Donor Confidence in PFMU at Risk
By Daybreak
The Independent Procurement Review Panel (IPRP), a digital system designed to enhance transparency and accountability in Sierra Leone’s public financial management, has exposed serious procurement irregularities within the Public Financial Management Unit (PFMU), triggering concerns over the credibility of the country’s procurement systems and potentially shaking the confidence of international donors.
The revelations came amid ongoing government efforts to strengthen fiscal discipline and restore public trust in the management of donor and taxpayer funds. However, the findings by the IPRP—which is tasked with monitoring and reporting on procurement transactions across Ministries, Departments and Agencies—point to alarming breaches of procedure, including non-competitive bidding, contract splitting, and unexplained variations in contract values.
Sources within the Ministry of Finance, under which the PFMU operates say there is absence of procurement minutes, evaluation reports, or evidence of advertisements. In some cases, contracts were awarded to entities with no traceable track record or physical presence, raising red flags around potential front companies and insider dealings.
The fallout has been swift. Several donor agencies, including key bilateral and multilateral partners who transfer development funds through the PFMU, have reportedly expressed unease. An internal assessment by one international agency noted that “any further erosion of procurement integrity could jeopardize future disbursements” and called for immediate remedial action by the Government of Sierra Leone.
Civil Society Organizations and anti-corruption advocates have also weighed in. The Budget Advocacy Network (BAN), in a press release issued Tuesday, described the findings as “deeply troubling” and demanded a full-scale independent investigation. “We cannot afford to let a few bad actors compromise the entire financial management architecture. The credibility of our public institutions is on the line,” said BAN’s Program Director.
For its part, the Ministry of Finance has pledged to investigate all flagged transactions and has not ruled out disciplinary or legal action against those found culpable. A senior official at the Ministry, who requested anonymity, said the government remains committed to transparency reforms and will work closely with the Audit Service Sierra Leone, the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), and donor partners to restore trust.
The PFMU was established as a central body to manage and coordinate donor-funded and government projects with high standards of accountability. Its perceived neutrality and technical rigour have made it a preferred channel for many development partners. But the current revelations now cast a shadow over its operational integrity.
With donor funding comprising a significant portion of Sierra Leone’s national budget—especially in critical sectors like health, education, and youth development—any loss of confidence could have far-reaching implications for the country’s development trajectory.
Analysts warn that the government must act decisively, not only to address the current scandal but to rebuild a procurement culture grounded in merit, fairness, and transparency. Otherwise, the gains made over the past decade in public financial management risk being undone.
As investigations unfold, all eyes remain on how swiftly and transparently the authorities respond to the IPRP’s findings—and whether Sierra Leone can reassure its partners that their investments are being safeguarded in line with international best practices.
