Yamoussoukro, Ivory Coast – (African Boulevard News) – In a move that could reshape the lucrative passport market in Ivory Coast, President Alassane Ouattara has announced plans to launch a call for tenders to produce passports. This decision comes as SNEDAI, the company owned by the powerful speaker of parliament, Adama Bictogo, has held the passport production contract since 2009.
The passport market in Ivory Coast is highly profitable, with thousands of citizens and foreigners requiring this important travel document each year. Currently, SNEDAI has a monopoly on passport production, leading to concerns about transparency and fair competition in the industry.
President Ouattara’s proposal aims to address these concerns by inviting other companies to participate in the tender process. This move is expected to introduce much-needed competition and pave the way for a more efficient and transparent passport production system. It also aligns with the government’s commitment to enhancing governance and promoting accountability in all sectors.
The call for tenders will provide an opportunity for local and international companies to showcase their expertise in passport production. This could potentially lead to the involvement of technologically advanced companies with extensive experience in the field. The introduction of new players may also result in improved quality standards and faster processing times for citizens and foreigners seeking passports.
Industry experts have praised President Ouattara’s decision, emphasizing the importance of fair competition in the passport market. Mamadou Toure, a renowned business leader in Ivory Coast, stated, “Opening up the market to other players will ensure accountability and foster innovation. It is a positive step toward promoting a more competitive and efficient passport production system.”
However, critics argue that the involvement of SNEDAI’s owner in the current contract raises concerns about favoritism and potential conflicts of interest. They emphasize the need for a transparent and unbiased tender process to ensure fairness and equal opportunity for all participants.
In conclusion, President Ouattara’s plan to launch a call for tenders in the passport market is a significant development in Ivory Coast. It aims to introduce competition, enhance transparency, and promote accountability in passport production. As the country moves forward with this process, it is essential to ensure a fair and unbiased tender process that will ultimately benefit the citizens and foreigners requiring passports in Ivory Coast.
Sources:
– Ouattara plans tender call for lucrative passport market, Africa Intelligence, [URL]
– Ivory Coast Ouattara plans tender call for lucrative passport market, Google Search, [URL]
