By Hassan Gbassay Koroma
The National Public Procurement Authority, last Friday, launched three documents on the digitalisation of procurement processes in the country. The transformation from manual to digital will help promote transparency and accountability.
The documents include the Sierra Leone Electronic Government Procurement Business Process Reengineering ( BPR), Sierra Leone Electronic Government Procurement (e-GP),Implementation Strategy and the Sierra Leone Electronic Government Procurement Policy Framework.
Giving an overview of the launching ceremony at the Ministry of Finance Conference Hall in Freetown, Deputy Director of Administration and Human Resources, Sylvester B. Allieu, highlited the importance of the documents that will guide and transform public sector procurement in Sierra Leone.
He said the documents will enhance efficient, transparent and accountable public procurement development, supported by the Government of Sierra Leone and the World Bank.
He underscored their commitment to embracing digital innovation as a tool for driving progress.
“The implementation strategy outlines a comprehensive roadmap to transition from manual to electronic procurement processes, ensuring that all stakeholders are adequately equipped and prepared for this transformation,” he said.
He further noted that the business process re-engineering documents offer a clear pathway for optimizing current procurement workflows, reducing inefficiencies, and fostering seamless integration with the new system.
“By leveraging technology, we are laying the foundation for greater transparency, as electronic systems will enable real-time tracking and monitoring of procurement activities. Additionally, the transition will enhance accountability, as every transaction will be documented, accessible, and verifiable. This will not only strengthen trust in public institutions but also attract investment by promoting a fair and competitive procurement environment,” he said.
Chief Executive Officer of NPPA Fodie J Konneh said it is a landmark event for the transformation of the document landscape in the country with the launching of three transformative documents emphasising that the system is a bold and transformative initiative that integrates all aspect of public procurement, including vendors’ registration, annual procurement planning, tendering and contract management.
“It is a unified digital platform design to enhance service delivery, reduce inefficiency, and ensure accountability at every stage of the procurement process. The benefit of the e-GP is transparency, efficiency, and accountability,” he said.
He said the document represent not only their shared vision ,but also a roadmap for implementing a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable electronic government procurement system.
