Digital Service Compliance

Before any digital government solution is deployed for citizens, it must be reviewed to ensure it complies with Sierra Leone’s national digital standards.

This process protects citizen data, guarantees accessibility, and ensures that all digital services are secure, transparent, and consistent with government policies.

Who Can Apply (Eligibility)

You are eligible to apply for a .gov.sl domain if you are:

A Ministry, Department, or Agency (MDA) of the Government of Sierra Leone
A statutory body, commission, or authority established by law
A Government-sanctioned project or programme under the supervision of an MDA
Contractors or partners developing digital solutions for government

Private sector organizations, NGOs, or individuals are not eligible unless a formal approval is given by the Government of Sierra Leone and tied to a supervising MDA.

What You’ll Need Before Submitting (Requirements)

To ensure your application is processed quickly, please prepare the following in advance:

Authorization Letter – An official letter on institutional letterhead, signed by the Head of Institution (Minister, Director-General, or equivalent), authorizing the request for a domain.
Institution Details – Full legal name of your institution, its mandate, and current contact information.
Designated Contact Person – A nominated officer who will serve as the administrative contact for the domain. This person will handle future requests, updates, or renewals.
Project details (overview, purpose, and target users)
Launch plan (intended rollout date and audience)

Best Practices for Digital Service Compliance

Data protection: Services must respect citizen privacy and comply with data policies
Accessibility: Platforms should be mobile-friendly and inclusive for all users
Security: Systems must be resilient against fraud, hacking, or misuse
Transparency: Services should clearly communicate purpose, contact information, and terms of use
Standardization: Use government branding and follow digital service guidelines for consistency

After Approval: What Happens Next

Processing time: Depends on the scope of support requested, but typically within 10 working days for standard support.