By Josephine Sesay

The Ministry of Communication, Technology and Innovation (MoCTI) has successfully concluded a two-day National Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) Public-Private Sector Dialogue, bringing together key stakeholders to strengthen Sierra Leone’s digital ecosystem and accelerate the country’s journey towards inclusive digital transformation.

Held at the National Telecommunications Commission (NaTCA) Auditorium under the theme “Building Sierra Leone’s Digital Trust and Transaction Infrastructure,” the dialogue convened representatives from government ministries and agencies, financial institutions, private sector organisations, academia, civil society, and international development partners. The event served as a platform for participants to discuss strategies for building a secure, efficient, and citizen-centred digital infrastructure capable of driving national development.

The discussions centred on the three core pillars of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI): trusted digital identity, secure digital payments, and interoperable data exchange. These foundational systems are expected to improve access to essential public services, enhance transparency, promote innovation, and increase efficiency across both the public and private sectors.

Delivering the keynote address, the Minister of Communication, Technology and Innovation, Hon. Salima Monorma Bah, underscored the importance of collaboration in achieving the country’s digital transformation goals. She noted that building a resilient and inclusive digital ecosystem requires strong partnerships between government, private sector institutions, development partners, and citizens.

According to the minister, digital transformation is not solely a government responsibility but a shared national agenda that depends on coordinated efforts and sustained investment in technology, policy development, and institutional capacity.

The Governor of the Bank of Sierra Leone, Dr. Ibrahim Stevens, emphasized the critical role of secure and reliable financial systems in supporting the country’s digital economy. He stated that strengthening digital payment infrastructure would promote financial inclusion, improve the efficiency of financial transactions, and create opportunities for economic growth.

World Bank Country Manager for Sierra Leone, Abdu Muwonge, highlighted the importance of developing trusted digital platforms that deliver practical benefits to citizens. He stressed that Digital Public Infrastructure should be designed to improve service delivery, increase accessibility, and foster greater public confidence in digital systems.

The Director General of the National Civil Registration Authority (NCRA), Mohamed Mubashir Massaquoi, described digital identity as the cornerstone of an effective Digital Public Infrastructure. He explained that a trusted digital identity system would enable citizens to access government and financial services more efficiently while promoting inclusion, accountability, and national development.

Also addressing participants, Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to the People’s Republic of China, Dr. Abu Bakarr Karim, emphasized the value of international cooperation in accelerating the country’s digital transformation agenda. He noted that strategic partnerships with global technology leaders and development partners could help Sierra Leone leverage innovation, strengthen digital capacity, and attract investment in emerging technologies.

Throughout the two-day engagement, participants exchanged ideas on policy reforms, governance frameworks, cybersecurity, digital trust, and the importance of creating interoperable systems capable of supporting efficient data sharing across institutions. Stakeholders also explored opportunities to strengthen public-private partnerships to ensure sustainable implementation of Digital Public Infrastructure initiatives.

The dialogue concluded with a renewed commitment from all stakeholders to work collectively in developing robust policies, strengthening governance structures, and investing in technology that supports a secure, inclusive, and resilient digital future.

Participants agreed that establishing trusted digital identity systems, secure payment platforms, and interoperable data exchange mechanisms will not only improve public service delivery but also stimulate innovation, promote economic growth, and position Sierra Leone as a competitive player in the digital economy.

The successful conclusion of the National Digital Public Infrastructure Public-Private Sector Dialogue marks another important milestone in Sierra Leone’s ongoing digital transformation journey. As the country continues to embrace technology-driven development, the commitments made during the forum are expected to lay the foundation for a modern, inclusive, and citizen-focused digital ecosystem that benefits all Sierra Leoneans.

Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Monday, 10th August 2026 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)