Ms. Salima Bah, the Minister of Communications, Technology, and Innovations of Sierra Leone, joined forces with Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, the Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) for technology collaboration.

This strategic alliance aims to realize the objectives outlined in the “Forge Strategic Partnerships and Collaboration” pillar of the Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan. Representing the DG, Dr. Aristotle Onumo, the Director of the Corporate Planning and Strategy Department, conveyed NITDA’s commitment to nurturing innovation while avoiding hindrances. He stressed the importance of co-creation, stakeholder engagements, and innovation in guiding NITDA’s regulatory agenda. Inuwa further emphasized the necessity of collaboration among various stakeholders within and beyond the public sector, elaborating on the establishment of the Digital Transformation Working Group within each ministry to ensure policy relevance across governmental agencies.

In elucidating NITDA’s approach to regulating Information Technology matters, the DG emphasized stakeholder engagement and the importance of understanding their needs, problems, and fears. He underscored the significance of developing laws and policies that effectively address these concerns.

Concerning service delivery monitoring, Inuwa suggested government agencies submit annual IT plans to align with the Agency’s objectives. He also highlighted the Agency’s use of IT clearance as a swift mechanism for enforcing standards.

Minister Salima Bah stressed the importance of collaboration in driving Africa forward in emerging technologies like AI and blockchain, advocating for leveraging these technologies for mutual benefit.

Reflecting on the two day engagement, Bah expressed appreciation for learning from NITDA’s expertise in policy implementation, digital development, and enforcement of standards and guidelines, particularly in technology clearance and compliance. She noted that the meeting between NITDA and Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Communications, Technology, and Innovations marks a significant step towards fostering cross-border collaboration and advancing digital innovation across Africa.