centralise the procurement of air transport tickets for state services.

According to the authorities, the system addresses identified challenges including price volatility, agency commission structures, and inconsistencies in procurement processes.

OPERATIONAL FUNCTIONALITY

Automated bidding and contract allocation
The “e-Dimaakia” platform enables contracting authorities to publish requests for airline ticket procurement, while accredited travel agencies submit competitive bids through the system.

The platform is designed to automatically evaluate submissions, select the successful bidder, and generate the associated contract. It applies to all contracting authorities, with the exception of those operating under existing contractual frameworks such as framework agreements.

Officials indicated that the objective is to establish a single procurement channel for state-funded air travel.

OBJECTIVES AND SYSTEM BENEFITS

Transparency and cost control
According to Alfred Thiombiano, Director General of Public Procurement Control and Financial Commitments (DGCMEF), the system is intended to improve procedural efficiency, enhance transparency and traceability, and optimise costs.

Key functional outcomes outlined for the platform include:

• Full visibility across procurement processes
• Digital tracking of all transactions
• Reduced processing times
• Increased price competitiveness through structured bidding
• Improved control of public expenditure

IMPLEMENTATION CONTEXT

Government digitalisation strategy
The launch forms part of Burkina Faso’s broader public sector digitalisation programme. The initiative was introduced by Minister of Economy and Finance Dr Aboubakar Nacanabo and Minister of Digital Transition Dr Aminata Zerbo.

Authorities emphasised the importance of adoption across public procurement structures, noting that system effectiveness will depend on usage by procurement officials and operational reliability, including connectivity and system performance.

OPERATIONAL CONSIDERATIONS

Adoption and infrastructure challenges
Stakeholders identified potential challenges including user adoption by procurement teams, system connectivity, and the ability to meet urgent government travel requirements within a centralised digital framework.

INDUSTRY RELEVANCE

Public sector travel procurement model
The introduction of a centralised, digital procurement system for airline tickets represents a structured approach to managing government travel expenditure, with potential implications for travel agencies operating within the public sector supply chain.