Today, during the STEM Club Presentation event organized by the alumni of Sierra Leone Grammar School (SLGS) and Annie Walsh Memorial School (AWMS), the Minister of Communication Technology and Innovation, Madam Salima Monorma Bah emphasized the government’s commitment to advancing #technology and #innovation as key to Sierra Leone’s development.
The Minister highlighted the success of the Sierra Leone Innovates Tech Summit in June 2024, where young innovators presented solutions aligned with the government’s vision. Minister Bah noted that President Bio has made #technology a priority in the Big Five agenda, essential for the country’s growth and global competitiveness.
Praising the private sector and program organizers for their collaboration, madam minister acknowledged the importance of supporting youth in driving technological advancement and sustainability.
A special moment occurred when a student from Sierra Leone Grammar School presented the Minister with a framed memento. The Minister gratefully accepted it and reiterated her belief in innovators in Sierra Leone.
•The Ministry hosted Sierra Leone’s first international tech summit, bringing together global tech giants like Google, Meta, Amazon, and Visa. Sierra Leonean innovators showcased their work, and the Agriculture Innovation Challenge awarded $60,000, with the top prize presented by His Excellency President Bio.
•During the summit, @President Bio launched three major projects: Felei Tech City in Tikonko, Bo, the National Digital Transformation Project backed by the World Bank to expand connectivity and digital government services, and Starlink, making Sierra Leone the 9th African country to do so.
•The National Fiber Backbone 2 project now extends fiber optic coverage to 14 out of 16 districts, with efforts underway to reach all districts.
•Nine rural telephony sites were launched through the Universal Access Development Fund (UADF), prioritizing large farming communities to support the Feed Salone flagship project.
•To enhance government efficiency, the Ministry launched emergency bandwidth in 50 government institutions, emphasizing the importance of internet access in public sector reforms.
•With ECOWAS support, the Ministry will build a data exchange layer to address the challenge of disconnected systems. A pilot project with National Civil Registration Authority-NCRA will kick off implementation.
•The Ministry concluded nationwide ICT skills training on cybersecurity and digital marketing, supported by Huawei Mobile, Orange, and UNICEF Sierra Leone. This first phase trained 50 university students, who then trained 3,200 more students and 500 digital marketers.
•To guide digital growth, the Ministry launched the National Broadband Strategy, promoting collaboration between the government, private sector, and partners to increase internet penetration.
•The launch of the National Government Enterprise Architecture sets standards for digital transformation, ensuring solutions meet international best practices.
•To address bandwidth wastage, the Ministry introduced an ICT User Guide policy to monitor and control internet use, emails, and devices in government institutions.
•The Ministry established a Standards and Compliance Unit to monitor the implementation of policies, ensuring adherence and enforcing compliance.
This year, Ministry of Youth Affairs Commemorated the International Youth Day by bringing together youths nationwide to highlight their role in sustainable development with a theme, “From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development”
Madam Salima Monorma Bah, The Minister of Communication, Technology, and Innovation emphasized the potential of Sierra Leonean youth to create technology, inspired by His Excellency’s vision that made technology a national priority.
The 2024 Sierra Leone Innovates summit showcased the nation’s innovative spirit but also revealed the need for a stronger platform for young innovators.
“For innovation to thrive, we must provide an environment where young minds can flourish. When you provide the facilities, young people will always show up.”
In response, the government is prioritizing Felei City, a hub to nurture innovation. “I challenge the youth of Sierra Leone to innovate. Remember, innovation isn’t just about technology,” the Minister said, thanking the Ministry of Youth Affairs and development partners for bringing together youths in commemoration of the day.
The Government of Sierra Leone, represented by Minister Salima Monorma Bah of the Ministry of Communication, Technology and Innovation., and the Government of Guinea, represented by the Minister of Posts Telecommunications, and Digital Economy, held a connectivity handshake meeting at the MPTEN headquarters to discuss the technical requirements between the two governments.
Key objectives of the meeting:
* Seamlessly link the terrestrial fibre networks of Sierra Leone and Guinea, facilitating cross-border communication and data transfer.
* Collaborate on building and enhancing shared infrastructure, ensuring robust and reliable connectivity that supports both countries’ digital economies.
* Launch joint initiatives aimed at boosting the digital sector in both countries, including e-government services, digital trade, and innovation.
* Enhance the resilience of each country’s national fibre network infrastructure by providing redundant routes that reduce the risk of service interruptions due to failure from the submarine cable.
* Promote mutual growth through the exchange of technical expertise and knowledge-sharing, ensuring both countries benefit from the best practices in fibre network management.
