The Chief Executive Officer of the National Public Procurement Authority, Fodie J. Konneh, has called for a shift to digital and transparent procurement systems in Sierra Leone.
He made the statement while delivering a keynote address at the 2026 Future-Ready Procurement Seminar held at the University of Makeni. The event brought together students, government officials, and procurement experts to discuss innovation and reforms in the sector.
Konneh said procurement should not be seen as just routine work, but as a key part of governance and national development. He stressed that transparency, accountability, and proper service delivery must be at the centre of all procurement activities.
A major focus of his speech was the need to move from manual systems to electronic government procurement. According to him, digital platforms can improve efficiency, reduce corruption risks, and strengthen public trust in how government funds are used.
He also highlighted the growing role of artificial intelligence in procurement, noting that it can help with data analysis, risk detection, and better decision-making. However, he warned that technology should support human judgment, not replace it.
Konneh further spoke about ongoing reforms at the NPPA, including clearing a backlog of compliance reports and shifting focus to contract monitoring and performance evaluation to ensure value for money.
The seminar included panel discussions with procurement experts and gave students the chance to engage professionals on career opportunities and sector reforms.
In his closing message, Konneh encouraged students to remain ethical, innovative, and ready to adapt to changes in the procurement field as the country moves towards a more digital system.
