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Nigeria and Sierra Leone Seal Strategic Digital Partnership to Accelerate West Africa’s Innovation and Trade Growth
Nigeria and Sierra Leone have entered into a landmark digital partnership with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) designed to accelerate digital economic growth and deepen regional integration across West Africa. The agreement marks a major step toward building a more connected, innovative, and efficient regional digital market.
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The announcement was made in Freetown during a high-level mission led by Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, and Sierra Leone’s Minister of Communication, Technology and Innovation, Mrs. Salimah Bah.
Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to driving a digitally empowered sub-region built on innovation, inclusive growth, shared prosperity, and resilient digital infrastructure.
A Major Step Toward a Unified West African Digital Ecosystem
According to Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Communication, Technology and Innovation, the Nigeria–Sierra Leone Digital Economy Mission brought together government agencies, regulators, industry leaders, innovation hubs, and private-sector players from both countries.
The two-day engagement moved from high-level dialogue to hands-on collaboration, enabling delegates to translate shared priorities into actionable strategies. Working sessions focused on practical solutions, real-time knowledge exchange, and joint planning across digital trade, infrastructure, and innovation.
Key Areas of Collaboration
Discussions were structured around four central pillars, with natural overlaps:
1. Digital Trade & Cross-Border Payments
Delegates explored opportunities to:
- Align KYC processes
- Deepen cooperation among banks and telecommunications players
- Establish a functional Nigeria–Sierra Leone digital payment corridor
- Strengthen cross-border fintech innovation
2. Innovation and Startup Ecosystems
The teams discussed:
- Joint programs to support startups
- Shared innovation hubs and incubation models
- Knowledge transfer and talent development pathways
3. Digital Infrastructure Development
Priorities included:
- Strengthening broadband and connectivity frameworks
- Scaling national and regional backbone infrastructure
- Improving the resilience of digital systems
4. Policy Alignment and Public Services Digitisation
Officials from both countries examined ways to:
- Harmonise digital policies
- Modernise public service delivery
- Enhance cybersecurity readiness
Strong Representation From Both Countries
Nigeria’s delegation included representatives from:
Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy; NITDA; National Centre for AI and Robotics; Galaxy Backbone; NIGCOMSAT; Office for Nigerian Digital Innovation, and private companies such as Flutterwave, CcHUB, Awarri, Miden, Cybervergent, Wakanow, and IHS Towers.
Sierra Leone’s delegation featured organisations including:
Christex Foundation, Smart Systems SL Ltd, Ezeepay SL, Monime Limited, SkillsBridge, SALPOST, Big Bang World Incorporation, Kamara Yokie Innovation Center, Meraki Analytics, Vult, SafulPay, MiKashBoks, Watu, Skool Grind, Startup Bodyshop, Creative Hub Africa, and others.
“Building a Resilient West African Digital Corridor” — Dr. Bosun Tijani
In a statement on X, Dr. Tijani emphasized the long-term vision behind the partnership:
“We are building a resilient West African digital corridor that empowers young people, supports businesses, and strengthens our collective prosperity. More importantly, we are building a model for how Africa can win — by Building Together.”
Expected Impact: Trade, Innovation, and Economic Growth
The partnership is expected to:
- Streamline cross-border trade using digital tools
- Improve connectivity across both countries
- Enhance conditions for digital entrepreneurship
- Unlock new investment opportunities
- Strengthen regional value chains
According to both ministers, the MoU will serve as a foundation for shared economic advancement, positioning West Africa more competitively in the global digital economy.
Joint Technical Working Group to Drive Implementation
To ensure continuity and sustained progress, Nigeria and Sierra Leone agreed to establish a Joint Technical Working Group. The body will:
- Oversee implementation of the MoU
- Track milestones and deliverables
- Recommend new areas of cooperation
- Maintain institutional collaboration beyond political transitions
A Shared Vision for Stronger West African Integration
Both nations stressed that West Africa’s prosperity depends on greater regional integration, freer movement of innovation, and shared digital transformation initiatives.
By forging this alliance, Nigeria and Sierra Leone signal a united commitment to establishing a strong, future-ready digital economy capable of driving long-term regional growth.
