The Government of Sierra Leone is hosting the 2024 Sierra Leone Innovates Summit: Tech Summit, under the auspices of the Ministry of Communication, Technology and Innovation and Ministry of Youth Affairs.
The Government of Sierra Leone is hosting the 2024 Sierra Leone Innovates Summit: Tech Summit, under the auspices of the Ministry of Communication, Technology and Innovation and Ministry of Youth Affairs. This inaugural summit will bring together government policy makers, private sector stakeholders, international development partners, investors and technology experts. The theme for the Summit is ‘Building an interoperable ecosystem for technology growth and uptake in Sierra Leone’ and the aim is to create a platform that will promote tech entrepreneurship and youth empowerment in Sierra Leone.
The Summit aims to serve as a dynamic platform for action oriented commitments, encouraging young participants to showcase digital innovations, engage in meaningful policy dialogues, and forge strategic partnerships that champion tech integration and economic development. This tailored approach underscores Sierra Leone's commitment to catalysing tech-driven growth while harnessing the potential of its young population for a tech-centric future. The agenda will be focused on five key areas:
1. Digital Policy and Landscape: Incorporate youth participation in policy development forums to ensure digital policies support young entrepreneurs and innovators, acknowledging their unique needs and potential for driving technological growth.
2. Assessing Technological Capacity: Engage young tech enthusiasts and professionals in evaluating technological infrastructures, offering internships or partnerships with tech firms to provide real-world insights into the needs for digital innovation.
3. Finance in the Tech Sector: Introduce targeted financial support and investment programs for youth-led tech startups, including grants, microfinance options, and mentorship programs connecting young entrepreneurs with investors.
4. Capacity Building in Tech: Develop specialized training and education programs focused on emerging technologies, coding, app development, and digital marketing, tailored to equip young people with the skills demanded by the modern workforce.
5. Government and Partnerships in Tech Advancement: Foster partnerships between government, academia, and the private sector to create incubation centres and innovation hubs specifically designed to nurture young tech talent and startups.