Exploring the Challenges in Implementing E-Procurement System in the Tanzanian Public Sector

Increased competition brought about by new technology and the digitalization agenda has necessitated web-based strategies. This study was prompted by the limited adoption of e-procurement in the public sector, in contrast to the broad utilization in private firms to address e-procurement implementation challenges in Tanzania’s public sector organizations. The study population consisted of 578 heterogeneous public entities (PEs) of Tanzania that have been identified as active users of the e-procurement system TANePS. A purposive sampling technique was employed to select 40 participants from the six distinct categories of Tanzania’s Government structure. The interpretivism paradigm was adopted as the research philosophy to guide the qualitative exploratory research study, which was designed as a multiple case study for cross-case data collection from 40 different cases. A theoretical foundation for data analysis and interpretation was guided by constructs from five theories, with the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) model being the dominant theory. Thematic analysis and transcription of in-person interviews were carried out using NVivo 12 software. A sample of 40 Procurement Professionals who were active users of the Tanzania National e-procurement System were interviewed, and their thoughts were constructive for the completion of the present study. Results showed that e-procurement adoption in the public sector is hindered by the system’s inability to integrate with other internal Organizational ICT and Financial management systems, fake suppliers, a lack of competent human resources, and inadequate operational working tools. The study recommends enhancing procurement risk management mechanisms throughout the entire e-procurement system’s lifecycle, revising public procurement laws to prevent a “one-size-fits-all” approach, and integrating capacity-building programs of system adoptions into both long-term studies and short-term seminars as part of the university’s curriculum. Research in the future should focus on environmental issues, deceitful supplier penetration, and leadership.