The National Public Procurement Authority (NPPA) soft-launched the Procurement Requisition and Bid Publication modules of the Salone Electronic Government Procurement (e-GP) System on Tuesday, 7 July 2026. The ceremony, held at the NPPA e-GP Conference Room on OAU Drive, Tower Hill, Freetown, marks a significant step in the Government of Sierra Leone’s broader digital transformation agenda. This initiative shows the government's commitment to modernizing public services and enhancing operational efficiency across its various departments. Chief Fodie J. Konneh officially declared the new modules open for public use, aiming to enhance transparency, accountability, efficiency, and value for money in the nation's procurement processes. This launch represents a key moment for public sector operations in Sierra Leone, setting a new standard for how government procurement will be conducted.
System Functionality and Goals
The newly launched modules include the Procurement Requisition Module, which streamlines the electronic initiation, review, and approval of procurement requests. This module is designed to simplify and accelerate the internal processes involved in preparing and submitting procurement needs. Dr. Mohamed Baba Turay, Director of ICT/e-GP at the NPPA, stated that this module allows institutions to manage procurement activities more efficiently, ensuring that requests are handled with greater speed and accuracy from inception to approval. The implementation of this module is expected to significantly reduce bureaucratic delays and improve the overall flow of procurement activities within government agencies.
Additionally, the Bid Publication Module facilitates the smooth online publication of procurement opportunities. This module provides a centralized platform where all public tenders and bidding information can be easily accessed by potential suppliers and contractors. Dr. Turay emphasized that this module makes bidding information more accessible to a wider range of market participants, concurrently promoting open competition and fairness within the procurement process. By increasing visibility and ease of access, the system aims to attract a more diverse pool of bidders, fostering a competitive environment that ultimately benefits the public. Both modules aim to enhance transparency and efficiency in Sierra Leone's public procurement system, laying the groundwork for a more strong and accountable framework.
Support and Collaboration
The World Bank is providing key support for the Accountable Governance for Basic Service Delivery (AGBSD) Project in Sierra Leone, within which the e-GP system plays a vital role. The Electronic Government Procurement System has been described as one of the most transformative public sector initiatives receiving World Bank backing, noting its potential to bring about significant positive change. This successful soft launch reflects a collaborative effort involving several key stakeholders. These include the Government of Sierra Leone, which has provided the strategic vision and political will; the National Public Procurement Authority (NPPA), responsible for the system's implementation and oversight; the World Bank, offering financial and technical assistance; Perago, a technology partner; I.T. Warehouse, another critical technology provider; and Mr. Alie Bangura, whose contributions were instrumental to the project's success. This multi-stakeholder partnership shows the national and international commitment to modernizing Sierra Leone's public procurement landscape.
Vision for Procurement
The National Public Procurement Authority (NPPA) has taken a significant step towards establishing a fully integrated electronic government procurement system. This initiative represents a core component of the NPPA's long-term strategy to modernize and improve public procurement practices across the nation. This ambitious project aims to create a procurement environment characterized by increased speed, fairness, and inclusivity. The NPPA is actively working to ensure that the system is not only efficient but also accessible to all eligible businesses, regardless of their size or location. Through these efforts, the NPPA seeks to build greater confidence among the Sierra Leonean people in the public procurement process, demonstrating a commitment to good governance and responsible use of public funds. The ultimate goal is to foster a system that is transparent, equitable, and serves the best interests of the country.
Official Statements
The new modules are specifically designed to enhance transparency, accountability, efficiency, and value for money in public procurement. These improvements are critical for building public trust and ensuring that government spending yields optimal results. The system is intended to simplify procurement procedures, making them easier to navigate for both government agencies and potential suppliers. By standardizing processes and providing clear guidelines, the e-GP system aims to reduce complexity and potential for errors. It seeks to improve competition by providing equal access to information and opportunities for all qualified bidders. This increased competition is expected to drive down costs and improve the quality of goods and services procured. Officials anticipate that these measures will strengthen transparency across all transactions, reduce opportunities for corruption, and ultimately deliver better value for public funds, directly benefiting the citizens of Sierra Leone.