On April 9, 2025, a delegation from the World Bank and the Sierra Leone Digital Transformation Project (SLDTP) provided an important update to the Rt. Hon. Segepoh Solomon Thomas regarding the ongoing digitalisation efforts of the Sierra Leone Parliament. The delegation informed the Speaker that they had completed the procurement process and signed contracts to initiate the e-Parliament Project, which is funded by the World Bank.
The team of experts outlined that the e-Parliament initiative aims to digitise and modernise the core functions of the Sierra Leone Parliament, transitioning from a traditional manual system to a more efficient paperless operation. This transformation is expected to significantly reduce administrative costs associated with stationery, toner, and fuel consumption, while also saving time and minimising the human resources required for parliamentary operations. Additionally, the project will enhance the accuracy and accessibility of parliamentary documents for Members of Parliament (MPS).
The delegation emphasised that the e-Parliament will promote greater openness, transparency, and accessibility within Parliament, ultimately facilitating increased citizen participation in the legislative process.
In his address to the World Bank and Digital Transformation teams, Speaker Thomas expressed his enthusiasm for the Digital Transformation Project, particularly the e-Parliament initiative. He conveyed that the leadership of the Sixth Parliament is deeply appreciative of the efforts made by both the World Bank and the SLDTP to ensure the project’s successful implementation.
Speaker Thomas urged the World Bank to expedite the project’s execution, highlighting the importance of conducting relevant studies before the commencement of implementation. He stressed the urgency among MPS to witness the e-Parliament’s realisation and the overall digital transformation of the parliamentary operations. He assured the World Bank team that under his leadership, the Sierra Leone Parliament would fully utilise the digital infrastructure provided by this significant investment.
Madam Kaoru Kimura, the Technical Task Team Lead of the World Bank, reassured Speaker Thomas of her involvement in the successful digitalisation of the Ghana Parliament, which she noted had significantly improved its operational efficiency. She commended Speaker Thomas for fostering a conducive environment for the feasibility study of the Sierra Leone Parliament and reiterated the importance of thorough preliminary studies before project implementation. Madam Kimura expressed optimism about hearing Speaker Thomas’s suggestions regarding the timeline for the project’s execution.
Project Coordinator Kumba Musa provided further updates, confirming that the procurement process has been finalized, and contracts have been signed by the Ministry of Communications, Technology, and Innovation. She assured the Speaker that implementation of the project would commence imminently.
Despite the positive developments, Speaker Thomas voiced concerns regarding the timeline for the project’s implementation, emphasising the need for effective time management to ensure the e-Parliament project meets the expectations of its stakeholders. The Speaker’s commitment to leveraging the digital infrastructure to enhance parliamentary functions reflects the broader ambition of the Sierra Leone Parliament to modernise and improve its operations in alignment with global standards.
