In its determined fight against corruption, Benin is not relying solely on investigations and sanctions. The government has also chosen to act where corruption often originates: in the corridors of the administration, at the counter, in the long waits that open the door to "petty deals". And it has come up with a strategy to deal with the problem: the dematerialization of public services.
Today, thanks to the www.service-public.bj platform , many administrative procedures can be carried out online, with no physical contact, no hidden fees and no favoritism. And every click becomes a gesture of integrity.
Obtaining an extract from a criminal record, declaring a birth, applying for a building permit, tracking a transport or licensing application: all these services can be accessed in just a few minutes, via the Internet, anywhere in Benin. This digital transformation, initiated by the government, aims to drastically reduce the opportunities for everyday corruption.
The idea is simple: fewer intermediaries, less opacity. More traceability, more fairness.
"Digital does not replace the state, it makes it more accessible, more neutral and more efficient."
This move towards e-government is in line with Benin's commitment to responsible governance. It also meets the country's international commitments, notably those contained in the United Nations Convention against Corruption, which recommends the simplification of procedures, transparency and citizen participation.
Dematerialization reduces queues, undue solicitations and informal payments, and strengthens administrative accountability. It's a structural response to an age-old problem.
But users still need to get to grips with these new tools. Too many citizens continue to go through the back door, paying for what is free, or trusting "contacts" who exploit ignorance or haste.
Hence the need for an awareness campaign to remind people that digital administration is official, reliable and open to all. Better still, it's free in most cases, and allows you to track your requests independently.
A model under construction, a reflex to be developed
Through this modernization, Benin is illustrating itself as an African country that wants to put ethics at the heart of innovation. Dematerialization is not just a matter of technology, it is a reform of mentality, a change of attitude on the part of the State towards its citizens, and of citizens towards their rights.
In short: click, it's your right!
Every click on service-public.bj is an opportunity to refuse corruption.
It's an opportunity to protect your dignity. It saves time. It's a chance to help build a fair and equitable public service.
One click against corruption is more than just a slogan. It's a new way of being a citizen, and a promise of better living together.