Development of electronic procurement with applicability test for the construction sector of Central Ethiopia Regional State

In the era of digitalization, electronic procurement is playing a major role in enhancing the productivity of organizations in the construction sector. Unfortunately, this is not as evident in Ethiopia, and the situation in regional areas is aggravated by distinct challenges. The study aimed to develop an e-procurement system using data from interviews and focus group discussions with IT experts and major construction stakeholders of the Central Ethiopia Regional State. It was noted that the region needs e-procurement to increase transparency, save costs and time, and improve management. To address these needs, a web-based system using JavaScript was suggested, particularly for its security and accessibility attributes. However, a lack of government-based infrastructure and organizational necessities, along with un-equipped staff, were major barriers to e-procurement implementation. Testing the system showed positive sentiment, with average ratings of 99.3% for attainability and 95.67% for functionality. The sector can benefit from e-procurement by creating strong authentication mechanisms, linking with financial organizations, and incorporating timely capacity-building programmes. The study contributed to the development of the e-procurement system as an initial stage for the region’s construction sector.