The Nigeria-Sierra Leone Digital Economy Bilateral Mission delegates at the entrance of Lagoonda
The Nigeria–Sierra Leone Digital Economy Mission brings together government leaders, regulators, private-sector actors, and innovation stakeholders from both countries to strengthen regional digital cooperation. On Day Two, the focus shifted from high-level discussions to practical collaboration, as delegates worked together to turn shared priorities into actionable steps. Bringing these teams together enabled real-time exchange of ideas, comparison of experiences, and concrete planning for joint initiatives across digital trade, infrastructure, and innovation.
Delegates during the Trade mission
Discussions were organized around four key areas, though ideas naturally overlapped. One group discussed digital trade and cross-border fintech and payments, focusing on aligning KYC processes, enhancing cooperation among banks and telecoms, and creating a functional Nigeria–Sierra Leone payment corridor.
Digital Trade and Cross-border Finetech and Payments group
Another group examined emerging technologies, looking at how both countries can manage data and technology adoption in sectors like agriculture, health, and education. Delegates shared strategies, discussed joint pilot projects, and identified ways Nigeria’s scale and Sierra Leone’s agility could complement each other.
AI Localization, data and emerging technologies group
Infrastructure and connectivity formed the third focus. Delegates reviewed gaps in cross-border fibre networks, shared cloud capacity, and cybersecurity coordination, highlighting the need for resilient, secure, and interoperable systems to support regional digital growth.
Digital Infrastructure and connectivity group
The fourth group looked at the innovation ecosystem, startup policy, and youth talent. Discussions centered on strengthening connections between startups, hubs, investors, and youth-focused organizations through joint accelerators, co-creation programs, talent exchanges, and investor–startup matchmaking. The emphasis was on building long-term partnerships to sustain regional innovation.
Innovation Ecosystem, Startup policy and Youth Talent
Both delegations brought strong representation. Nigeria was represented by the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy, NITDA, the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics, Galaxy Backbone, NIGCOMSAT, the Office for Nigerian Digital Innovation, and private-sector companies such as Flutterwave, CcHUB, Awarri, Miden, Cybervergent, Wakanow, and IHS Towers. Sierra Leone’s team included the Christex Foundation, Smart Systems SL Ltd, Monime Limited, SkillsBridge, Ezeepay SL Ltd, Send Me, Mocha, Vult, SafulPay, The Community, SALPOST, Big Bang World Incorporation, Online SL Limited, Kamara Yokie Innovation Center, Meraki Analytics, Startup Bodyshop, LEOGC LTD, Watu, MiKashBoks, Skool Grind and Creative Hub Africa.
By the close of the day, the breakout sessions had mapped a path for joint action in payments, infrastructure, emerging technologies, and innovation. The sessions also reinforced the impact of collaboration, showing how coordinated efforts can turn ideas into concrete steps that advance regional digital transformation and youth talent development.
