Sierra Leone Innovates Tech Summit commenced in Freetown on Tuesday, drawing over 100 delegates from fifteen countries. Held at the Freetown International Conference Centre, the three-day event is a dynamic hub for discussions, brainstorming sessions, and idea exchanges aimed at advancing Sierra Leone’s digital and technology landscape.

Sponsored by Orange Sierra Leone, the summit aims to foster a connected ecosystem that promotes technological progress, digital inclusion, and infrastructure development. A key focus is empowering the youth, unlocking their creative potential, and opening global employment opportunities.

Salima Bah, Sierra Leone’s Minister of Communication, Technology, and Innovation, is a fervent supporter of these initiatives, advocating for the country’s technological evolution. She emphasized that the summit’s goal is to position Sierra Leone as a pioneering tech and innovation hub, providing a fertile ground for business expansion. According to Bah, the ambition is to project Sierra Leone as a destination that encourages innovation, incubation, and growth, heralding a transformative era.

Minister Bah highlighted how the summit would bolster entrepreneurship by implementing forward-thinking policies and robust mechanisms, providing businesses with the necessary tools to thrive in a constantly changing market. “We’re charting a course for Sierra Leone’s Tech Future,” she declared.

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A significant moment at the summit was the introduction of Starlink in Sierra Leone, marking the country as the 100th market for the global satellite internet network. In his keynote address, President Julius Maada Bio highlighted Sierra Leone’s critical role in shaping the future digital landscape. He urged the nation to move beyond being mere consumers in the 4th Industrial Revolution, embracing the vast opportunities technology offers to transform service delivery.

President Bio praised his government’s efforts in promoting innovation and technology. He pointed to initiatives such as the establishment of the Directorate of Science, Technology, and Innovation, and the Ministry of Communication, Technology, and Innovation. He also mentioned significant programs like the Fintech Sandbox and West Africa’s first Drone Corridor. Bio emphasized the importance of technology in enhancing social services across various sectors, asserting that innovation must fundamentally improve service delivery.

Addressing the nation’s pivotal moment of challenges and opportunities, President Bio underscored the importance of leveraging technology to navigate the emerging digital ecosystem. He stated, “Sierra Leone, like many other countries in the region, stands at a crossroads of unprecedented opportunities but also faces daunting challenges. We must position ourselves to explore the opportunities that these innovations and technologies present.”

A highlight of the summit was the showcase of tech companies’ solutions, including Sierra Leone’s ambitious Tech City project, reflecting the country’s forward-thinking approach. President Bio toured various exhibition booths, with Orange Mobile Company prominently featured.

The summit continues to be a hive of activity, featuring exhibitions, panel discussions, and presentations. Orange Sierra Leone, a key sponsor, is hosting sessions offering aspiring innovators, students, and entrepreneurs hands-on experiences with their latest products and services. Participants also have opportunities for scholarships in professional web design courses and enriching learning experiences through Cusera.

The summit is a vibrant platform for collaboration, innovation, and inspiration, transcending borders and propelling Sierra Leone towards a promising technological future.