With representation from key sector players like LeoneCom, Zoodlabs SL, and the MocTI communications department, the meeting is expected to accelerate the implementation of its objectives, reflecting a collaborative approach that includes both public and private sectors.
The Sierra Leone delegation, led by Honourable Dr. Henry Musa Kpaka, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, and Madam Salima Monorma Bah, Minister of Communication, Technology and Innovation (MoCTI), visited the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) in Seattle, USA, to explore collaboration opportunities with BMGF and secure support for the Feed Salone strategy
Aim of the visit:
The delegation, including the Minister of MoCTI, Ms. Salima Bah who plays an integral part in the feed Salone project, held high-level meetings with various BMGF teams to discuss;
*Digital farmer services
*Seed systems, and
*Livestock priorities.
On day one, the delegation discussed Sierra Leone’s agri-food system, focusing on economic trends, development priorities, and seed quality. Dr. Kpaka outlined goals to boost productivity and reduce food imports, ending with plans for an Agriculture Transformation Office (ATO) in Sierra Leone.
Day two meetings covered support, financial inclusion, digital farming, livestock jobs, and climate-smart practices.
“By leveraging technologies such as farmer profiling, agronomy advisory services, and extension support through mobile applications, MoCTI plans to ensure that farmers have access to critical information and resources.”- Minister Salima Bah
This highlights the potential of digital technology as an integral part in driving the feed Salone project in Sierra Leone.
The Ministry of Communications, Technology, and Innovation is pleased to announce that Minister Salima Monorma Bah has arrived in Beijing to attend the @Forum on China-Africa Digital Cooperation, scheduled for July 29th and 30th, 2024. Madam Bah was welcomed by Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to China, Dr. Abu Bakarr Karim.
Ambassador Karim expressed his delight at the Minister’s presence, underscoring the significance of Sierra Leone’s participation in such an event. “Engaging in forums like these is vital for strengthening our bilateral relations with China and exploring avenues for mutual growth,” he stated.
The Forum on China-Africa Digital Cooperation is a premier event that aims to explore opportunities for cooperation in digital technologies, building innovation, and promoting sustainable development. This platform will provide Sierra Leone with knowledge and partnerships that are essential for the advancement of the telecommunications sector.
Minister Bah expressed her optimism about the outcomes of the Forum. “China’s expertise in the digital sector is unparalleled. By engaging with Chinese experts and innovators, we aim to leverage the knowledge and experience to advance Sierra Leone’s telecommunications sector forward,” she noted.
With support from World Bank , the Ministry of Communication, Technology and Innovation (MoCTI) held a one-day workshop to develop Policy and Regulatory Frameworks for the Digital Government Agenda. The event brought together key stakeholders to shape the nation’s digital strategy.
“Developing Policy, Legal, & Regulatory Frameworks under Component 3 of the Sierra Leone Digital Transformation Project (SLDTP) will create a unified approach to digital governance, guiding digital services nationwide.”- Ibrahim Sannoh, Deputy Minister @MoCTI_SL during his keynote address.
Deputy Director of the e-Governance Department of @MoCTI, Abdulai Sankoh emphasized that a strong policy system and set of regulations are needed to ensure effective digital initiatives.
Ngagba Andrew Baimba, Acting World Bank Coordinator, gave an overview of the project’s development over the course of assessments and partnerships, reaffirming the World Bank’s commitment to the project.
Lead Consultant at ECS, Kwabena Oteng Acheampong highlighted the need for a clear digital framework in his presentation.
A number of presentations, discussions, and feedback were provided at the workshop, which identified challenges and opportunities related to existing frameworks.
Early this year,Ministry of Communication, Technology and Innovation. sent five professionals to work closely with Giga’s technology team at the Giga Technology Center. This team, including a data scientist, an education expert, a developer, and a policy analyst, co-developed products in mapping, data science, and blockchain-based accounting.
Sierra Leone was one of three countries in the inaugural Giga government technical program at the Barcelona Tech Center. This program united policymakers and experts to develop tools like the Daily Checker app, Giga Connect, Giga Count, Giga School Price Calculator, and Giga Maps, all aimed at connecting schools globally.
In partnership with UNICEF, 42 schools have been connected to the internet as part of the pilot phase. Due to this success, the second phase aims to connect 403 schools with funding from the Government of Sierra Leone and a grant from the Islamic Development Bank.
The team gained valuable insights from Botswana and Bolivia and explored collaborations with the Catalonia Government. They also engaged with Barcelona’s startup scene, focusing on Smart Agriculture, Climate Monitoring, and IoT-based traffic monitoring to address Sierra Leone’s challenges.
This collaboration highlights Sierra Leone’s commitment to innovation and educational connectivity, exemplifying the power of global tech partnerships.
