Collaborative efforts sparked digital transformation in Sierra Leone. We helped make it possible.

Sierra Leone has long struggled with establishing robust digital infrastructure. Like many countries across Africa, Sierra Leone faces challenges with limited government capacity, a lack of robust technology policies, growing digital skills divide, and numerous outdated and incompatible systems. On top these challenges, access and connectivity has been an ever-present barrier, with the country’s internet penetration at just 12% in 2018. 

Recognising the importance and potential of digital transformation to drive economic and social progress, the Government of Sierra Leone set out to narrow these information and technology gaps. Such efforts would require the government to formulate inclusive digital policies, enhance crucial digital infrastructure, and promote a digitally proficient populace.  

Of course, driving this level of change – and action – is no small task, which is why we partnered with the government to help them achieve their goals. Our extensive experience in facilitating collaboration and navigating the complexities of digital transformation, combined with our commitment to digital inclusion, made us an ideal partner for the government’s digital aspirations. 

As always, we prioritised taking a collaborative approach, working together with Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Information and Communications Technology (MICT) and other key government stakeholders. We nurtured an environment of participation and teamwork by bringing together diverse stakeholders from across sectors – including government agencies, businesses, academic institutions, and civil society.  

With a focus on engagement, targeted skills development, and shared learning, we undertook several different efforts, including: 

1. Delivering a series of consultative workshops. These workshops were organized and attended by diverse groups of key stakeholders across government agencies, businesses, academic institutions, and civil society. Together with the government, we facilitated critical discussions, gathered insights, and ensured that the workshops accurately assessed the support needed while aligning with the country’s digital aspirations as expressed by representatives of key stakeholders and the people of Sierra Leone. 
2. Providing digital capacity building. We designed and implemented training programs that offered key stakeholders avenues to learn about crucial areas such as digital policy development, digital infrastructure planning, and data management. Through these hands-on training sessions and continuous support, we equipped stakeholders with practical skills and a deep understanding of digital transformation processes. This comprehensive approach empowered local stakeholders to take ownership of, and be active and informed participants in, the digital transformation process.
3. Facilitating the review of key outcome documents and policies. We guided the development and refinement of policies that emerged from the workshops and capacity-building sessions. These policies were instrumental in shaping the future of digital and data infrastructure development in the country.

Throughout these engagements, a key understanding of the country’s digital landscape and priorities led to the development of key documents that promoted a people-centred outcome. These reflect and align with the overall national aspirations of the government and its people. 

Today, the documents and policies that we helped develop continue to support the country’s digital evolution – outlining objectives, tactics, and implementation strategies. The Enterprise Architecture Blueprint, for example, is guiding how the government develops its ICT systems – promoting integration and efficiency across departments. 

Overall, our work set the stage for $50 million in funding from the World Bank to support the country’s ongoing digital transformation. 

Coordination between various public institutions is a common core challenge many countries face across Africa. Similarly in Sierra Leone, interdepartmental competition sometimes led to disputes over responsibilities and resources, thus hindering collaboration. Logistical issues, like transportation disruptions during the rainy season and limited access to electricity in certain areas, made it difficult to convene stakeholders regularly and carry out planned activities.  

These challenges were mitigated by magnifying the benefits envisaged for the people of Sierra Leone, as a result of the outcomes of the engagement. This helped us foster a sense of shared purpose among departments and motivated stakeholders to overcome logistical hurdles.

At the same time, there were – and still are – varying levels of digital literacy among the population, which necessitated a tailored approach to ensure the digital transformation process was both inclusive and beneficial to diverse groups of people. For example, explanation and interpretation of key technical terms was done by sessions facilitators to ensure that no stakeholders were left behind. We recognised the diverse range of digital skills and experience within the population and created individualized solutions to spur greater participation. 

Sierra Leone’s experience provides valuable lessons for countries seeking to accelerate their digital transformation journeys. Both their challenges and successes offer a blueprint for navigating the complexities of building a digital ecosystem. Here’s what we learned:  

1. Promoting inclusive engagement leads to faster and more positive results. Successful digital transformation can only be achieved when there is collaboration across all sectors of society, spanning government, business, academia, and civil society. In Sierra Leone, stakeholders – including government, civil society organisations, and individuals – were involved throughout the entire consultation and review process. By involving a diverse range of stakeholders in the process, the government helped promote digital strategies that were both inclusive of – and beneficial to – people and communities. 
2. Integrating digital initiatives with wider economic development objectives can promote success. Viewing digital transformation not in isolation, but as a component of a comprehensive national development plan is crucial. In Sierra Leone, the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development was directly involved in digital strategy consultations, which allowed conversations around national development to also include digital planning and infrastructure development. By aligning digital projects with economic development targets, such as fostering employment, reducing poverty, and enhancing service provision, countries can fully leverage technologies to promote sustainable and inclusive economic advancement. 
3. Involving key policy and decision makers in the process proved critical. Sierra Leone’s digital transformation journey wouldn’t have been successful without buy–in and positive reception from key decision makers. For example, the Chief Minister’s office and government took action to ease tensions and find common ground among conflicting parties.  
4. Adopting a bottom-up approach is key to success. Inclusive practices that are relatable and accessible to non-technical stakeholders can play a very fundamental role in achieving objectives. Using innovative strategies like community halls and local languages offers the opportunity for different groups of people to actively participate. And, resources such as printed materials and tailored training sessions can help reduce digital literacy gaps and promote greater inclusion.  
5. Equipping stakeholders with the required knowledge, skills, and tools to lead and sustain digital initiatives is crucial. During this process, local stakeholders were provided with all the skills needed to lead the procedures of the development of the policies. This involved comprehensive training programs for government officials, targeted support for businesses and people to adopt digital solutions, and widespread digital literacy campaigns for the public. This in turn, ensured that the country’s digital advancements are driven by their own people, resulting into a sense of ownership and sustainability. 
6. Aligning external donor support with the country’s national objectives is essential. Effective collaboration between governments and donors is key to maximizing the impact of digital development initiatives. In Sierra Leone, the alignment of donor funding with the country’s national digital strategy ensured that resources were directed towards priority areas, avoiding duplication of efforts and prioritising efficiency. This collaborative approach ensured that donor support complemented and enhanced the government’s efforts, thereby leading the way for strategic digital transformation. 

Sierra Leone’s experience illustrates the power of collaboration in driving digital progress. Through our partnership, we helped lay the foundation for the country’s digital efforts, prioritising capacity-building, engagement, and inclusivity. Today, the country has made significant progress, showcasing a defined strategy, improved organisational capabilities, and an expanding network of digital advocates. We are proud to have helped ignite this transformation, gathering insights and knowledge along the way. 

Ultimately, Sierra Leone’s narrative serves as a testament to good digital strategy – and effective partnership – demonstrating that even formidable obstacles can be overcome to pave the way for a promising and interconnected tomorrow.