|By Babatunji Wusu
The Nigerian government has deepened diplomatic and digital ties with Sierra Leone after signing a series of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) aimed at boosting regional cooperation in technology, cybersecurity, digital trade, and youth innovation.
Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, on Wednesday led a high-level delegation to Freetown for the Nigeria–Sierra Leone Digital Economy Bilateral Trade Mission, where both nations agreed to accelerate West Africa’s digital transformation.
The two-day mission culminated in new bilateral agreements across key sectors, including digital public infrastructure, broadband expansion, artificial intelligence (AI), data governance, and cross-border digital trade. The renewed partnership follows Dr. Tijani’s recent engagement at the Regional Summit on Digital Transformation in Benin Republic—an effort that reinforces Nigeria’s emerging leadership in the region’s tech ecosystem.
Hosted by Sierra Leone’s Minister of Communication, Technology and Innovation, Salima Monorma Bah, the mission featured ecosystem tours, technical sessions, press briefings and direct government-to-government deliberations. Both sides examined opportunities to strengthen cybersecurity coordination, scale digital skills, and promote responsible AI development.
At the close of the engagements, Nigeria and Sierra Leone reaffirmed their commitment to building a more connected, innovative and resilient West African economy. The MoUs signed cover structured cooperation in:
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Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI)
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AI and emerging technologies
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Digital skills and talent development
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Broadband infrastructure and spectrum sharing
Dr. Tijani described the partnership as a continental step forward, not just a bilateral pact.
“Nigeria remains fully committed to enabling a more harmonised, secure, and innovative digital region. Our partnership with Sierra Leone is part of a broader vision to ensure technology, talent, and trade flow seamlessly across our continent,” he said.
“Together, we are laying the foundations for a digital economy that empowers our young people and creates shared prosperity.”