The Ministry of Communication, Technology and Innovation secures 130 Acres of land for the Tech and Innovation City in Tinkonko Chiefdom, Bo District.
The Ministry of Communication, Technology, and Innovation(MoCTI) achieved a historic milestone on January 28th, 2023, representing the Government of Sierra Leone by securing 130 acres of land for the Tech and Innovation City in Tinkonko Chiefdom, Bo District, Sierra Leone.
The official handing over by the land holding family took place at Tikonko Chiefdom, Bo District. The ceremony brought together stakeholders from the Ministry of Communication, Technology and Innovation, Minister Salima Monorma Bah, Deputy Minister, Ibrahim Sannoh, Permanent Secretary, Tamba E. Juana, Deputy Secretary, Victoria Sandi, the Honourable Minister of Youth Affairs, Mohamed Orman Bangura, Honourable member of parliament of Cluster 3, Beatrice Maaya Kangbai Makavory, Honourable Resident Minister South, Mohamed E. K Alie, Mayor of Bo City, Kobba Musa, Paramount Chief of Tikonko Chiefdom, Honourable PC Joe Kangbai Macavory the 3rd JP, Bo District Council Chairman, Victor Korsor Hindowa, the holding families and other invited guests. The formal signing of land documents, symbolises the official transfer of 130 acres for the Tech & Innovation City.
“This achievement aligns with the Ministry’s mission to lead Sierra Leone into a digitally advanced future by fostering innovation, expanding communication networks, and driving technological transformation.’’ – Madam Salima Monorma Bah, Minister of Communication, Technology and Innovation.
The Ministry’s strategic focus for the Tech and Innovation City revolves around three key priority areas:
* Increase digital skills in the workforce to create jobs for young Sierra Leoneans
*Accelerate and develop the innovation pipeline helping changemakers move from ideation to commercialised businesses
*Drive foreign direct investment in tech and innovation.
Paramount Chief, Tinkonko Chiefdom, Honourable PC Professor Joe Kaingbai Makavory, expressed gratitude for collaborative efforts, declaring that, “this initiative marks the dawn of a new era for Tikonko Chiefdom, where progress and innovation converge.”
PC Tikonko Chiefdom acknowledged the unity behind the land allocation, stating, “This land signifies more than acres; it represents our collective dedication to progress and prosperity.”
The Deputy Minister of MoCTI, Ibrahim Sannoh declared that, “This ceremony is a testament to the government’s commitment to using Technology as a way to empower Sierra Leonean as it aligns seamlessly with the Government of Sierra Leone’s Big Five Game Changer that focuses on Human Capital Development, Youth Employment and Technology and Infrastructure.”
Fatmata Kamara, a young entrepreneur, shared her excitement about the Ministry supporting startups. “Knowing that there’s a place that not only welcomes but nurtures our ideas is incredible. It’s like having a home for our dreams.” she expressed.
Bo District Council Chairman, Victor Korseh Hindowa described the Tech & Innovation City as a promise of progress for the young people in Sierra Leone.
“Our commitment resonates with the government’s agenda for progress. Together, let’s build a future of efficiency, transparency, and shared vision that aligns with the aspirations of our nation.” Tamba E. Juana, Permanent Secretary MoCTI, during the closing remarks.
UNICEF through its partnership with the Government of Sierra Leone donated 113 laptops and 23 projectors costing USD 113k to the Ministry of Communication Technology and Innovation in support of Digital Learning Hubs and GIGA project related activities.
Rudolf Schwenk, UNICEF Sierra Leone Representative emphasized the transformative potential of empowering youth with technology, envisioning a Sierra Leone elevated to new heights through the brilliance of its younger generation. The initiative aims to bridge the digital divide by setting up tech-enabled hubs, connecting schools to the internet, and supplying essential equipment, thereby ensuring that youth are equipped with 21st-century digital skills. This preparation is deemed essential for active participation in the future, be it in higher education or the workforce.
During the handing over ceremony, Madam Salima Bah, Minister of Communication, Technology and Innovation, outlined the goal of establishing e-learning facilities in all 16 districts within the next five years. This strategic move is expected to empower students to emerge as leaders and driving forces of development across the nation, aligning with the President’s national priorities. The overarching objectives include fostering innovation, facilitating employment opportunities, and constructing a robust digital economy.
She expressed gratitude to key stakeholders, including UNICEF SL, GIGA Global, the Government of Sierra Leone, Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education SL (MBSSE), and The Directorate of Science, Technology and Innovation – DSTI (DSTI), Ministry of Technical and Higher Education, for spearheading this digital access project. It falls under the umbrella of the President’s “big five agenda,” reflecting a collective commitment to advancing education, technology, and youth empowerment in Sierra Leone.
