By Christian.conteh@awokonewspapersl.com
Freetown, Sierra Leone –A new analysis of Sierra Leone’s government procurement data for 2023 shows a wide disparity in contract volumes and values among the top 20 government suppliers, raising questions about procurement strategy, contract packaging, and cost efficiency.
At the top of the list is Broad Engineering and Construction Company (SL) Limited, which received three high-value contracts totaling Le3.49 billion, an average of more than Le1.16 billion per contract.
In stark contrast, INDEX Enterprises, which executed the highest number of contracts (80), earned just Le555 million or approximately Le6.9 billion per contract indicating significantly smaller project scopes.
DEL Enterprises and Liverpool Investment Company Ltd also stood out, securing Le970 million (12 contracts) and Le414 million (13 contracts), respectively. Other high earners included UPS and E Construction and Electricals (Le554 million) and Khallam Engineering (Le464 million).
The diversity of businesses involved from major construction firms to small auto parts dealers, reflects both the complexity of government operations and the spread of procurement across sectors.
One unusual entry, Good God Auto Spares, received Le215 million for 19 transactions, possibly indicating ongoing vehicle maintenance or supply contracts.
A Freetown based economist noted: “The wide range of contract sizes in the data suggests government agencies are sourcing everything from multimillion-leone engineering works to everyday supplies. What needs closer scrutiny is whether these contract awards are competitive, transparent, and represent good value.” CC/10/6/2025
