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The West African ICT Action Network (WAICTANet) and the Sierra Leone Association of Women in Journalism (SLAWIJ) hosted the second edition of the roundtable dialogue on digital and financial inclusion in Sierra Leone on Wednesday, December 4, 2024.
This collaborative initiative brought together key stakeholders to address the challenges and opportunities in bridging the nation’s digital divide.
Held under the theme “Accelerating Digital Transformation for Inclusive Growth: Bridging the Divide through Financial Empowerment,” the event underscored the importance of leveraging technology to foster economic equity and social advancement.
In his opening remarks, Peter King Quaye, Executive Director of WAICTANet, emphasized the transformative potential of technology in driving Sierra Leone’s development. He highlighted how this year’s theme, “Accelerating Digital Transformation for Inclusive Growth: Bridging the Divide through Financial Empowerment,” underscores the critical role of technology in promoting equality and economic empowerment.
He noted that the ongoing digital revolution is reshaping lives globally and stressed that, in Sierra Leone, achieving digital inclusion and fostering financial literacy are essential steps toward unlocking the nation’s full potential.
Quaye described the roundtable as more than just a discussion, calling it a unified effort to inspire policymakers, private sector leaders, and global stakeholders to adopt scalable solutions aimed at bridging the digital divide.
The event also featured a keynote address by Professor Emmanuel Tweneboah Senzu, who focused on translating policy into action. He emphasized that achieving digital inclusion requires not only building infrastructure but also providing training and resources to help individuals develop essential digital skills. This approach, he explained, is crucial for bridging the gap between those with access to technology and those without.
Professor Senzu further encouraged participants to actively raise awareness about digital and financial inclusion. He underscored the importance of these efforts in creating opportunities, fostering growth, and addressing the barriers that impede development in Sierra Leone. He concluded by reiterating the need for collective action to ensure that no one is excluded from the benefits of the digital era.
Building on the success of its inaugural event in 2023, this year’s edition sought to move beyond dialogue by focusing on actionable outcomes. Key objectives included addressing systemic challenges, celebrating success stories, and fostering partnerships that can drive meaningful change.
Participants unanimously recognized the urgent need for accessible technology and comprehensive financial education to promote sustainable growth. The event highlighted the power of collaboration in creating solutions that not only close the gaps in digital access but also empower communities economically.
The Sierra Leone Digital and Financial Inclusion Roundtable reinforced its mission to inspire action and advance inclusive growth, setting a foundation for lasting impact across the nation.
