Stakeholder Engagement and Sustainable Procurement among Multinational Enterprises in Developing Countries: A Case of Nigeria and Kenya

Abstract

Sustainable procurement (SP) serves as a strategic lever within sustainable supply chain management (SSCM), with a significant role in environmental sustainability. Nevertheless, empirical research on SP is limited, especially from developing African countries. This research investigates the role of stakeholders in promoting SP practices among multinational enterprises (MNEs) operating in Africa. The qualitative study is guided by abductive reasoning and incorporates semi-structured interviews with representatives and stakeholders of MNEs operating in Nigeria and Kenya. The findings reveal that SP can be a product of coercive relationships resulting from a power imbalance between actors. MNEs in Africa leverage dominant buyer power to enforce sustainability compliance from suppliers through contractual mechanisms. The findings offer insights into the dynamic interplay between internal and external stakeholders as it relates to SP to inform sustainable practices in developing countries.