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The quest for equitable, meaningful, and safe access to digital technologies, services, and opportunities has taken a significant step forward in Sierra Leone , the West Africa ICT Action Network, in partnership with Pro Idealist Inc. Sierra Leone, is set to host a pivotal event on 25th October, 2023. The 1^st Annual Sierra Leone Digital Inclusion Roundtable, aimed at advancing digital inclusion in Sierra Leone, promises to be a significant milestone in the country’s journey toward fostering equal access to digital technologies and services.

Defined as “equitable, meaningful, and safe access to use, lead, and design of digital technologies, services, and associated opportunities for everyone, everywhere,” digital inclusion has become a pressing concern in today’s interconnected world. While Sierra Leone boasts an array of financial institutions, including 14 commercial banks, 17 community banks, 50 microfinance institutions (MFIs), five deposit-taking MFIs, three Mobile Money Operators, and 59 Financial Services Associations (FSA), only 12.4 percent of adults in the country have a bank account. The need to bridge this gap and extend financial services to underserved populations, such as women, youth, rural communities, and micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), is evident.

The West Africa ICT Action Network’s event will spotlight the five essential elements of digital inclusion:

1. Affordable, Robust Broadband Internet Service: Ensuring that high-quality internet connectivity is accessible to all, regardless of their location or economic status.
2. Internet-Enabled Devices: Providing devices that cater to the diverse needs of users, making technology more inclusive.
3. Access to Digital Skills Training: Equipping individuals and communities, especially the marginalized, with the skills needed to harness the power of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs).
4. Quality Technical Support: Offering reliable support to users, fostering confidence and competence in utilizing digital tools effectively.
5. Applications and Online Content: Designing user-friendly applications and content that promote self-sufficiency, participation, and collaboration among all segments of society.

The event, will serve as a platform for stakeholders, experts, and policymakers to discuss strategies and initiatives that can drive digital inclusion in Sierra Leone. It will provide a forum for networking, sharing insights, and unveiling practical solutions to the challenges hindering access to digital opportunities.

The collaboration between the West Africa ICT Action Network and Pro Idealist Inc. Sierra Leone promises to be a game-changer in the drive for digital inclusion. Together, they are expected to chart a course that not only expands access to digital technologies but also ensures that these technologies are genuinely meaningful and safe for everyone, everywhere in Sierra Leone. As Sierra Leone prepares to embark on this transformative journey, the global community will be watching with anticipation. Participants will help contribute to unlocking the full potential of Sierra Leone’s digital landscape. Sierra Leone is poised to embrace the digital era fully, ensuring that no one is left behind in the journey towards a more connected and inclusive society. The West Africa ICT Action Network’s event on the 25th of October promises to be a significant catalyst in making this vision a reality.

The event represents a significant milestone, reinforcing Sierra Leone’s commitment to creating an inclusive digital landscape that leaves no one behind.