Examining the challenges of integrating social enterprises into social procurement in the construction sector: a multi-stakeholder perspective from Botswana

Purpose This study aims to examine the barriers to integrating social enterprises (SEs) into social procurement in Botswana’s construction sector, where SE presence remains limited despite global growth. Adopting a multi-stakeholder lens, the study also proposes measures to enable SE inclusion. Design/methodology/approach Nineteen stakeholders, including SE representatives, procurement officials, contractors and policymakers, were interviewed using semi-structured protocols. Data were analyzed thematically using the Gioia methodology. Findings The study reveals two major categories of challenges: capacity and visibility constraints and structural deficiency in regulations. The capacity and visibility gap includes a lack of awareness, limited visibility, performance limitations and financial constraint, while structural deficiency in regulations encompasses gaps in monitoring and accountability mechanisms, limited policy and regulatory support and unsupportive legal framework for SEs. In addition, the findings revealed a third theme focusing on strengthening institutional support. This theme includes recommendations such as capacity building, increased publicity, the establishment of an oversight body, regulatory reforms and the implementation of preferential treatment. Research limitations/implications This study focuses on Botswana’s construction sector and uses a qualitative approach, which may limit generalizability. Future research should use quantitative methods and explore other sectors and African contexts to enhance broader applicability. Originality/value This study presents a rare empirical analysis of social enterprise integration in social procurement across sub-Saharan Africa, enhancing theoretical insights into inclusive procurement while proposing practical policy recommendations for developing regions.