Assessing Factors Affecting e-Procurement Adoption Among Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Trading in Groceries in Lusaka District

This study assessed factors affecting e-procurement adoption among micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) trading in groceries in the Lusaka district. The study aimed to establish the current status of e-procurement adoption, investigate key factors affecting adoption and propose strategies that would facilitate adoption. Global and regional procurement trends in this sector were reviewed along with challenges and opportunities in e-procurement adoption, emphasizing its bearing on procurement efficiency. For the quantitative portion of the study, stratified sampling was used to come up with a study sample from the target population, after which simple random sampling was used to select respondents from each stratum of MSMEs. Additionally, purposive sampling was used to select the study sample for the qualitative portion of the study. Guided by the technology, organization and environment (TOE) framework, the study employed a sequential explanatory mixed-methods research design starting with a quantitative survey using structured questionnaires, then followed up by one-on-one interviews. Quantitative data was analysed using descriptive statistics, frequency distribution, and regression analysis, while qualitative data was examined through manual thematic analysis. The findings revealed that a moderate level of e-procurement adoption was the most prevalent represented by 39.4% of 348 respondents. These findings suggested that while e-procurement was being utilized, full adoption remained limited with most MSMEs still using traditional procurement means and in the early to moderate stages of adoption. Additionally, the findings presented both the opportunities and challenges that grocery trading MSMEs face. Usability and industry trends were strong enablers, while organizational constraints such as skills gaps, financial constraints and resistance to change emerged as key obstacles for adoption. Based on these insights, the study proposed that MSMEs may consider adopting a phased approach in procurement digitization and investing in employee ICT training. To support this strategy, there would be need for supply-chain wide digital integration, infrastructural enhancements by network providers, capacity building through deliberate ICT training programs tailored to grocery traders and introduction of subsidized digital transformation grants for MSMEs. The study concluded that a well-structured innovation adoption framework, supported by policy and business wide engagement was essential for driving sustainable e-procurement adoption among MSMEs trading in groceries in Lusaka district.