The Governments of Nigeria and Sierra Leone have held a bilateral engagement in Freetown aimed at improving cooperation in the digital economy, technology innovation, and cross-border trade. The meeting brought together senior officials from both countries, led by Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, and Sierra Leone’s Minister of Communication, Technology and Innovation, Salimah Bah. Private-sector leaders from the two nations also joined the discussions to explore new opportunities that can support regional growth.
Both governments restated their shared commitment to strengthening regional integration and supporting the development of a more innovative and inclusive West African economy. The talks covered several key areas the two countries consider important.
These include digital public infrastructure, interoperable government systems, broadband expansion, cybersecurity, data governance, artificial intelligence development, responsible innovation, and talent building. Officials emphasized that cross-border digital trade and stronger private-sector partnerships will play an important role in improving economic outcomes.
During the engagement, Nigeria and Sierra Leone signed a number of Memoranda of Understanding to support structured cooperation. The MoUs cover digital public infrastructure, artificial intelligence and emerging technologies, digital skills, broadband development and spectrum collaboration. Private-sector companies from both countries also signed partnership agreements focused on expanding digital services, strengthening fintech, edtech, healthtech, govtech and cloud solutions, and supporting startup exchange. Both governments described these agreements as a major step toward creating shared economic opportunities and boosting innovation across the region.
The two sides agreed to set up a Joint Technical Working Group that will monitor and review the progress of all signed agreements. According to the officials, the group will provide regular updates to both ministers and recommend new areas where cooperation can be expanded. The commitment to this structure shows the interest of both countries in maintaining long-term collaboration.
Nigeria and Sierra Leone also highlighted a shared belief that stronger cooperation is important for West Africa’s future. Officials noted that the region’s prosperity depends on freer movement of ideas and deeper collaboration among neighboring countries. They added that the bonds connecting communities across West Africa are stronger than the borders that separate them, and that distributed innovation can help unlock new opportunities for growth.
Both governments expressed appreciation for the positive engagement. Nigeria thanked Sierra Leone for the warm reception and support offered during the visit, while Sierra Leone praised Nigeria’s role in driving digital transformation in the region. The joint communiqué was issued by both governments and signed by Isime Esene of the Office of the Honourable Minister.
