Nigeria and Sierra Leone have taken a major step toward advancing regional digital integration following a high-level bilateral engagement in Freetown focused on innovation, technology cooperation, and cross-border trade. The meeting brought together senior government officials led by Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. ‘Bosun Tijani, and Sierra Leone’s Minister of Communication, Technology and Innovation, Hon. Salimah Bah, alongside key private-sector stakeholders.
The two countries outlined a shared ambition to accelerate the development of a more inclusive and innovation-driven West African digital economy. Their discussions centred on strengthening collaboration in areas crucial to regional competitiveness: digital public infrastructure, cybersecurity, broadband expansion, AI and emerging technologies, interoperable government systems, digital identity, data governance, and digital literacy.
Major MoUs to Deepen Digital Cooperation
A significant milestone from the engagement was the signing of several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) between the two governments. These agreements lay the foundation for structured cooperation across:
- Digital public infrastructure
- Artificial intelligence and emerging technologies
- Broadband infrastructure and spectrum management
- Talent development and digital skills
- Cross-border digital services and trade
In addition to government-level agreements, multiple private-sector organisations from both countries formalised new partnerships aimed at expanding services in fintech, edtech, healthtech, govtech, and cloud computing. These collaborations are expected to stimulate joint innovation projects, support startup exchange programmes, and unlock new enterprise growth opportunities across the sub-region.
Joint Working Group to Drive Implementation
To ensure sustained delivery, Nigeria and Sierra Leone have agreed to establish a Joint Technical Working Group. The body will coordinate implementation of signed MoUs, track progress, review ongoing initiatives, and advise both governments on emerging opportunities for collaboration. The group will issue periodic updates directly to both ministers.
A Unified Vision for West Africa’s Digital Economy
Both countries emphasised that West Africa’s long-term prosperity depends on stronger regional cooperation, freer movement of innovation, and deeper cross-border digital trade. They highlighted that the region’s ties — cultural, economic, and technological — outweigh the borders that divide it.
Nigeria acknowledged Sierra Leone’s hospitality and collaboration throughout the engagement, while Sierra Leone affirmed Nigeria’s leadership role in championing digital transformation across the continent.
The agreements mark a decisive step toward building a connected, resilient, and innovation-powered West African digital economy — one where joint initiatives can unlock shared growth and broaden opportunities for millions.
