President Dr. Julius Maada Bio reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to digital transformation and youth empowerment during the 2025 Digital Innovation Summit, held at the Bintumani Conference Center in Freetown on Wednesday, June 3.

Addressing a packed audience of innovators, entrepreneurs, policymakers and development partners, President Bio emphasized the critical importance of investing in young people, whom he described as "the engine of the Fourth Industrial Revolution." He declared, “Sierra Leone must not just catch up; we must lead. You cannot participate meaningfully in the 21st century if you are not digitalized. Technology opens doors and we must make deliberate efforts to harness it.”

The summit, now in its second edition, brought together key players in the technology and innovation ecosystem to explore the nation's digital progress and chart a path for future growth.

In her welcome address, Minister of Communications, Technology and Innovation, Salima Monorma Bah, lauded the President’s bold leadership in opening up Sierra Leone’s digital space. “President Bio has challenged us to think big and we are rising to that challenge,” she said. Madam Salima Monorma Bah highlighted key achievements, including the creation of the “One Government Platform”; a centralized portal that provides easy access to public services and information. She encouraged young Sierra Leoneans to embrace the digital revolution as the cornerstone of sustainable development.

Echoing those sentiments Chief Minister and Chief Innovation Officer, Dr. Moinina David Sengeh, reflected on the genesis and impact of the Directorate of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI), established under President Bio’s vision, five years ago. “Today, we are seeing real results; digital governance is improving service delivery, digital identity systems are streamlining access to services and our digital economy is beginning to thrive,” Dr. Moinina David Sengeh stated.

Throughout the summit, a series of presentations and tech demonstrations showcased local innovations ranging from e-health systems to digital farming solutions. President Bio expressed profound satisfaction with what he described as “proof of our youth’s potential to transform Sierra Leone.”

“One of the legacies I want to be remembered for is being a champion of Human Capital Development,” President Bio told attendees. “We are here for the youth and we are preparing the future for our children. I am deeply inspired by what I’ve seen today.”

He cited specific success stories, including the 2024 Presidential Innovation Prize winner from Kono District, who launched a digital farming hub and David Ogoo, a young tech entrepreneur who returned home to deploy innovation for social impact. “This is the Sierra Leone I dreamt of,” the President said, “where young people use innovation to help achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.”

In a powerful appeal to the private sector, President Bio called for stronger public-private partnerships to fuel innovation-driven development. “Innovation is one of my Five Big Game Changers and cuts across all national development pillars. My Government is ready to partner with businesses that share this vision,” he stated.

The summit concluded with a landmark announcement: the launch of Sierra Leone’s first open-access 5G network, a joint achievement through a strategic Government-Private Partnership with Zoodlab. The development marks a significant leap forward in the country’s digital infrastructure, promising faster, more reliable connectivity to support innovation and economic growth.

President Bio closed his address with a rousing call to action: “Now is the time. Let us innovate boldly, dream fearlessly and build a Sierra Leone that leads, not follows. The future belongs to the digital.”

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