The Honourable Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. ‘Bosun Tijani, has led a high-level Nigerian delegation to Freetown for the Nigeria–Sierra Leone Digital Economy Bilateral Trade Mission, resulting in the signing of several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) aimed at strengthening collaboration across key areas of digital development.
The two-day mission, hosted by Sierra Leone’s Minister of Communication, Technology and Innovation, Hon. Salima Monorma Bah, focused on expanding cooperation in digital public infrastructure, artificial intelligence, digital trade, cybersecurity, youth innovation, and technology transfer. The visit followed Dr. Tijani’s participation in the Regional Summit on Digital Transformation in the Benin Republic, underscoring Nigeria’s leadership role in driving West Africa’s digital integration.
The delegation engaged in ecosystem tours, technical sessions, press briefings, and high-level government deliberations centred on harmonising digital trade frameworks, coordinating cybersecurity efforts, developing regional talent, and advancing AI capabilities.
Both countries reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening regional digital infrastructure, improving connectivity, and building a more resilient and inclusive digital economy for West Africa.
Key Outcomes of the Mission
Enhanced Bilateral Cooperation
Nigeria and Sierra Leone agreed to deepen collaboration in several priority areas, including:
- Digital public infrastructure and interoperable government systems
- Broadband expansion and resilient connectivity
- Digital identity, cybersecurity, and data governance
- Artificial Intelligence development and responsible innovation
- Digital literacy, talent development, and institutional capacity building
- Cross-border digital trade and private-sector partnerships
Signing of MoUs
Government representatives from both nations signed MoUs covering:
- Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI)
- Artificial Intelligence and emerging technologies
- Talent development and digital skills
- Broadband infrastructure and spectrum coordination
Multiple private-sector agreements were also signed, targeting:
- Expansion of digital services across both markets
- Strengthening of fintech, edtech, healthtech, govtech, and cloud solutions
- Joint innovation and technology transfer
- Startup exchange and enterprise development
Speaking during the signing ceremony, Dr. Tijani said the collaboration reflects Nigeria’s broader commitment to building a harmonised and innovative digital ecosystem across Africa.
“Our partnership with Sierra Leone is not only a bilateral engagement; it is part of a broader vision to ensure that technology, talent, and trade flow seamlessly across our continent,” he stated. “Together, we are laying the foundations for a digital economy that empowers our young people and creates shared prosperity.”
Hon. Salima Bah expressed optimism that the partnership would fast-track Sierra Leone’s digital transformation priorities and strengthen continental cooperation rooted in shared history and development goals.
The mission also highlighted the role of the private sector in advancing regional digital growth, with leading Nigerian technology firms—including IHS Towers, Flutterwave, CcHUB, Miden, Cybervergent, Prunedge, Itana, and Awarri—participating in B2B matchmaking sessions aimed at stimulating investment, boosting innovation, and supporting digital infrastructure expansion.
The Nigerian delegation comprised heads of key agencies under the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, including:
- Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, Director-General, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA)
- Prof. Ibrahim Adeyanju, Managing Director/CEO, Galaxy Backbone Limited (GBB)
- Dr. Olubunmi Ajala, National Coordinator, National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR)
- Victoria Fabunmi, National Coordinator, Office for Nigerian Digital Innovation (ONDI)
The mission concluded with both nations reiterating their resolve to continue working closely to advance digital transformation and foster a stronger regional digital economy.
