Freetown, March 24, 2026. The National Public Procurement Authority (NPPA) has taken a significant step forward in its digital transformation drive with a high-level leadership engagement featuring the demonstration of key modules of the Electronic Government Procurement (E-GP) system.
The session was called to order by Sylvester B. Allieu, who welcomed participants and set the tone for the engagement. He emphasized the importance of the meeting in advancing the Authority’s digital procurement reforms and ensuring leadership alignment ahead of the next phase of implementation.
Outlining the purpose of the meeting, the E-GP Local Consultant, Mr. Alie Bangura, stated that the engagement was convened for the demonstration of the Procurement Planning Module and the Price Norm Survey Module. “This session is intended to provide leadership with a clear understanding of these modules as we prepare for their official launch,” he noted. He further explained that the initiative builds on the successful rollout of the Supplier Registration Module, which is now fully operational. “We are seeking leadership awareness and readiness as we transition fully into the next phase of the E-GP system,” he added.
Providing an overview of the initiative, the Project Coordinator of the Accountable Governance for Basic Service Delivery (AGBSD) project, Mr. Adams Tommy, traced the formation and evolution of the project. He explained that AGBSD has funded several key governance reforms, including the E-GP system at NPPA. “Among all the reforms supported under AGBSD, the E-GP system stands out as one of the most critical,” he emphasized. He disclosed that the first phase of the project is expected to conclude in 2027 and commended NPPA for expanding the number of pilot Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) from seven to fifteen. “This expansion demonstrates strong institutional commitment and broadens the impact of the reform,” he added, expressing optimism ahead of the demonstration.
In his opening remarks, the Chief Executive Officer of NPPA, Mr. Fodie J. Konneh, expressed excitement about the progress of the E-GP system and commended the Authority for maintaining one of the most active institutional websites in the country, as recognized by a media analyst. He called for the full integration of the NPPA website into the E-GP system to enhance accessibility and transparency. “We must ensure that our website is fully integrated into the E-GP platform to enhance accessibility and transparency,” he urged.
The CEO extended appreciation to the AGBSD project, the Ministry of Finance, the vendors (Perago & I.T. Warehouse represented by Mr. Sylvester Palmer), the E-GP local consultant, the E-GP/ICT team and the entire Management and Staff of NPPA for their continued support. Reflecting on the early challenges of the project, he noted that significant difficulties existed prior to his assumption of office. “When I assumed office, the project faced numerous challenges, but we were able to bring all stakeholders onboard and move the project at a very fast pace,” he stated. He revealed that over 65 percent of the modules have now been customized to suit Sierra Leone’s procurement environment. “Today, more than 65 percent of the modules are fully customized,” he affirmed, adding that with support from the Ministry of Finance and the World Bank, skilled local professionals have been integrated into the E-GP team.
Highlighting progress made, he noted that the Supplier Registration Module has already been successfully launched. “Suppliers can now complete their registration and receive their certificates seamlessly,” he said. He encouraged NPPA staff to remain committed and proactive. “I urge all staff—technical, professional, and support—to remain dedicated as we continue to drive this reform forward,” he emphasized.
Underscoring the importance of procurement planning, the CEO described the Procurement Planning Module as a major milestone. “For years, manual procurement planning has been a serious challenge, often leading to delays and audit queries,” he observed. He stressed that the transition to an electronic system will significantly improve efficiency. “With this system, procurement planning will become seamless, transparent, and accessible at any time, provided there is internet connectivity,” he explained, adding that the innovation will help minimize perennial audit issues.
He concluded by reaffirming his commitment to the project. “I will personally spearhead and fast-track this process to ensure that all obstacles are removed ahead of the full rollout,” he assured, while thanking the entire team for their dedication.
Also speaking at the session, the Director of ICT/E-GP at NPPA, Dr. Mohamed Baba Turay, expressed appreciation to the local consultant, the AGBSD Project Coordinator, and the entire implementation team. “We are grateful for the collaboration and technical support that has brought us this far,” he said. He recalled that extensive training sessions have already been conducted for both NPPA staff and pilot MDAs. “We have trained users on the Supplier Registration, Procurement Planning, and Price Norm modules, and this has laid a solid foundation for effective implementation,” he noted.
The session culminated in a live demonstration by the E-GP team, showcasing the functionalities of the Procurement Planning and Price Norm Survey modules. The demonstration marked another critical milestone in NPPA’s journey toward full digitalization, reinforcing its commitment to transparency, efficiency, and accountability in public procurement in Sierra Leone.
For more on this or any other issues, contact us on: info@nppa.gov.sl
