Madam Salima Monorma Bah. Minister of Communication, Technology and Innovation
Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Communication, Technology, and Innovation and Gearbox Pan African Network have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on initiatives fostering digital innovation, digital learning solutions, fostering manufacturing-led businesses, creating deep tech and hard tech startups, and promoting high-speed industrialization.
A partnership solidified on December 11, 2023, aims to stimulate economic growth and address educational needs. Key Areas of Collaboration: Co-design and co-development of digital learning solutions will be the focus of the collaboration. Prototyping and Testing: Both parties will collaborate on prototyping and testing various products and services, including smart utility meters, CNC machines, telecommunication information systems, digital learning solutions, embedded systems, hospital furniture, affordable housing products, and other equipment. Industrialization Promotion: The partnership aims to substitute imports by promoting the development of products and services locally, fostering industrialization in Sierra Leone. UniPod Catalysation, Joint Research and Spinoffs: The Parties will support joint research projects, innovation pipeline building, and commercialization efforts within the Fourah Bay College UniPod (a component of the UNDP Timbuktoo initiative) and other institutions within the Sierra Leonean national innovation system. This will include the nurturing of spinoff startups and SMEs from within the network Data Sharing and Mutual Support: Both parties pledge to share relevant data and mutually support each other’s projects and mandates where practical. “By working together, we can leverage our expertise and resources to develop solutions that address the needs of our country and its people,” Madam Salima Monorma Bah. Minister of Communication, Technology and Innovation disclosed. This MoU supports the Ministry’s vision to create an enabling environment for Sierra Leone to be an Innovation and Entrepreneurship hub for young people. “This collaboration will enable us to combine our strengths and make a positive impact on the country’s economic and social development and we are excited to partner with MoCTI to drive digital innovation and industrialization in Sierra Leone,- Dr. Kamau Gachigi, Executive Director of Gearbox Pan African Network said.
About Ministry of Communication, Technology and Innovation. The Ministry of Communication, Technology and Innovation (MoCTI) was established during His Excellency, President Julius Maada Bio’s second term in office in 2023.
The ministry’s mandate is to use digital tools to empower Sierra Leone and help the country become a middle-income country by 2039.
About Gearbox Pan African Network Gearbox Pan African Network: Founded in 2014, Gearbox addresses manufacturing challenges in Kenya, fostering innovation, contributing to economic growth, and enhancing workforce productivity.
