Cabo Verde Project Management Unit Clarifies Consultant Contract
The Special Projects Management Unit (UGPE) in Cabo Verde has issued a clarification regarding the contract of the Digital Service Team Coordinator, refuting claims of illegality. The UGPE states that the hiring process fully complied with the World Bank's "Procurement Regulations for Investment Project Financing," specifically the July 2016 edition revised in September 2025. This project, "Digital Cabo Verde" (P171099), is financed by the International Development Association (IDA) with $40 million, aiming to establish Cabo Verde as a regional digital hub.
The UGPE emphasized that the selection of the Coordinator and four other consultants was governed by World Bank regulations, not the Public Procurement Code. Direct contracting of individual consultants is permissible under paragraph 7.39(d) of the World Bank's regulations when exceptional experience and qualifications are required, which the UGPE asserts was the case here. The process included the development of Terms of Reference, technical justification, and verification of the consultant's qualifications, all of which received no objection from the World Bank. This specialized consultancy is distinct from public administration appointments.
Contrary to reports, the UGPE clarified that the need for this consultant did not arise in an electoral context but is part of the ongoing Digital Cabo Verde project. The consultant's experience includes developing the Consular Portal, coordinating the Single Portal for Digital Services, managing the digital transformation of diplomatic missions, and integrating state digital platforms. The Digital Service Team itself, organically dependent on the Prime Minister and the Minister of State Modernization, was established through official decrees in May and June 2024, with the Coordinator appointed in September 2024. The UGPE also noted that all relevant processes were shared with the newly inaugurated government. Finally, the unit refuted any suggestions of favoritism, stating that the selection was based solely on technical requirements and experience, not familial relationships, and reaffirmed its commitment to legality and transparency.
This clarification from Cabo Verde's Special Projects Management Unit addresses concerns about a consultant's contract, framing it within the context of a World Bank-funded digital transformation initiative. The UGPE's defense hinges on adherence to international financial institution procurement guidelines, distinguishing them from national public procurement laws. This highlights a common tension in development projects: the interplay between donor-driven regulations and domestic governance frameworks. The UGPE's emphasis on technical merit and World Bank approval aims to legitimize the hiring process, countering potential accusations of cronyism or politically motivated appointments, particularly given the timing relative to government changes and electoral periods. Looking ahead, the success of such digitally-focused projects will depend not only on specialized expertise but also on robust oversight mechanisms that ensure transparency and accountability, fostering public trust in the digital transition and its associated resource allocation.
AI-generated to prompt reflection — not editorial opinion, not advice, not a statement of fact. How this works.