On June 19, 2026, the Dispute Resolution Committee (CRD) of Togo’s Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (ARCOP Togo) issued Decision No. 024-2026, closing the case on allegations of irregularities surrounding International Bid Notice No. 003/DPI/PRMP/DG/CEET/2026. This bid, part of the Lomé Electricity Network Extension Project (PEREL PLUS), had faced accusations of procedural flaws.
Following a thorough investigation and hearings with the Public Procurement Responsible Officer of the Compagnie d’Énergie Électrique du Togo (CEET), the CRD confirmed that the allegations lacked merit.
Procedural integrity upheld despite opposition
Two anonymous complaints filed on March 28 and April 8, 2026, alleged multiple irregularities in the PEREL PLUS bid process, including:
- a restricted list without prior prequalification;
- a disproportionate number of foreign firms;
- the absence of market lot allocation;
- and the retention of overly stringent qualification criteria.
However, the CRD’s findings revealed that the process was governed by a formal prequalification phase, which evaluated 15 expressions of interest and shortlisted nine eligible candidates.
PEREL PLUS bid aligns with international financing standards
The project, co-financed by external partners, operates under the oversight of the French Development Agency (AFD). The bid dossier received clearance from both the Togo National Public Procurement Control Directorate (DNCCP Togo) and the AFD.
The CRD emphasized that in externally funded initiatives, donor-mandated rules take precedence over national procurement guidelines, particularly regarding lot structuring. This ensures alignment with international best practices while maintaining transparency.