An Assessment of the Effect of E-Procurement on Procurement Processes and Efficient Performance in Zambia’s Government Institutions: A Case Study of the Local Government Service Commission

This study aimed at assessing the impact of e-procurement on procurement processes and performance within Zambia’s government institutions, focusing specifically on the Local Government Service Commission (LGSC). The specific objectives were: to examine enhancements in procurement supply chain management facilitated by e-procurement implementation, to assess the impact of e-procurement on service delivery within the LGSC, and to analyze challenges encountered in e-procurement during the procurement processes inherent in the e-GP platform. The study adopted a mixed-method approach, combining both quantitative and qualitative methods to comprehensively assess the impact of e-procurement on procurement processes and efficient performance within Zambia’s government institutions. The study used 50 respondents involved in procurement processes across different levels within the Local Government Service Commission (LGSC) and other government institutions. Data collection methods included questionnaires, interviews, and personal observations conducted in the LGSC, two Ministries, and one Local Council in Lusaka Province. Purposive and simple random sampling were used as techniques. The data analysis involved content analysis techniques to interpret non-numeric data and provide insights into human experiences, perceptions, and behaviors related to e-procurement while excel / SPSS was used for quantitative data. Findings from the study revealed that e-procurement adoption holds significant potential for improving efficiency, transparency, supplier management, cost savings, and data management within government institutions. The findings underscored the policy implications for enhancing e-procurement practices within the LGSC and other government institutions in Zambia. Recommendations included investment in technological infrastructure, promoting a supportive organizational culture, and establishing mechanisms for continuous improvement. Future studies could focus on policy analysis and formulation processes, examining the alignment of e-procurement initiatives with broader national development goals and regulatory frameworks.