EXPLORING THE ROLE OF E-PROCUREMENT IN ENHANCING SUSTAINABLE PROCUREMENT PRACTICES IN RWANDA

This study explores the role of e-procurement in enhancing sustainable procurement practices in Rwanda. Using a descriptive research design, data was collected through structured interviews with stakeholders in government, private sectors, and NGOs, alongside secondary data analysis. Results demonstrate that e-procurement adoption reduced procurement cycle times (e.g., tender advertisement from 15 to 5 days, contract execution from 45 to 15 days, p<0.01) and achieved significant environmental benefits, including a 13-ton reduction in paper usage and 1,700-ton annual decrease in CO2 emissions. Key barriers identified include lack of technical expertise (30%), resistance to change (25%), and high initial costs (20%). The study concludes that e-procurement improves efficiency, transparency, and environmental sustainability, aligning with Rwanda’s development goals. Recommendations include capacity-building programs, ICT infrastructure investments, and stronger regulatory frameworks to integrate sustainability principles into e-procurement processes fully.