Freetown, Sierra Leone – June 4, 2025:The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), in collaboration with the Government of Sierra Leone and other key stakeholders, has opened the 2025 Digital Innovation Summit at the Bintumani Conference Centre. Themed “Sierra Leone Innovates: Digital Government for All,” the summit aims to drive digital transformation and promote technological inclusivity across the country.
The event brought together youth innovators, government officials, civil society leaders, and industry stakeholders to discuss strategies for closing the digital divide and improving connectivity for marginalized communities.
UNICEF’s Call for Inclusive Innovation
In her keynote speech, UNICEF Representative Liv Elin Indreiten underscored the importance of collective efforts in digital transformation, highlighting the agency’s commitment to discovering, scaling, and implementing solutions that ensure equitable access to technology.
“This summit is a testament to what can be achieved when we unite around a shared vision for progress,” Indreiten stated.
She cited declining international aid and rising debt burdens as key challenges affecting child rights and digital infrastructure development across Africa. She emphasized that artificial intelligence and digital public goods have the potential to bridge the digital divide, provided that equity remains at the center of innovation.
Indreiten also highlighted ongoing initiatives, including:
– GIGA, a partnership with MoCTI and DSTI connecting hundreds of schools to the internet.
– EduCube and the Digital Learning Hub-in-a-Bag, providing offline educational resources.
– UNICEF’s UPSHIFT program, supporting over 5,000 youth in designing tech-based solutions.
President Bio’s Vision for Digital Advancement
In an interactive session, President Julius Maada Bio commended the innovators and expressed his commitment to human capital development through technology.
“One of the legacies I want to be remembered for is being a champion of Human Capital Development,” President Bio stated. “We are here for the youth, and we are preparing the future for our children.”
He praised the achievements of young Sierra Leonean innovators, including the winner of last year’s Presidential Innovation Prize, who established a digital farming hub in Kono District.
President Bio also called on the private sector to invest in digital entrepreneurship, reiterating that innovation is one of his Five Big Game Changers and plays a critical role in national development.
Sierra Leone’s Historic 5G Network Launch
The summit’s climax was the groundbreaking launch of Sierra Leone’s first-ever open-access 5G network, achieved through a Government-Private Partnership with Zoodlab.
Minister of Communications and Innovation, Salamatu Bah, praised the development, stating:
“The President has challenged us to think big. Leone is now taking its rightful place in digitalization.”
Youth Innovators Take the Lead
Young innovators, including Malina Kobba, expressed gratitude to UNICEF and the government for fostering digital innovation.
“We thank the government of Sierra Leone for bringing this opportunity to us. We are happy for it, and we will make great use of it. UNICEF, you have been here for us—the children. Thank you for your support,” Kobba said.
Looking Ahead
With major digital infrastructure developments underway, Sierra Leone is positioning itself as a leader in technology-driven governance and youth-led innovation.