By: Van
Soul Addey
Sierra Leone is
strengthening its role in the global Digital Public Goods (DPG) movement
through an academic initiative that is equipping students with the skills to
develop open-source digital solutions for public benefit.
The Ministry of
Communication, Technology and Innovation (MoCTI), in partnership with UNICEF,
United Nations University and Limkokwing University of Creative Technology
Sierra Leone, is organising the Digital Public Goods in Academia
End-of-Semester Exhibition in Freetown to showcase innovative solutions
developed by students.
The exhibition will feature
11 student-built digital solutions created through Sierra Leone’s first Digital
Public Goods curriculum, with projects addressing challenges in areas such as
education, healthcare, governance and environmental sustainability.
Through the programme,
students have been introduced to digital public goods concepts and open-source
principles, enabling them to design technology solutions focused on
accessibility, reusability and wider public impact.
Sierra Leone, which is a
co-founder and member of the Digital Public Goods Alliance (DPGA), has
continued to promote the development and adoption of open digital technologies
as part of efforts to support inclusive digital transformation.
Following the exhibition,
selected student projects will progress to the Digital Public Goods Pipeline,
where they will be assessed against the internationally recognised Digital
Public Goods Standard.
The initiative reflects
Sierra Leone’s commitment to developing local digital talent and encouraging
innovation that contributes to sustainable development through technology.
