Nigeria and Sierra Leone have signed several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) to strengthen bilateral cooperation in the digital economy. The agreements were signed during the Nigeria–Sierra Leone Digital Economy Bilateral Trade Mission, which took place in Sierra Leone. The mission was led by Dr. Bosun Tijani, the head of Nigeria’s Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy.
The MoUs aim to deepen cooperation in areas such as digital public infrastructure, digital trade, cybersecurity, youth innovation, and technology transfer. The agreements also focus on digital trade coordination, cybersecurity collaboration, skills development, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) development. The signing of the MoUs reflects the shared ambition of both nations to accelerate regional digital integration and promote a more innovative, resilient, and inclusive West African economy.
The bilateral trade mission featured ecosystem hub tours, press engagements, technical sessions, and government-to-government deliberations. The discussions centered on priority areas of mutual interest, including digital public infrastructure, broadband expansion, digital identity, cybersecurity, and data governance. The two countries also agreed to enhance collaboration in areas such as AI development, digital literacy, talent development, and institutional capacity building.
The MoUs establish structured cooperation in areas such as digital public infrastructure, AI and emerging technologies, talent development, and broadband infrastructure. The agreements demonstrate Nigeria’s commitment to enabling a more harmonized, secure, and innovative digital region. According to Dr. Tijani, the partnership with Sierra Leone is part of a broader vision to ensure that technology, talent, and trade flow seamlessly across the continent.
The signing of the MoUs is a significant step towards promoting digital economy cooperation between Nigeria and Sierra Leone. The agreements are expected to promote economic growth, create jobs, and improve the lives of citizens in both countries. The cooperation is also expected to contribute to the development of a more integrated and prosperous West African region.
The Nigeria-Sierra Leone digital economy partnership is part of a larger effort to promote regional digital integration in West Africa. The region has made significant progress in recent years, with several countries investing heavily in digital infrastructure and promoting the development of the digital economy. The partnership between Nigeria and Sierra Leone is expected to play a key role in promoting regional digital integration and contributing to the development of a more prosperous and inclusive West African economy.