Nigeria, Sierra Leone deepen ties in digital economy, innovation and talent development

*Dr. ’Bosun Tijani, Minister for Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, says through meaningful deliberations, shared insights, and renewed collaboration, Nigeria and Sierra Leone are committed to demonstrating that Africa’s digital future will be built on collaboration, and a clear vision for inclusive growth

Gbenga Kayode | ConsumerConnect

The Federal Government of Nigeria has strengthened bilateral ties, and shared commitment to deepening cooperation across digital economy, innovation, talent and infrastructure development.

Dr. ’Bosun Tijani, Honourable Minister for Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy (FMCIDE), said this when he recently led a high-powered delegation comprising some Heads of the Federal Government agencies under FMCIDE, and leading startup ecosystem players to Freetown for the Nigeria–Sierra Leone Digital Economy Bilateral Mission.

L-R: Prof. Ibrahim Adeyanju, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Galaxy Backbone Limited; Dr. Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, CCIE, Director-General of NITDA; and Another Senior Official on the Nigerian Delegation to Sierra Leone

ConsumerConnect reports Dr. Tijani, in a blog note at @bosuntijani, noted that the visit was an inspiring during the two days of engagement and deliberations with his Sierra-Leonean counterparts.

The Minister also said Mission reflected “our shared commitment to strengthening regional ties and deepening cooperation across innovation, talent and infrastructure development.”

Key members of Nigerian delegation to Sierra Leone

Major members of the Nigerian delegation include representatives of the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment (FMITI), National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Galaxy Backbone Limited (GBB), National Center for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR), Office for Nigerian Digital Innovation (ONDI), and private-sector players including Flutterwave, CcHUB, Awarri, Miden, Cybervergent, Wakanow and IHS Towers, stated he.

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Tijani also explained that through meaningful deliberations, shared insights, and renewed collaboration, Nigeria and Sierra Leone are committed to demonstrating that Africa’s digital future will be built on collaboration, and a clear vision for inclusive growth.

Tijani itemises benefits of Nigeria–Sierra Leone Digital Economy Bilateral Mission

Speaking on the inherent benefits of the latest Nigeria–Sierra Leone Digital Economy Bilateral Mission, Minister Tijani said the Nigerian delegation engaged in a number of activities, including signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), joint technical sessions, ecosystem hub visits.

He disclosed his team as well deliberated on issues around Digital Public Infrastructure, cross-border payments, Artificial Intelligence (AI), connectivity, cybersecurity, startup growth and youth talent.

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The Minister further said following two days of engagements, both Nigerian and Sierra-Leonean governments agreed to enhance collaboration across priority areas of mutual interest, and issued a joint communiqué.

According to him, such areas of mutual interest include digital public infrastructure and interoperable government systems; Broadband expansion and resilient connectivity; digital identity, cybersecurity, and data governance.

Others are Artificial Intelligence development and responsible innovation; digital literacy, talent development, and institutional capacity building, as well as cross-border digital trade and private-sector partnerships.

Tijani asserted: “The Nigeria-Sierra Leone Digital Economy Bilateral Trade Mission is a clear demonstration that Africa’s digital future will be built on collaboration and a clear vision for inclusive growth.”

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