Quand un Groupe allemand de technologie de pointe dénonce et lutte contre la corruption en Algérie

Abdou Semmar

26 May 202417:57

Summary

TLDRThe script recounts the story of a German electronics giant, Rohde & Schwarz, facing difficulties and sabotage in Algeria. Despite being a leader in digital transmission and a key economic partner, the company has struggled with opaque financial practices that undermine its interests in Algeria. Since 2021, Rohde & Schwarz has openly fought against corruption and poor governance, highlighting the challenges faced by foreign investors in Algeria. The company's efforts to secure a contract for digital broadcasting equipment were met with resistance, leading to a canceled tender in 2022. This case underscores the broader issues of corruption and lack of transparency in Algeria's public tender processes, impacting the country's development and citizens' access to media.

Takeaways

🇩🇪 Germany has been a significant economic partner to Algeria since its independence, with Siemens being one of the first foreign investors.
📈 German companies have been instrumental in developing Algeria's economy through technology transfer and industrial activities.
🤖 The narrative focuses on a German electronics giant, Rodos Schwarz, known for its technological prowess in cybersecurity, network technology, and digital broadcasting.
🏆 Rodos Schwarz is a leading global manufacturer of TV transmitters and is specialized in digital broadcasting, including satellite transmission.
🌐 The company has a strong presence in the Middle East and North Africa, operating under the name RSM MEA, and has been working in Algeria for many years.
🛡️ Rodos Schwarz's equipment is crucial for the implementation of 5G technology, being the only manufacturer of transmitters adapted for 5G upgrades.
📡 Algeria has been transitioning from analog to digital broadcasting since 2013, aiming to develop digital terrestrial television (DTT).
🏢 TDA (Télédiffusion Algérie) is a state-owned company under the supervision of the Ministry of Communication, responsible for operating and diffusing Algerian public radio and TV programs.
💸 Rodos Schwarz faced difficulties and perceived sabotage in Algeria, leading the company to protest against unfair financial practices and opaque bidding processes.
🇪🇸 A Spanish company, Egatel, won the bid for 42 transmitters for digital TV coverage in UHF, despite Rodos Schwarz offering a better proposal.
📚 The German company's protests led to the market being re-evaluated, highlighting issues of corruption, bad governance, and lack of transparency in Algeria's public tenders.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the video script?
-The main topic of the video script is the story of a German company, R&S (Rohde & Schwarz), and its struggles with corruption, bad governance, and opaque financial practices in Algeria.
Why is the German company R&S mentioned in the script?
-R&S is mentioned because it is a leading global electronics company that has been facing difficulties and sabotage in Algeria, particularly in securing contracts for digital broadcasting equipment.
What is R&S known for in the electronics industry?
-R&S is known for being a technological leader in various sectors, including cyber security, network technology, and digital transmission, particularly in the manufacture of TV transmitters and equipment for digital terrestrial television (DTT).
What is the role of TDA (Télédiffusion Algérie) in this context?
-TDA is a state-owned Algerian company responsible for the operation and dissemination of Algerian public radio and television programs, both domestically and abroad. It is involved in the procurement process for digital broadcasting equipment.
What has been the history of R&S's involvement with Algeria?
-R&S has been working in Algeria for many years, notably with the Ministry of National Defense and other government bodies, providing state-of-the-art equipment for digital broadcasting and 5G technology.
What is the significance of the cancellation of the contract for TV transmitters in 2014 and its impact on R&S?
-The cancellation of the contract, which was initially worth 1.5 million euros, caused significant difficulties for R&S, as they were the leading candidate with the best offer. The cancellation led to a prolonged dispute and protest from R&S.
What was the outcome of R&S's protests against the Algerian authorities regarding the handling of the contract?
-R&S's protests led to the market being declared invalid and the need to restart the bidding process. However, in 2022, the Algerian authorities decided to cancel the market entirely, citing the general interest.
What are the implications of the cancellation of the TV transmitter contract for the Algerian population?
-The cancellation of the contract implies that many Algerians living in shadow zones may continue to lack access to television and radio broadcasting, thus depriving them of their right to information and media access.
What does the script suggest about the relationship between German companies and Algeria post-independence?
-The script suggests that German companies, particularly R&S, have been supportive of Algeria's economic development post-independence, investing in technology transfer and industrial activities.
What is the broader message conveyed by the script regarding corruption and governance in Algeria?
-The script conveys a message of concern over corruption, bad governance, and lack of transparency in Algeria, particularly in the context of public contracts and the impact on the development and well-being of the Algerian population.

