By Phiwa Sikhondze
In a major step towards improving public financial management, the Minister of Finance, Neal Rijkenberg, has unveiled the Umsebe Integrated Financial Management Information System (IFMIS).
The system, described as a “light of renewal” in the financial sector, aims to bring increased transparency, accountability, and efficiency to how the government manages its finances.
During a Steering Committee meeting held at Sibane Sami Hotel, the Minister emphasized the importance of the project, which is designed to unify the government’s financial processes, improve planning, and budgeting, and enhance real-time data accessibility.
“Umsebe, like the sun’s ray cutting through the darkness, symbolizes light, renewal, and hope in the world of finance,” said Rijkenberg. He further explained that the system would empower organizations with enhanced accounting capabilities and more credible reporting.
The Umsebe project began in May 2024 and is set to roll out in three phases. The first phase, focusing on the Chart of Accounts and the Planning and Budget modules, will go live in October 2024. Phase 2, expected in April 2025, will expand to include the entire government, while Phase 3 in April 2026 will complete the rollout of all modules. Rijkenberg stressed the importance of transparency, urging all stakeholders to work together to ensure the project’s success.
“The sunlight of transparency is dawning on our public finance management. It’s indeed a new day,” he said, encouraging stakeholders to shine a light on all aspects of their work for the greater good.
A key partner in this initiative is the Rwanda Cooperation Initiative (RCI), whose expertise has been instrumental in developing the system. Dr. Willy, Head of the RCI delegation, praised Eswatini for trusting an African solution to an African problem, underscoring the significance of cooperation.
He committed to delivering the project within budget, quality, scope, and time, stating that there are no challenges too big to overcome in the digital transformation journey.
During the meeting, Placide Mukwende, the project manager from RCI, gave an in-depth overview of the system’s functionality, explaining how the Ministry of Economic Development and Planning and the Ministry of Finance will coordinate to improve the allocation of resources.
“The Ministry of Economic Planning & Development creates a roadmap for where the country needs to be, and the Ministry of Finance distributes the necessary resources. The IFMIS system is designed to track these priorities and expenditures transparently and efficiently,” Mukwende said.
He further elaborated on the system’s role in reducing payment delays for suppliers, a common issue in public finance management, saying, “With IFMIS, suppliers will be able to submit invoices digitally, reducing turnaround time and eliminating the need for physical visits to ministries. The system will also track where approvals are pending, enabling real-time accountability,” he explained.
Addressing concerns about fraud and corruption, Mukwende noted that the IFMIS will include controls to prevent ghost workers and suppliers.
“The system will be integrated with the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Trade, and Ministry of Home Affairs to ensure that only genuine companies and individuals are processed. Furthermore, it will require justification for every expenditure, from road construction to asset purchases, ensuring transparency and preventing any financial mismanagement,” he said.
Rijkenberg expressed gratitude to all stakeholders involved, particularly the Public Finance Management (PFM) unit, Treasury, and the Budget Department. He also acknowledged the Ministry of Economic Planning, the Ministry of ICT, and the Royal Science and Technology Park (RSTP) for their support. The Minister reiterated the government’s full commitment to the project and urged stakeholders to remain engaged and proactive throughout the various phases.