Minister Bah, New UNICEF Representative Discuss Digital Transformation
The Ministry of Communication, Technology and Innovation (MoCTI) has welcomed newly appointed UNICEF Representative to Sierra Leone, Mariko Kagoshima, during a courtesy visit to Minister Salima Monorma Bah at NaTCA Tower in Imatt, Freetown, to discuss digital learning, school internet access and digital public infrastructure.
A key focus was expanding Digital Learning Hubs established by the Directorate of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) with UNICEF’s support. Located at Fourah Bay College and IPAM in Freetown, Ernest Bai Koroma University in Makeni, and Eastern Technical University in Kenema, the hubs provide young people with opportunities to develop basic computer skills.
The discussions also covered Project Giga, which aims to connect schools to the internet, and the Open Source First Policy, launched during the 81st United Nations General Assembly. The policy seeks to improve the integration of government digital systems across health, education, birth registration and social protection, while strengthening local capacity to maintain digital platforms.
Minister Bah and Kagoshima also discussed the responsible use of artificial intelligence in classrooms, child online safety, and emerging threats such as deepfakes and misinformation, with emphasis on protecting children’s rights in an increasingly digital environment.
The engagement reaffirmed areas of cooperation between MoCTI and UNICEF to expand digital access, strengthen skills development and promote the safe and responsible use of technology in Sierra Leone.
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