Thursday, February 16, 2023
Press Statement
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
BudgIT Launches Operations in Senegal
BudgIT, a leading civic-tech organization that facilitates civic and institutional engagements in Africa through the use of technology, has officially commenced operations in Senegal. This development follows the organization’s successful expansion to Liberia, Ghana, and Sierra Leone since 2020.
In 2022, BudgIT collaborated with Enda Lead Francophone Africa (LEAD) to track the use of COVID-19 donations to Senegal under its COVID-19 Transparency and Accountability Project (CTAP). “Our experience tracking COVID-19 donations necessitated the need to enhance citizens’ awareness of the annual national budgets to increase transparency and accountability in Senegal,” said Abiola Afolabi, International Growth Manager at BudgIT.
It’s important for people to understand how public money is managed and spent, and they should also be able to participate in the budgeting process. This helps to keep the spirit of democracy alive. According to Afolabi, BudgIT will initiate its budget access program to equip citizens with essential information about budget line item provisions and how it affects them. This will enhance government accountability and, ultimately, service delivery across the nation.
Without a doubt, BudgIT’s presence in Senegal will strengthen technology and innovations to increase citizen engagement with the government. We will develop an online engagement platform where citizens, the media, CSOs, and the government can access simplified budgetary information.
Signed
International Growth Manager