Electronic-government procurement challenges in procurement : a case study of Kitwe city council in Zambia

This study investigated the challenges affecting the implementation of electronic government procurement (e-GP) at Kitwe City Council in Zambia. Questionnaires were administered to 100 procurement professionals in the council. The results revealed that 45% of respondents faced challenges in e-GP adoption, including inadequate ICT infrastructure, skills gaps, change resistance and legal misalignment. Regression analysis found that these challenges significantly reduced transparency and accountability in procurement processes. However, the impact on efficiency was mixed, with a polarization of views. Proposed strategies to address implementation challenges favoured legal and regulatory reforms and change management initiatives, followed by ICT and training interventions. Document analysis corroborated findings on planning, training, technical, legal and budgetary constraints impeding e-GP rollout. The study concludes that multidimensional challenges hinder e-GP success at Kitwe City Council, necessitating coordinated legal, policy, change management and capacity-building efforts to realise the benefits of greater efficiency, transparency and accountability in public procurement