On Thursday, 29th October 2026, the Deputy Minister of Finance I, Madam Kadiatu Allie, formally presented the Public Procurement Bill, 2026, to Parliament. This significant step towards modernizing Sierra Leone's public procurement system follows a review of the Public Procurement Act, 2016, led by the National Public Procurement Authority (NPPA). The review was informed by recommendations from the Methodology for Assessing Procurement Systems (MAPS) assessment.
The Public Procurement Bill, 2026, proposes key reforms to enhance the procurement system. Among these reforms are the accelerated implementation of electronic government procurement (e-GP), professionalization of the procurement workforce, and introduction of the Most Advantageous Evaluated Bid approach. These changes aim to improve the efficiency and transparency of public procurement processes.
The Bill also seeks to expand procurement opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), women-led businesses, and persons with disabilities. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of continuous capacity building for procurement practitioners. By implementing these measures, the Bill aims to promote inclusiveness and fairness in public procurement.
Following its presentation, the Bill will undergo the applicable parliamentary readings and committee scrutiny. During this process, proposed amendments may be considered before Parliament decides on its passage. If approved, the Bill will be submitted to the President for assent and subsequently published in the Sierra Leone Gazette in accordance with constitutional requirements.
The proposed legislation is expected to strengthen procurement governance by promoting transparency, fair competition, and inclusiveness. It aims to improve value for public expenditure and provide a stronger legal framework for ensuring that public procurement contributes more effectively to service delivery and Sierra Leone's national development priorities.
The National Public Procurement Authority (NPPA) led the review of the Public Procurement Act, 2016, which informed the drafting of the Bill by the Law Officers' Department. The NPPA plays a crucial role in overseeing public procurement processes in Sierra Leone. The Ministry of Finance also emphasizes the importance of this Bill in modernizing the country's procurement system.
If passed, the Public Procurement Bill, 2026, will have a significant impact on Sierra Leone's public procurement system. It is expected to enhance transparency, promote fair competition, and provide more opportunities for SMEs, women-led businesses, and persons with disabilities. The Bill's implementation will be a key step towards achieving these goals and improving the overall efficiency of public procurement in Sierra Leone.
Key points
- The Public Procurement Bill, 2026, aims to modernize Sierra Leone's public procurement system by promoting transparency, fair competition, and inclusiveness.
