The Mauritanian government, with financial support from the World Bank, has commissioned Sofrecom to conduct a framing and feasibility study aimed at digitizing government payments. This initiative is part of a broader project to digitize public services.
The Project
Sofrecom's project involved understanding the payments ecosystem and the financial services market in Mauritania, defining an operational model for the digitization of government payments, and proposing a technical solution for this digitization, accompanied by its implementation.
Methodology
Sofrecom's methodology for this project was carried out in three distinct but complementary phases.
Phase 1: Study of Supply and Demand, Infrastructure, and Regulation
The first phase was devoted to an in-depth analysis of supply and demand, as well as existing infrastructure and regulations. This analysis was conducted through an exhaustive documentary review and interviews with key market players. The goal was to provide a precise snapshot of the payments ecosystem in Mauritania, identifying strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats.
Phase 2: Definition of the Digitalization Model for Government Payments
The second phase focused on defining the digitalization model for government payments. To do this, Sofrecom studied digitalization models deployed in other countries, conducting a comparative and exploratory study of existing models. This comparative analysis identified best practices and solutions most suited to the Mauritanian context.
Various digitalization scenarios were then modeled and evaluated using an evaluation grid. This step allowed for recommendations on the operational model to be implemented, taking into account the specificities of the Mauritanian context.
Phase 3: Design of the Deployment Roadmap and Drafting of the Specifications
The third phase consisted of designing the deployment roadmap for the operational model and drafting the specifications for the payment platform. The roadmap provided visibility on the upcoming steps of the project, with an overview of the main tasks to be undertaken. The specifications, on the other hand, provided concrete tools for initiating the deployment of the technical solution.
Benefits to Clients
Sofrecom's support provided several significant benefits to the Mauritanian government.
- Understanding of the Payments Ecosystem: Thanks to a detailed analysis of the payments ecosystem and the financial services market in Mauritania, the government was able to better understand the dynamics at play and the challenges to be met to successfully digitize payments.
- Custom Operational Model: Sofrecom co-built a custom operational model, taking into account the specificities of the Mauritanian context. This model was developed based on best practices observed in other countries, while being adapted to local realities.
- Progressive Deployment Roadmap: The definition of a progressive implementation roadmap allowed the government to have clear visibility on the next steps of the project. This roadmap facilitated the planning and management of the necessary resources for the deployment of the solution.
- Concrete Tools for Deployment: The provision of concrete tools, including the specifications of the solution, facilitated the initiation of the deployment of the payment digitization. These tools provided a structured framework and clear guidelines for the implementation of the technical solution.
In conclusion, Sofrecom's support was crucial for the success of the government payment digitization in Mauritania. With a rigorous methodology and a customized approach, Sofrecom enabled the Mauritanian government to lay the foundations for an efficient and locally adapted digital payment system. This initiative is part of a broader effort to modernize public services, with tangible benefits for the entire Mauritanian population.
