"The effectiveness of debt management systems is grossly undermined by incomplete and inaccurate debt data. Interfacing debt management systems with Integrated Financial Management Information Systems (IFMIS) could be the missing link for countries to put in place high data-integrity debt databases".
This was the main theme of the workshop on integrating public financial management solutions which was organised by Crown Agents in London from 19th January to 23rd January 2009. The workshop was designed to appeal to government officials from countries that have or are considering an IFMIS approach to public financial management solutions.
The workshop covered a variety of topics ranging from concepts, processes, technologies and common pitfalls of implementing IFMIS projects to specific details on how debt management systems can be integrated within the IFMIS solution. It was very clear from the discussions that most countries do not consider debt management systems a key component of the IFMIS solution. In addition, countries that have attempted or implemented debt management system interface with IFMIS have adopted a mechanical approach rather than evaluating and changing the debt management business processes to facilitate the integration to IFMIS.
Mr. Lawrence Semakula (Commissioner/Financial Management Services, Government of Uganda), reported that Uganda had earlier implemented a link between its debt management system and the IFMIS system but soon realised that the interface was working as expected. 'We now have a clear understanding of how the interface should be approached and implemented and we are better equipped to put in place the interface' said Mr. Semakula.
Due to the high demand and interest shown for this workshop, Crown Agents will be organising a repeat workshop in June/August 2009 at a venue to be announced later.
In addition to organising workshops on PFM solutions, Crown Agents has extensive experience in providing country specific solutions for integrating debt management systems with IFMIS. For more details on the level of assistance we provide in this area, please contact mac.banda@crownagents.co.uk