- Sierra Leone plans to raise $150 million to implement a digital innovation hub strategy led by a new Tech City, involving job creation, entrepreneurial training, and inbound investment support.
- Salima Bah, Minister of Technology and Innovation, told Semafor that this development positions the country as a hub for cultivating innovators, attracting talent from both the sub-region and the domestic market.
- “We really want to play the role of being a home for innovative ideas in the very early stages, in the hopes that we create an environment that would allow [entrepreneurs] to thrive,” she expressed.
The minister disclosed that this development is being tailored to encourage startups and innovators, saying that the country’s modest size, with a GDP of just under $4 billion in 2023 and a population of 8.7 million, may allow it to adapt swiftly in an ever-changing world.
The Tech City will be built in a 130-acre special economic zone in Tikonko, Bo District, in the middle of the country, around 250 km east of Freetown.
Securing promises from corporations to develop facilities within the zone, such as data centres and technology schools, is an important aspect of the Tech City strategy.
Meanwhile, job creation is prioritised through establishing business process outsourcing centres with 10,000 to 15,000 computer seats and manufacturing facilities with device assembly lines.
Private players including Africell and Orange Sierra Leone with early grant backing from development financial institutions support the new digital policy. Africell Sierra Leone head, Shadi Gerjawi confirmed that the company is committed to building a data centre in Tech City.
In March 2024, Hollywood actor, Idris Elba announced plans to turn Sherbro Island — off the coast of Sierra Leone — into an eco-friendly smart city. The project will focus on creative industries and innovative projects.
Per Semafor, Salima Bah acknowledged that Elba’s project would not clash with the Tech City plans. She highlighted opportunities for both developments to complement each other, avoiding unnecessary cost increases due to duplicated efforts.
Meanwhile, a week ago, Starlink became available in Sierra Leone, a year after it got a licence.