Outlines

00:00

🇩🇪 German-Algeria Economic Relations and RWE's Challenges

This paragraph introduces the strong economic ties between Algeria and Germany, highlighting Siemens as a significant early investor post-independence. It then shifts focus to a particular German electronics giant, RWE, which is facing difficulties and sabotage in Algeria. The company has decided to take action, reaching out to Algerian authorities to protest against corrupt financial practices that undermine its interests. The narrative emphasizes the company's technological prowess, its global presence in various sectors, and its specialization in digital broadcasting and cyber security. RWE is recognized as a world leader in TV transmitter manufacturing and is known for the reliability of its products. The paragraph also mentions its subsidiary, RSM MEA, which operates in the Middle East and North Africa and has been working in Algeria for many years, notably with the Ministry of National Defense.

05:00

📡 TDA's Role in Algerian Broadcasting and RWE's Struggles

This section delves into the technical challenges of broadcasting across Algeria's vast territory, including shadow zones where radio and TV signals are inaccessible. It introduces TDA (Télédiffusion Algérie), a state-owned company under the Ministry of Communication, responsible for operating and diffusing Algerian public radio and TV programs. TDA's mission is critical in ensuring nationwide coverage, including satellite broadcasting abroad. The paragraph discusses the difficulties faced by RWE, which has been trying to supply transmitters for digital broadcasting since 2014. The tender process has been fraught with issues, including a freeze and subsequent cancellation, and a significant reduction in the budget for the project from 1.5 million euros to just 42 transmitters instead of the originally planned 100.

10:01

🛑 Cancellation of the Tender and RWE's Protests

The narrative continues with the account of the tender process for the supply of transmitters, which was initially won by the Spanish company Egatel over RWE, despite the latter's superior technology and reputation. RWE protested the decision, asserting that the awarding process was not fair or legal. After two appeals, the specialized market commission ruled in favor of RWE, declaring the need to relaunch the tender for fair competition. However, in a surprising turn of events, TDA decided to cancel the market entirely in July 2022, citing the 'general interest'. This move shocked RWE, which had been actively protesting and seeking redress through various Algerian authorities, including the Ministry of Communication and the embassies.

15:02

🏛 Reflections on Corruption, Governance, and the Impact on Algerian Society

The final paragraph reflects on the implications of the tender's cancellation, suggesting that it represents a sabotage of Algeria's development due to corrupt practices and opaque governance. It argues that by not acquiring the necessary equipment to improve broadcasting coverage, Algerian authorities are depriving citizens in shadow zones of their right to access television and radio, thus infringing on their right to information and well-being. The paragraph commends RWE for its courage to fight against corruption and its commitment to Algeria's digital development, contrasting this with the self-serving actions of Algerian leaders. It raises questions about the role of justice and the government's accountability in addressing this issue, expressing skepticism about any meaningful change.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Algeria

Algeria is a country in North Africa known for its vast territory and rich history. In the context of this video, it is portrayed as having a significant economic partnership with Germany, particularly post-independence. The script mentions Algeria's efforts to develop its economy with the help of German investments and technology transfers, highlighting the country's reliance on foreign support for technological advancements.

💡Germany

Germany is a Western European country with a strong economy and a history of technological innovation. Within the video's narrative, Germany is depicted as one of Algeria's most important economic partners, especially after Algeria's independence. The script emphasizes the role of German companies like Siemens and罗德Schwarz in contributing to Algeria's economic and technological development.

💡Siemens

Siemens is a global powerhouse in electronics and electrical engineering, headquartered in Germany. The script refers to Siemens as the first foreign investor in Algeria, illustrating the company's early and significant involvement in the country's post-independence economic growth.

