Africa-Press – Sierra-Leone. Sierra Leone’s Minister of Communication, Technology, and Innovation, Salima Bah, emphasized the nation’s progressing digital transformation in an interview with TechCabal on Friday, July 25, 2025.
Minister Bah stated that the country’s digital efforts are “not just underway, it’s expanding, deepening, and preparing the nation for the future of technology.”
During the interview, Minister Bah detailed how a multi-faceted approach, encompassing digital inclusion, infrastructure, innovation, and skills development, is contributing to the creation of a digital-first Sierra Leone. She began by quoting President Julius Maada Bio, asserting, “Access to communication and the internet is no longer a privilege; it is a basic human right. Every Sierra Leonean should have the same access to digital services as they do to water, electricity, and education.”
Minister Bah highlighted tangible impacts of Sierra Leone’s digital drive, including fibre optic coverage now reaching 14 out of 16 districts, a 500% increase in bandwidth, and extended connectivity to remote areas facilitated by the Universal Access Development Fund (UADF). Beyond infrastructure, projects such as the $150 million Felei Tech City are intended to position Sierra Leone as a regional hub for technology talent, startups, and scalable innovation.
“The government is also investing in people,” Minister Bah explained. She noted a strong focus on building digital skills among youth and women through initiatives like the Sierra Leone Innovates Tech Summit and partnerships with the private sector. Furthermore, tools such as the Human Resource Hub and WAN Gov platform are actively improving citizen interaction with the government, thereby enhancing transparency, efficiency, and service delivery.
Looking ahead, Minister Bah indicated Sierra Leone’s preparedness for Artificial Intelligence, citing a national AI Readiness Assessment, an upcoming AI Innovation Challenge, and training programs developed in collaboration with MIT. The Ministry also plans to introduce training programs for bloggers and content creators, focusing on responsible AI use and countering misinformation.
Minister Bah concluded by extending special thanks to TechCabal for spotlighting these discussions and contributing to the discourse on Africa’s digital future.
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