Sierra Leone trains 1,000 civil servants in digital skills

Sierra Leone has launched a nine-month training programme for 1,000 public servants. The initiative aims to strengthen digital skills across all 29 ministries, departments, and agencies.

The Ministry of Communication, Technology and Innovation signed an agreement with the Ministry of Public Administration to deliver the training through the Public Service Academy.

The curriculum covers everyday digital tools, data analysis, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity.

The programme responds to the government’s broader ambition to integrate technology into public service delivery.

Building digital government

Sierra Leone is developing a national artificial intelligence strategy to guide AI adoption across the public sector.

Authorities also see blockchain as a tool to enhance transparency and trust in government services.

The country previously used blockchain for its national digital identity system, launched in August 2019.

The World Bank approved a $50 million grant in January 2023 to support the national digital transformation project. Cybersecurity remains a priority as digital services expand.

Progress and challenges

Despite these efforts, Sierra Leone ranks 172nd out of 193 countries in the UN’s e-government development index.

The country scored 0.3042 out of 1 in 2024, below regional and global averages.

The International Telecommunication Union classifies Sierra Leone in Tier 3 for cybersecurity.

The country scores well on legislative frameworks but needs stronger technical measures and capacity building.

Sixty per cent of the population still does not use telecom services, despite $400 million in infrastructure investment.

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