Justification for introducing electronic procurement in the public sector in The Gambia

This paper analyses the adoption of electronic procurement (e-procurement) in The Gambia, including perceptions of the stakeholders involved, institutional barriers, and gaps, to anticipate the socio-technical landscape of the country. The research uses qualitative interviews with key stakeholders in government institutions, procurement officers and private sector representatives, to examine contextual realities that mediate the extent to which e-procurement initiatives are viable and sustainable. Evidence has shown that although e-procurement has been considered a means of strengthening transparency, efficiency and accountability in government procurement, the lack of proper infrastructure, poor digital literacy, institutional resistance, and poor regulatory policies hinder effective system deployment. Simultaneously, opportunities can be identified as inclined to reform stakeholder readiness, a chance to reduce corruption, and compliance with the global trends of digital governance. The study concludes that there are specific aspects of e-procurement, such as the need for technological preparedness, institutional adjustment, and stakeholders’ involvement. Policy implications propose a staging, context-specific approach prioritizing capacity building, investing in necessities, and an improved oversight mechanism. To the broader interests of the region and the world, the study is an eye-opener to the concept of local solutions to the digital procurement transformation.