The Regulatory Dispute Resolution Committee (CRD) of Togo’s Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (ARCOP Togo) has dismissed allegations of irregularities surrounding the international tender for the Lomé power network extension project (PEREL PLUS). In its decision number 024-2026, issued on June 19, 2026, the CRD concluded that the complaints lodged against the tender process lacked substance.

Thorough investigation clears PEREL PLUS tender process

Two anonymous complaints, filed on March 28 and April 8, 2026, had raised concerns about the transparency and fairness of the tender process managed by the Togolese Electricity Company (CEET). The complaints centered on several alleged irregularities:

• Claims of an unfairly restrictive shortlist without proper prequalification
• Dominance of foreign firms in the bidding process
• Lack of market lot allocation
• Inclusion of excessively stringent qualification criteria

However, the CRD’s investigation uncovered that the tender process was conducted in strict compliance with established regulations. A formal prequalification phase was implemented, narrowing down the field from 15 interested parties to just nine eligible candidates.

International standards and local oversight validate PEREL PLUS project

The tender documents received clearance from both the National Directorate for Public Procurement Control (DNCCP Togo) and the French Development Agency (AFD), which is financing the project. The CRD emphasized that in externally funded initiatives, the rules set by international donors often take precedence over certain national procurement regulations, particularly regarding lot structuring.