The National Public Procurement Authority (NPPA) has convened a stakeholder consultation under the theme “Consolidating Public Procurement Reforms for Efficient Service Delivery,” as part of efforts to review the 2016 Public Procurement Act.

The engagement brought together representatives from government institutions, oversight bodies, private sector actors, civil society, and development partners to examine how Sierra Leone’s procurement system can be strengthened to improve service delivery and accountability.

Speaking at the consultation, NPPA Chief Executive Officer, Foday Konneh, affirmed the importance of inclusive dialogue in driving sustainable reforms. He noted that the review process is intended to gather perspectives from a broad range of stakeholders whose participation is critical to shaping an effective procurement framework.

According to him, strengthening the procurement system cannot be achieved by a single institution, emphasizing the need for collective input from suppliers, contractors, consultants, and the general public. He added that stakeholder experiences and insights would play a key role in determining the direction of future reforms.

Related News

Konneh also highlighted digital transformation as a central component of the reform agenda. He explained that transitioning to electronically enabled procurement systems could enhance transparency, reduce delays, improve record-keeping, and expand access to opportunities.

However, he cautioned that technology alone would not guarantee success, stressing the importance of institutional readiness, capacity building, and sustained commitment.

Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Emmanuel Gaima, Principal Executive Adviser to the President on Public Service and Head of the Public Service Reform Unit, described the review initiative as timely. He commended the NPPA leadership for initiating the process at a time when there are growing demands for stronger institutions and improved accountability in national development.

Dr. Gaima advised that the review should strike a balance between ambition and practicality. He warned against making only minimal amendments to the law, while also cautioning against designing reforms that may be difficult to implement. He called for a process that is technically sound, realistic, and focused on meaningful change.

Also speaking at the event, the Chief Economist at the Ministry of Finance, Alimamy Bangura, emphasized the central role of public procurement in public financial management. He noted that reviewing the existing law presents an opportunity to strengthen accountability mechanisms and build public confidence in government systems.

Bangura further stressed that procurement reform should be viewed within a broader development context, adding that a modernized procurement system could contribute significantly to the government’s overall development objectives.

The consultation forms part of ongoing efforts by the NPPA to assess the effectiveness of the current legal framework and identify areas for improvement. Stakeholders are expected to provide technical input and recommendations that will inform possible amendments to the 2016 Act.

The outcome of the review process is anticipated to support the development of a more transparent, efficient, and inclusive procurement system in Sierra Leone.