Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire - The Project for Improving Governance for Basic Service Delivery to Citizens (PAGDS) has highlighted its accomplishments in digitalizing public services in various sectors. The project's coordinator, Yao Madeleine, presented these results during the World Bank's Open Days in Côte d'Ivoire, held on September 21-22 in Abidjan. The PAGDS project, implemented over six years, has intervened in several sectors, including finance, education, health, justice, infrastructure, and good governance.
In the education sector, the PAGDS project contributed to the digitalization of student assignment and monitoring in private schools. Devices for tracking attendance were also introduced to improve monitoring of students supported by the state. According to the World Bank, there was a notable increase in the number of students electronically assigned and monitored in private schools, as well as improved availability of reading and mathematics textbooks.
The PAGDS project also supported the development of distance learning solutions to address teacher shortages in certain subjects. In healthcare, the project contributed to the development of digital tools to improve patient tracking, particularly under the Universal Health Coverage (CMU) program. Digitalization also extended to public finance with the development of electronic payment solutions and financial inclusion initiatives.
The World Bank reported a significant increase in the digitization of certain payment flows between the state and individuals. The project also intervened in tax and customs revenue mobilization, with notable results. Tax revenues, excluding oil, gas, and coffee-cocoa registration fees, recorded an average increase of 12.4%, surpassing the intermediate target of 5%. Customs revenues rose by 19.2%, exceeding the target of 6%.
In the justice sector, digital solutions were developed to facilitate company creation procedures. The PAGDS project's transversal nature was emphasized by its coordinator, Yao Madeleine, who highlighted the project's work across finance, health, education, justice, and good governance. The results achieved have enabled the launch of a second phase of the project.
The PAGDS project was approved by the World Bank in April 2019 and entered into force in June of the same year. Its objective was subsequently revised to strengthen public resource mobilization and management, as well as improve service delivery in various sectors. The World Bank's Open Days aim to present the public with interventions and results of projects financed by the institution in Côte d'Ivoire.
The Open Days event provides an opportunity for the public to learn about the impact of World Bank-funded projects in Côte d'Ivoire. The PAGDS project's achievements demonstrate the potential for digitalization to improve public service delivery and governance in the country. Key stakeholders, including government officials, civil society representatives, and beneficiaries, are expected to attend the event to discuss the project's outcomes and future plans.
Key points
- The PAGDS project has achieved significant results in digitalizing public services, including a 12.4% increase in tax revenues and a 19.2% rise in customs revenues.
