The Government of Sierra Leone, through the Directorate of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) and the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Country Planning, has partnered with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and Aero Toyota Japan to develop a high-resolution National Base Map aimed at improving planning and infrastructure development across the country.
The National Base Map project is expected to enhance land management, disaster response, urban and rural planning, as well as transportation and infrastructure development. According to the Government, the pilot phase will commence in the Western Area Urban District before being gradually expanded to the rest of the country.
The initiative builds on previous technical and policy engagements led by DSTI and will include capacity-building support to equip local professionals with the skills to manage and maintain the mapping system. Once completed, the Sierra Leone National Base Map is expected to strengthen evidence-based decision-making and further advance the Government’s Digital Transformation Agenda.