The Permanent Inter-State Committee for Drought Control in the Sahel (CILSS) entrusted DEV4U with the design and implementation of SIIGO (Système Intégré d’Information pour la Gestion des Opérations), a fully integrated information system engineered to modernize and streamline the organization’s operational management.

The system was conceived entirely by DEV4U following an extensive feasibility study, built on in-depth interviews with stakeholders across CILSS headquarters (Ouagadougou), INSAH (Bamako), and AGRHYMET (Niamey). This co-design approach ensured that SIIGO responded directly to the institution’s real operational challenges—ranging from fragmented legacy tools to highly paper-based processes.

SIIGO is structured as a modular, cloud-based SaaS platform supporting multi-site collaboration, resilience, and scalability. Its architecture combines a central web platform with mobile applications for offline operations, RESTful APIs (JSON) for system interoperability (e.g., integration with TomPro financial software), and secure authentication mechanisms including HTTPS, VPN restrictions, and two-factor authentication. The design emphasizes interconnected workflows, replacing manual processes with digitalized, traceable, and auditable procedures across finance, HR, monitoring & evaluation, procurement, project management, and document capitalisation.

The platform integrates 19 functional modules, including:

1. Mail & Activity Management (Memos) – digitalising approval chains to eliminate paper-based bottlenecks.
2. Capitalisation & Digital Libraries – centralising project knowledge and ensuring long-term accessibility of outputs.
3. Monitoring & Evaluation – automating indicators, reports, and dashboards aligned with CILSS strategy.
4. Recruitment & HR Tools – supporting staff lifecycle, timesheets, and service requests.
5. Projects, Partnerships, and Procurement Modules – providing unified management of conventions, suppliers, and donors (PTFs).
6. Cross-cutting Administration and Communication Modules – strengthening governance, collaboration, and visibility across sites.

DEV4U’s approach prioritised user adoption and change management. The project included participatory design workshops, beta-testing phases, tailored UX/UI interfaces, and comprehensive training combined with video tutorials for sustainability. To mitigate connectivity issues in the Sahelian context, offline functionality was embedded, allowing activities and correspondence to be captured on mobile devices and synchronised once internet access is restored.

By consolidating disparate tools into one unified digital ecosystem, SIIGO represents a paradigm shift for CILSS: improving efficiency, reducing operational delays, securing institutional memory, and enhancing transparency for both internal governance and external donors. The system also provides the technical foundation for future expansion, ensuring long-term sustainability and adaptability to evolving regional needs.

Project URL: siigo-cilss.dev4u.eu