💡罗德Schwarz (Rohde & Schwarz)

罗德Schwarz is a leading German manufacturer of electronics and technology, specializing in fields such as broadcasting, cybersecurity, and aerospace. The video discusses the company's struggles and alleged sabotage in Algeria, where it has been operating for many years and has faced difficulties due to what it perceives as unfair practices in public tenders.

💡Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity refers to the protection of internet-connected systems, including hardware, software, and data, from attack, damage, or unauthorized access. The script mentions that 罗德Schwarz is specialized in cybersecurity, indicating the company's expertise in creating secure network systems and its role as a global technological leader in this field.

💡Digital Broadcasting

Digital broadcasting is the transmission of television and radio signals in a digital format, as opposed to the traditional analog format. The video discusses Algeria's transition from analog to digital broadcasting since 2013, highlighting the need for specialized equipment like transmitters to facilitate this shift.

💡5G Technology

5G is the fifth generation of mobile networks, offering faster speeds, lower latency, and more reliable connections compared to previous generations. The script notes that 罗德Schwarz is a specialist in 5G technology, having manufactured transmitters adapted for its use, which is crucial for Algeria's advancement in digital communication infrastructure.

💡Public Tenders

Public tenders are the process by which governments or public entities invite bids from suppliers or contractors for the supply of goods or services. The video script discusses issues with public tenders in Algeria, where 罗德Schwarz alleges unfair practices and corruption that have affected its ability to secure contracts for supplying broadcasting equipment.

💡Corruption

Corruption refers to dishonest or fraudulent conduct by those in power, typically involving bribery or manipulation for personal gain. The video script implies that corruption is a significant issue in Algeria's public tender processes, with 罗德Schwarz claiming that it has been treated unfairly due to corrupt practices.

💡TDA (Télédiffusion Algérie)

TDA, or Télédiffusion Algérie, is an Algerian state-owned company responsible for broadcasting radio and television programs. The script describes TDA as the entity in charge of Algeria's transition to digital broadcasting and the procurement of necessary equipment, where 罗德Schwarz has faced difficulties in securing contracts.

💡Interest General

The term 'interest general' refers to the overall or common interest, often used in the context of public policy or decision-making. In the video, the Algerian authorities allegedly use the concept of 'interest general' to justify the cancellation of a public tender that 罗德Schwarz was participating in, suggesting a disregard for fair competition and transparency.

Highlights

Germany has been one of the most important supporters of Algeria's economic development after independence.

Siemens was practically the first foreign investor in Algeria.

German companies have always wanted to develop technology and industrial activities in Algeria.

The German company Rohde & Schwarz is facing difficulties and sabotage in Algeria.

Rohde & Schwarz is a global electronics giant specializing in digital broadcasting and cyber security.

Rohde & Schwarz is considered the world's largest manufacturer of TV transmitters.

The company is known for the reliability of its products and is a world leader in its field.

Rohde & Schwarz Middle East and Africa (RSM) has been working in Algeria for many years.

RSM specializes in providing equipment for 5G technology.

Algeria has been moving towards digital terrestrial broadcasting since 2013.

TDA (Télédiffusion Algérie) is a state-owned company responsible for broadcasting Algerian radio and TV programs.

TDA was supposed to buy transmitters from Rohde & Schwarz but the deal was frozen and later canceled.

In 2021, instead of 100 repeaters, TDA decided to buy only 42 due to budget constraints.

Rohde & Schwarz was excluded from the bidding process in favor of a less known Spanish company, Egatel.

The German company protested the decision, claiming it was not legal or in accordance with public procurement codes.

The bidding process was annulled in July 2022, citing the public interest as the reason.

Rohde & Schwarz has been fighting against corruption, opacity, and the trickery of Algerian officials.

The cancellation of the contract is seen as a sabotage of the country's development.

The German company is more concerned about Algeria's public interest than its own officials.

Rohde & Schwarz is ready to support Algeria in its digital development, including a new Media City project.

The case raises questions about the justice system and the role of the Ministry of Communication in overseeing TDA.