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Sierra Leone’s National Communications Authority (NatCA) played a prominent role at GITEX Africa 2026, positioning the country within key continental conversations on digital transformation and artificial intelligence.
Held under the High Patronage of King Mohammed VI, the event brought together policymakers, investors, and technology leaders to explore Africa’s evolving digital landscape.
Representing Sierra Leone, the NatCA Director General featured in high-level panel discussions, contributing perspectives centered on practical pathways to advancing digital infrastructure and investment across the continent.
During the session titled “The Infrastructure-First AI Strategy: De-risking the Investment, Unlocking the ROI,” the Director General emphasized the importance of building strong foundational systems to support Africa’s artificial intelligence ambitions.
He highlighted the role of public-private partnerships, localized data processing, and policy alignment as essential components for attracting sustainable investment and enabling scalable innovation.
His remarks focused on shifting discussions from theoretical AI potential toward actionable strategies capable of delivering measurable economic returns.
In a separate panel, “Closing the Usage Gap: Profitable Models for the Next Half-Billion,” attention was directed toward addressing the disparity between digital access and actual usage. The Director General outlined approaches aimed at improving digital inclusion while maintaining commercial viability.
These included flexible pricing models, increased local content development, and strengthened collaboration between governments and private sector actors to extend connectivity to underserved communities.
On the margins of the event, bilateral engagements were held with Gambian officials, including Lamin Jabbi and Ismaila Ceesay.
Discussions centered on enhancing cross-border digital infrastructure, strengthening interconnection frameworks, and advancing the Mano River Union fiber backbone initiative. These talks reflected broader regional efforts to foster a more integrated digital economy in West Africa.
Further discussions were conducted with Morocco’s Director General of Digital Development, Amine El Mezouaghi. Both parties explored opportunities for cooperation in digital skills development, emerging technologies, and institutional knowledge exchange, with a shared commitment to accelerating innovation and inclusive growth.
Overall, NatCA’s participation at GITEX Africa 2026 underscored Sierra Leone’s growing engagement in shaping Africa’s digital future, with a focus on practical solutions, regional collaboration, and sustainable investment in technology infrastructure.
