NPPA Makes Electronic Procurement Mandatory for 16 Public Institutions
Kanja Sesay The National Public Procurement Authority (NPPA) has announced the mandatory use of the Electronic Government Procurement (e-GP) System across 16 public institutions in Sierra Leone, effective November 1, 2026, as part of efforts to strengthen transparency, accountability and efficiency in public spending.
The directive, contained in Public Notice Circular No. 03 of 2026, requires the affected institutions to conduct and document their applicable procurement activities exclusively through the government’s electronic procurement platform.
The 16 institutions include the Ministries of Finance, Health, Basic and Senior Secondary Education, Technical and Higher Education, and Works and Public Assets. Others are the Accountant-General’s Department, National Revenue Authority, National Social Security and Insurance Trust (NASSIT), Integrated Health Project Administration, Bank of Sierra Leone, Audit Service Sierra Leone, Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority (EDSA), Sierra Leone Roads Authority (SLRA), Freetown City Council, Anti-Corruption Commission and the NPPA itself.
According to the Authority, the implementation is in line with Section 28(2)(b) of the Public Procurement Act, 2016, and the Electronic Government Procurement Policy Framework launched in November 2024.
The NPPA said the electronic system is expected to improve the monitoring and documentation of procurement transactions, encourage fair competition among suppliers and contractors, reduce administrative delays and help public institutions achieve better value for money when purchasing goods, works and services.
The circular also outlines procedures for institutions that may be unable to use the electronic platform. Such entities are required to submit a written request to the NPPA, explaining the circumstances and providing supporting justification before conducting procurement outside the system.
The Authority stressed that technical difficulties, limited access or other operational challenges would not automatically justify using alternative procurement arrangements. Institutions must obtain the NPPA’s approval for a waiver, except where existing legal or regulatory provisions expressly allow otherwise.
The Authority has urged heads of institutions, accounting officers and procurement units to prepare their personnel and establish the necessary arrangements to ensure compliance with the directive. It also said technical assistance and guidance would be available to support the transition.
The NPPA warned that failure to comply could result in procurement activities being declared non-compliant with Sierra Leone’s procurement laws and regulations, potentially attracting administrative or other measures permitted under the law.
The circular was signed by NPPA Chief Executive Officer Fodie J. Konneh (MCIPS). The Authority reaffirmed its commitment to working with public institutions to promote transparent and accountable procurement practices.