By: Saidu Jalloh
What began as a management study tour by Sierra Leone’s National Public Procurement Authority (NPPA) has evolved into a broader conversation on how Sierra Leone and Liberia can harness digital transformation, institutional learning, and cross-border cooperation to strengthen governance and public financial management across the sub-region.
On the second day of the tour, the NPPA delegation, in partnership with Liberia’s Public Procurement and Concessions Commission (PPCC), visited the Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA) and the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA), before engaging senior officials of the Liberian Government.
The engagements highlighted that the benefits of digital procurement extend beyond procurement institutions. When properly integrated into government systems, electronic government procurement (e-GP) can enhance fiscal discipline, reduce irregularities, improve transparency, and promote greater accountability among public institutions, suppliers, and citizens.
At the Liberia Telecommunications Authority, the delegation was received by Hon. Clarence K. Massaquoi, Chairperson of the LTA, where officials shared the Authority’s experience with the e-GP system.
The LTA disclosed that it began using the platform in the second quarter of 2026 and has since processed 18 procurement packages, completed procurement planning electronically, and awarded eight contracts through the system. Officials also demonstrated how procurement cancellations are managed through the digital platform.
A live demonstration by the Information Technology Unit, supported by presentations from an evaluator and a member of the Procurement Committee, provided the Sierra Leonean delegation with practical insights into how digital technology is transforming procurement processes, from planning and evaluation to approval and contract award.
The engagement further showed how digital systems can strengthen accountability by reducing dependence on manual procedures and creating verifiable records of procurement decisions.
At the Liberia Revenue Authority, the delegation was received by Commissioner General James Dorbor Jallah. The PPCC highlighted Jallah’s previous leadership role within the Commission and his contribution to Liberia’s procurement reform process.
The LRA’s Procurement Director shared lessons from nearly two years of implementing the e-GP platform. While the transition initially presented challenges, including difficulties in securing full adoption by evaluation committee members and suppliers, continuous engagement and training have gradually improved acceptance of the system.
The Authority now uses the platform throughout the procurement cycle, from planning to evaluation. Officials particularly emphasized the importance of audit trails generated by the system, which provide stronger institutional accountability and minimize opportunities for undue influence in procurement processes.
The importance of the study tour was further highlighted through high-level discussions involving NPPA Chief Executive Officer Chief Fodie J. Konneh, his Liberian counterpart, and senior officials of the Government of Liberia.
The delegation met Hon. Samuel A. Stevquoah, Minister of State for Presidential Affairs and Chief of Staff to President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, who reaffirmed the Liberian Government’s commitment to advancing the e-GP reform agenda.
Stevquoah explained that President Boakai has directed all government institutions enrolled in the e-GP system to conduct procurement through the electronic platform rather than returning to manual procedures.
He cited a major procurement process that was suspended by the President until it could be conducted through the e-GP system, demonstrating the level of political commitment attached to digital procurement reform.
Liberia’s experience underscores an important lesson: digital transformation can only succeed when political leadership supports and enforces the adoption of technology across government institutions.
Liberia Draws Lessons from Sierra Leone’s Procurement Reforms
The delegation also held discussions with Hon. Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan, Liberia’s Minister of Finance and Development Planning, who encouraged the PPCC to continue learning from Sierra Leone’s procurement reforms, particularly in the area of decentralization.
Ngafuan identified several challenges affecting Liberia’s procurement system, including low-value purchases, limited access to public contracts by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and experience requirements that may disadvantage emerging contractors.
In response, Chief Fodie J. Konneh suggested that Liberia could consider developing a framework for micro-purchases, subject to approval by the Ministry of Finance and the Accountant General’s Department.
On the participation of less experienced businesses, Konneh proposed that emerging firms could partner with more established companies through joint ventures. Such arrangements, he noted, would allow smaller enterprises to access larger procurement opportunities while building their capacity.
He also suggested the consideration of incentives, margins of preference, and approaches that promote local economic participation and consider geographical factors when awarding contracts.
Ngafuan expressed interest in Sierra Leone’s procurement legislation and requested a copy of the Public Procurement Act. He further encouraged continued collaboration between the NPPA and PPCC to exchange knowledge and strengthen procurement reforms in both countries.
The discussions reinforced a key message from the study tour: digital procurement should not be viewed as merely a technological initiative. Its success depends on political commitment, strong legislation, institutional capacity, effective public financial management, private-sector participation, and cooperation among government institutions.