Post a comment
Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Communication, Technology and Innovation (MoCTI) has joined forces with Columbia Law School to develop a legal framework tailored for the growth of tech startups.
Nine law students from Columbia and eight final-year students from Fourah Bay College are working together to craft a comprehensive startup bill for Sierra Leone’s Parliament.
Minister Salima Monorma Bah emphasized the need for legislation that addresses the specific requirements of tech startups, differing from traditional businesses. The framework aims to encompass the entire lifecycle of a startup, including incorporation, tax regulations, import duty exemptions, and access to essential services like energy and internet.
The initiative prioritizes fostering a supportive environment for tech startups and attracting foreign investment in the sector.
Yadah Williams, Chair of the Law Reform Commission, highlighted the need to update outdated colonial-era laws. The commission plays a crucial role in ensuring Sierra Leone’s legal framework aligns with contemporary needs.
MoCTI representatives provided a comprehensive overview of the project’s goals, activities, and expected outcomes. Additionally, students participated in discussions on the three pillars of Sierra Leone’s National Innovation and Entrepreneurship Strategy:
Attract: Focuses on building infrastructure, strengthening regional positioning, establishing investor-friendly policies, and securing government support.
Thrive: Aims to establish favorable trade agreements, promote exports, facilitate access to financing, and foster networking opportunities.
Retain: Seeks to create pathways to citizenship, introduce initiatives for foreign land ownership, implement controls on currency exchange, and offer support for global integration.
Divided into dedicated groups (“Attract,” “Thrive,” and “Retain”), the students will work collaboratively throughout the four-day program to develop a robust startup act. This initiative aims to establish a legal framework that fosters the growth of tech startups, attracts foreign investment, and positions Sierra Leone as a hub for innovation.
