Nigeria has taken a significant step in regional digital integration as Dr. Bosun Tijani, Honourable Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, spearheaded a high-level delegation to Sierra Leone for the Nigeria–Sierra Leone Digital Economy Bilateral Trade Mission. The mission resulted in the signing of several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) aimed at advancing innovation, cybersecurity, and cross-border digital commerce.
Lasting two days, this mission underscored Nigeria’s expanding leadership role in West Africa’s digital transformation, following Dr. Tijani’s recent attendance at the Regional Summit on Digital Transformation in the Republic of Benin.
Activities in Freetown included ecosystem tours, strategic government meetings, and technical workshops focusing on digital public infrastructure, broadband growth, artificial intelligence, and public-private sector collaboration.
Both nations reaffirmed their mutual dedication to regional digital unity, youth-driven innovation, robust connectivity, and the sustainable growth of a more inclusive West African digital economy.
“Nigeria is fully dedicated to fostering a harmonized, secure, and innovative digital region. Our collaboration with Sierra Leone extends beyond bilateral ties—it is part of a broader vision to facilitate seamless movement of technology, talent, and trade across Africa. Together, we are building the groundwork for a digital economy that empowers youth and drives shared prosperity,” Dr. Tijani emphasized.
The newly signed agreements focus on digital public infrastructure, broadband and spectrum collaboration, artificial intelligence, emerging technologies, talent development, and strengthening institutional capabilities.
Additionally, private companies from both Nigeria and Sierra Leone entered strategic partnerships targeting fintech, edtech, healthtech, cloud infrastructure, and start-up exchanges.
Notable firms such as IHS Towers, Flutterwave, CcHUB, Miden, Cybervergent, Prunedge, Itana, and Awarri participated in business matchmaking sessions, aiming to foster cross-border innovation and expand digital services throughout both countries.
