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The Directorate of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI), in collaboration with UNICEF Sierra Leone and key partners, has held a review meeting in Freetown to assess progress and plan the next phase of Project Giga.
The meeting, held at UNICEF headquarters in Freetown, reviewed ongoing implementation, including schools already connected through solar-powered internet systems. It also outlined strategies for scaling digital access across targeted educational institutions.
Participants included representatives from the National Telecommunications Authority (NATCA), Zoodlabs SL, the Ministry of Communication, Technology and Innovation, and the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education. Discussions focused on coordination, infrastructure delivery, and policy alignment.
A key highlight of the engagement was the presentation of a commercial model exploring blended financing, private sector participation, and cost-recovery mechanisms aimed at sustaining connectivity beyond donor funding.
The Technical Working Group will address any identified technical issues as part of the ongoing implementation process. Future steps will focus on strengthening research and expanding engagement with local internet service providers to ensure sustainability strategies are aligned with local conditions.
