Africa-Press – Sierra-Leone. The Directorate of Science, Technology, and Innovation (DSTI) has launched an initiative aimed at improving financial support for over 11,000 military personnel in the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF).
The initiative is set to be carried out through a leading digital transformation for the Armed Forces Endowment and Loan Scheme (AFELS), thus aiming at showcasing DSTI’s commitment in enhancing government services for all citizens, including those in uniform.
Jasper Patrick Sembie, COO and Director of DSTI, stated, “This project reflects our commitment to building digital systems that make government services faster, smarter, and more accessible for every citizen, including those who serve in uniform.”
The AFELS program provides essential loans and long-term financial benefits to both active and retired service members. The digital transformation will enable AFELS to operate with greater speed, transparency, and accessibility. During a recent project review at the DSTI headquarters, the team revealed the near-final version of the new digital platform, signifying a pivotal step toward smarter financial services for military personnel.
The new platform also aimed to digitize all major functions of AFELS, including member registration, monthly contributions, loan disbursements, and benefit claims. The digital infrastructure is expected to significantly minimize paperwork, streamline approval processes, and provide users with real-time access to their financial information.
Director of AFELS and CEO of Defence Enterprise, Colonel Roland Gbondo, emphasized the importance of the advancement, saying, “With this digital platform, we’re transforming how we serve our personnel – bringing efficiency, transparency, and trust to the heart of our financial support system.”
Key features of the AFELS digital platform include Web and mobile access for convenient use, Secure login and user authentication, Document uploads and electronic recordkeeping, Real-time loan and contribution tracking, USSD functionality for users in low connectivity areas.
DSTI’s initiative strives to ensure inclusivity in the digital shift, particularly for service members in remote or rural deployments. The project is seen not only as a technological upgrade but also as a commitment to providing dignified and efficient service delivery to those who serve the nation.
With preparations underway for the official rollout, the transformative effort illustrates how digital tools can address real-world challenges and improve the lives of military personnel. For the RSLAF, it is believed that it would mark a stride towards a future-ready financial ecosystem, enabling members to plan, save, and grow with confidence.
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