When the West African Institute for Financial and Economic Management (WAIFEM) convened its regional training on Procurement and Contract Management, one of the standout moments came from Sierra Leone’s own Chief Fodie J. Konneh, Chief Executive Officer of the National Public Procurement Authority.
Joining the session virtually, Chief Konneh engaged more than fifty participants drawn from across West Africa. The atmosphere, though online, felt like a real gathering of minds, with practitioners eager to learn, exchange ideas, and strengthen the systems that safeguard public resources in their respective countries.
Chief Konneh brought with him the weight of over fifteen years of professional experience in the procurement arena. His journey, ranging from managing complex, multi-million-dollar public projects to building compliance frameworks and guiding government institutions, has shaped him into one of the region’s most respected voices in public procurement.
As he spoke, it became clear why he is often described as a steady, knowledgeable, and forward-thinking leader. He didn’t just lecture; he shared lived experience. He drew on real scenarios, lessons learned, and the realities faced by procurement officers and regulators on the ground.
His presentation, titled “Strategies for Identifying and Selecting Suitable Suppliers/Contractors,” was more than a technical walkthrough. It was a practical guide, rooted in the Public Procurement Act 2016 and the Public Procurement Regulations 2020, yet enriched with global best practices and on-the-job wisdom.
Participants were taken through the entire procurement journey:
- from governance and ethical conduct,
- to market analysis and supplier intelligence,
- to pre-qualification and due diligence,
- method selection and dossier preparation,
- evaluation models and Total Cost of Ownership,
- contract award and supplier onboarding,
- and finally, the long-term work of managing supplier relationships.
What resonated most was his emphasis on transparency and fairness, values he believes are non-negotiable in public procurement. He reminded the audience that behind every contract is a public service, a citizen waiting for an improved system, and a government striving for trust.
Participants responded with enthusiasm, appreciating the clarity, realism, and accessibility of his teaching. Many expressed that his insights bridged the gap between theory and practice—an area where practitioners often struggle.
For the NPPA, sessions like these reflect the Authority’s growing role in shaping procurement standards not just at home, but across the region. And for Sierra Leone, it is another reminder that its procurement leadership is increasingly recognized and respected beyond its borders.
NPPA continues to champion accountability, value-for-money, and institutional excellence; one engagement at a time.
For more information on the activities of NPPA, please contact the Communications and Outreach Unit at: info@nppa.gov.sl or visit our website at: www.nppa.gov.sl.
