On March 12, 2025, a dedicated team from the Sierra Leone Digital Transformation Project, which is generously funded by the World Bank, convened with the Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Segepoh Solomon Thomas, to provide a comprehensive update on the E-Parliament initiative. This meeting was pivotal in assessing the project’s current status and outlining the next steps for its successful implementation.
The focal person for the project, Joseph Conteh, who serves as the Director of Information and Communication Technology in Parliament, opened the meeting by offering a concise background on the Sierra Leone Digital Transformation Project. He emphasized that this initiative is a multi-faceted endeavor that encompasses all three arms of government. Conteh highlighted that the Parliament of Sierra Leone is a critical component of the project, which consists of five key components aimed at enhancing governance through digital means.
During the meeting, Conteh shared that Parliament had already engaged in several activities under the auspices of this project, including a stakeholders’ meeting that involved both the World Bank and the Sierra Leone Digital Transformation Project team. He expressed his commitment to keeping Speaker Thomas informed about the project’s progress, stating that the primary purpose of their meeting was to provide updates on the current status of the E-Parliament initiative.
Madam Kumba Musa, the Sierra Leone Digital Transformation Project Coordinator, reassured Speaker Thomas of the importance of the meeting. She articulated the team’s commitment to ensuring that the Speaker is well-informed about the project’s developments. Musa explained that while they have identified potential bidders for the project, no formal agreements have been signed yet. She underscored the significance of the E-Parliament initiative in the broader context of digitizing government functions and improving service delivery.
Musa also stressed the necessity of conducting a thorough assessment of the project to guarantee its efficient and effective implementation. She conveyed that the World Bank is particularly focused on the project’s durability and sustainability, which is essential for its long-term success. The Coordinator informed Speaker Thomas that following an upcoming inception meeting, the team would swiftly move into the implementation phase of the project.
One of the key elements of the project involves hiring a consultant who will work directly with the Parliament of Sierra Leone. Musa assured the Speaker that the consultant would be under the direct supervision of the Parliament, allowing for tailored guidance regarding the project’s design and implementation. In a collaborative spirit, she requested that Speaker Thomas facilitate the consultant’s accommodation within Parliament, as they would require six operational booths for their activities.
Speaker Thomas expressed his enthusiasm for the E-Parliament initiative, welcoming the Digital Transformation Project team to Parliament with open arms. He conveyed a sense of urgency regarding the implementation of the project, emphasizing that Parliament is eager to see it rolled out successfully. The Speaker posed several probing questions about the timeline for the project’s kickoff, urging the team to expedite their efforts.
In response, the project coordinator assured Speaker Thomas that the implementation phase is slated to begin three months after April 2025. This timeline reflects the team’s commitment to ensuring that the project not only meets its objectives but does so promptly.
Additionally, Speaker Thomas made it clear that all decisions and directives concerning the project’s implementation would be channelled through him as the Speaker of the House. He emphasized the need for a structured approach, stating, “Stage by stage decision towards the implementation of this project comes from me directly. So keep this in mind.” This directive underscores the importance of centralized decision-making in the implementation process, ensuring that the project aligns with the priorities and goals of the Parliament.
The meeting was facilitated by Director David Saffa, the Chief of Staff to the Office of the Speaker, and was chaired by Deputy Clerk of Parliament Gilbert Bosco N’habay. Their involvement highlights the collaborative effort within the Parliament to ensure the success of the Digital Transformation Project.
In conclusion, the meeting between the Sierra Leone Digital Transformation Project team and Speaker Thomas marks a significant step forward in the journey toward establishing an E-Parliament. With a clear commitment from both sides, the initiative promises to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of governance in Sierra Leone, paving the way for a more digitally integrated future for the country’s legislative processes.
