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Freetown, Sierra Leone – The West Africa ICT Action Network (WAICTANet) is thrilled to announce the return of the Sierra Leone Digital & Financial Inclusion Roundtable, scheduled for December 4, 2024, in Freetown. Building on the success of the inaugural 2023 edition, this year’s event highlights the theme “From Policy to Practice: Transforming Sierra Leone through Digital Inclusion and Financial Literacy.” It aims to bring together policymakers, industry leaders, financial institutions, technology providers, and community advocates to accelerate meaningful, on-the-ground progress in Sierra Leone’s digital and financial landscapes.

Peterking Quaye, Founder & Executive Director of WAICTANet, emphasized the pressing need for action in Sierra Leone’s journey towards digital and financial inclusivity. “The 2024 roundtable is both a call to action and a bridge between policy commitments and practical impact,” he stated. “This year, we are focusing on translating policies into tangible outcomes—making digital resources accessible to all Sierra Leoneans and advancing financial literacy across communities.” Partnerships with key local organizations, such as the Sierra Leone Association of Women in Journalism (SLAWIJ) and the Internet Society Sierra Leone Chapter, are expected to amplify the event’s impact.

Despite some progress, Sierra Leone still lags behind other African nations in both digital access and financial literacy, ranking lower on indices of internet penetration, digital literacy, and financial inclusion. While mobile technology adoption has grown steadily, significant barriers—such as high data costs, limited rural connectivity, and financial illiteracy—continue to restrict Sierra Leoneans, especially in underserved and rural communities, from fully participating in the digital economy.

Notably, mobile penetration remains limited in rural areas, where even basic internet access can be scarce. While neighboring countries, such as Ghana and Nigeria, have made significant strides in mobile banking and digital payment adoption, Sierra Leone faces challenges that require a comprehensive, multi-stakeholder response. Limited infrastructure, a shortage of digital skills, and financial literacy gaps have slowed the momentum toward an inclusive digital economy.

The event is a platform to commend the Sierra Leonean government’s initial steps in prioritizing digital inclusion. Several governmental initiatives, such as digital IDs and mobile banking partnerships, have set the foundation. However, to sustain and amplify these efforts, deeper collaboration with telecommunications companies, financial institutions, and tech providers is essential. The telecommunications sector, in particular, plays a critical role in making affordable connectivity a reality for all, while banks and financial institutions can expand accessible financial products tailored for underserved populations.

WAICTANet is calling on telcos and key private sector players to support these inclusion efforts by providing affordable, reliable internet access, expanding network coverage, and promoting financial services that meet the needs of low-income, unbanked communities. Collaboration between public and private stakeholders is not only crucial for infrastructure development but also for designing inclusive digital and financial literacy programs that resonate with Sierra Leone’s unique socio-economic landscape.

This year’s event agenda is crafted to facilitate meaningful, actionable dialogue. Panels will feature speakers from SLAWIJ, the Internet Society Sierra Leone Chapter, and prominent local organizations, focusing on bridging the digital divide for women, youth, and rural communities. Through interactive workshops, stakeholders will work together to devise actionable solutions that address Sierra Leone’s unique challenges and leverage digital resources for inclusive growth.

As the Sierra Leone Digital & Financial Inclusion Roundtable enters its second year, WAICTANet envisions a future where policies are transformed into concrete outcomes, enabling Sierra Leoneans from all backgrounds to access digital services and improve their financial literacy. The insights gathered from this year’s discussions will guide ongoing initiatives and policy recommendations, paving the way for a more digitally inclusive Sierra Leone. WAICTANet remains committed to fostering collaboration and driving action toward a future where everyone—urban and rural, young and old—can benefit from the opportunities afforded by a thriving digital economy. This event is a vital step in ensuring Sierra Leone’s digital and financial inclusion efforts are resilient, sustainable, and inclusive.