Africa-Press – Sierra-Leone. The Ministry of Communication, Technology and Innovation (MoCTI) has hosted a national validation workshop to review and refine Sierra Leone’s first Open-Source Software Policy for the public sector.
More than fifty ICT officers, system administrators, and digital practitioners participated in the session held at the Ministry’s Conference Room on the 8th Floor of the Youyi Building in Freetown.
Permanent Secretary Mr. Stevenson Kakpaetae Kamanda emphasized the significance of the policy, noting that the shift to open-source lays a stronger technological foundation for the country.
“By adopting open-source as the foundation for public sector technology, we are choosing solutions that are affordable, secure, and built for Sierra Leone’s long-term future. This policy sets the stage for digital services that are reliable, sustainable, and truly owned by the country,” he said.
The new policy is designed to make open-source software the default option for government digital systems. It reflects a growing demand for tools that are cost-effective, adaptable, and built on standards that promote transparency, interoperability, and long-term sustainability. For many MDAs, the transition away from expensive proprietary systems offers an opportunity to cut costs, avoid vendor lock-in, and strengthen digital sovereignty.
During the workshop, representatives from several MDAs reviewed the policy section by section and made practical recommendations based on their institutional needs. Key issues raised included procurement procedures, security requirements, capacity-building gaps, and the need for common digital standards across government.
A statement from the Directorate of Planning and Compliance highlighted the policy’s alignment with the Government’s Big Five Game Changers—especially the Technology & Infrastructure and Public Service Transformation pillars. By adopting open-source as a national standard, Sierra Leone positions itself to develop scalable and transparent systems that align with global Digital Public Goods principles.
More than 50 ICT officers and digital leads from across government took part in the validation of Sierra Leone’s first-ever Open-Source Software Policy for the Public Sector.
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