Strengthening Benin's Public Financial Accountability

A team of international experts conducted a successful two-week mission to Cotonou in May under the GIZ-funded ReFORME project. The mission was part of the ongoing efforts to strengthen public financial management and good governance in Benin.

The GOPA Worldwide Consultants team organised and facilitated a seven-day workshop with the Court of Accounts (CoA). The main objective was the adoption of five essential audit manuals developed by the team over the past five months:

• Guide on Jurisdictional Control
• Compliance Audit Guide
• Performance Audit Guide
• State Accounts Certification Guide
• Guide on the Oversight of the Implementation of the Finance Law

These manuals are designed to provide the CoA with practical and methodological tools to improve the quality and consistency of its audits, in line with international standards.

The workshop concluded with a ceremony attended by the Secretary General and Deputy President of the Court of Accounts, marking a significant milestone in Benin’s public finance reform. On this occasion, the GOPA team and GIZ representatives formally handed over 21 computers, fully equipped with the necessary software and hardware, to the Court’s education centre and its various chambers. GOPA’s team managed the entire tendering process and financed the purchase, ensuring the Court’s staff have the tools needed to implement the new manuals effectively.

About the Project

The ReFORME project (“Appui à la réforme des finances publiques pour l’atteinte des ODD et le renforcement de la mobilisation des recettes de l’État”) is implemented by GIZ, the German development agency, and aims to enhance transparency and efficiency in Benin’s public financial management. The project supports both national and local budget cycles, focusing on good governance, capacity building, and the operationalization of the Court of Accounts, which plays a critical role in controlling public accounts, certifying state accounts, and auditing public programs.

GOPA’s Role

As the main contractor, GOPA is responsible for providing expert advice, developing training systems, organising workshops, and supplying necessary equipment to the Court of Accounts and the National Assembly. Our team is tasked with strengthening the capacities of these institutions to improve budgetary control and public participation, in accordance with international best practices and the project's objectives.