The role of ICT in enhancing transparency in public funds management in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Abstract

ICT includes any communication device namely radio, television, cell phones, computer, and satellite systems that retrieve, store, manipulate, receive, or transmit information electronically in digital form. Transparency refers to openness and honesty, and is considered as a pillar of good governance. ICT is actually applied for the purpose of increasing efficiency, citizen participation and transparency in government procedures and functions. Using the Capabilities, Empowerment, and Sustainability (CES) Model, this research investigates how ICT can be used to enhance transparency in public funds management in the DRC. It investigated processes in place for public funds collection and allocation; identified the challenges related to the implementation of ICT for improving transparency in public funds collection and allocation; and establishes the determinants of ICT for transparency in public funds management. At the national level, interviews were conducted with government officials from the National Ministry of Finance and the National Ministry of Budget. At the Provincial level, interviews were conducted with government officials from the Provincial Ministry of Finance and the Provincial Ministry of Budget and tax officials from the institutions that are concerned with funds collection (DGRAD, DGI and DPMER). Findings revealed that there are few mechanisms in place to ensure transparency in public funds collection and ICT is not used in public funds collection and allocation. Further, findings revealed that the challenges of using ICT for public funds collection and allocation are political, socio-economic and technical. In addition, findings revealed that there are lack of mechanisms to ensure the implementation of ICT in public funds collection and allocation and the barriers of using ICT in public funds collection and allocation were presented. Furthermore, findings revealed that there is a lack of formal mechanisms to inform the community about the taxes and ICT is not used in any process of paying taxes within the community. The barriers of using ICT in the community were presented and solutions were provided to ensure the use of ICT for public funds management. This research suggests a framework for the adoption of ICT to enhance transparency in Public Funds Management in the DRC.