Monrovia — Center for Media Studies and Peacebuilding (CEMESP) has released a Liberia national report on the procurement of digital technology.

This report is the result of a study conducted by CEMESP in collaboration with the Uganda-based Freedom of Information Center in Africa and is funded by the Omidya Network.

The study, entitled “Government Procurement of Digital Technology Systems (DTS) in Africa,” is being conducted in three African countries, including Nigeria, Uganda, and Liberia.

I recently published a report in Monrovia, Atty. Lamii Kpargoi, the chief consultant hired by CEMESP to carry out the study, said the study project aims to give the public an opportunity to learn how the government is working to procure digital devices. Said.

“The Liberia components of the study focused on the general perception of Digital Technology Systems (DTS), the expectations of government awareness and legal framework at DTS, and the achievement of the procurement and disclosure process,” Atty Kpargoi said. Said.

According to Atty, this is one of the key discoveries made from this study. Lamii Kpargoi said, “There is no clear budget line for purchasing digital equipment, 80% of the interviewed people said that government procurement is not transparent and the government is not transparent, so public competitive bidding I think it is necessary. ” Prioritize the protection of citizens’ digital rights. “

The report also states that 34% of interviewed people are neutral about whether the government complies with the law, and a single procurement plan by any government agency calls for the procurement of digital technology equipment. It suggests that it is not.

Procurement practices are transparent, as most respondents say that about 68% want public awareness and policies regarding data privacy that require governments to adopt user-friendly documents posted on websites. I think I have to.

Respondents to the survey questions were selected from counties including Bonn, Montserrado, Nimba, Bassa, and Margibi.

A total of 400 people (200 direct interviews, 200 online interviews) participated in the survey, 30% of whom were women and 70% were men.

The report recommends that the government take action to raise public awareness of the procurement of digital technology.

It also emphasizes the need to pass data protection legislation in that country.

The report, which also evaluated the existing legal system governing the acquisition of digital technology and the level of knowledge of Liberians related to digital technology, was published on June 8, 2021 by the Center for Media Studies and Peacebuilding, which held a special session of the day. Was previously verified. With representatives of civil society organizations, the media, and students from the Procurement Department of United Methodist University (UMU) and the University of Liberia.