By Josephine Sesay
President Dr. Julius Maada Bio delivered a compelling call to action at the opening of the 2025 Sierra Leone Innovates: Digital Government Summit, held at the Freetown International Conference Centre (Bintumani). Addressing a diverse audience of young innovators, tech entrepreneurs, and policymakers, the President emphasized the pivotal role of youth in steering the nation’s digital transformation.
“I am pleased that young people are taking the challenge of digital transformation in Sierra Leone,” President Bio stated. There is no place for conservatives if we want to join the digital transformation in the world.”
The summit, organized by the Ministry of Communication, Technology, and Innovation, marks over five years of progress under the National Innovation and Digital Strategy (NIDS). This year’s theme, “5+ Years of NIDS: Building the Skills to Drive Sustainable Economic Growth and National Development,” underscores the government’s commitment to leveraging technology for inclusive growth.
Throughout the three-day event, attendees will engage in keynote speeches, live demonstrations of digital platforms, TED-style talks, and policy panels with key partners. Expert-led digital skills masterclasses and a Tech Job Fair featuring CV clinics, portfolio reviews, on-the-spot interviews, and employer booths aim to connect certified youth to real opportunities within Sierra Leone’s growing digital workforce.
President Bio’s address highlighted the importance of embracing innovation and shedding conservative mindsets to fully participate in the global digital economy. He praised the enthusiasm and initiative of Sierra Leone’s youth, positioning them as central to the nation’s digital agenda.
The summit also features the launch of significant initiatives, including the Fɛlei TechCity project, supported by a $1.4 million grant from the African Development Bank, aimed at developing a tech hub to bolster the sector and support startup growth.
As Sierra Leone continues to implement its National Innovation and Digital Strategy, events like the Sierra Leone Innovates Summit play a crucial role in uniting stakeholders to drive the country’s digital transformation forward.
Copy right –Printed in the Expo Times News on Monday, June 9TH, 2025 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)
