The West African ICT Action Network (WAICTANet) and the Sierra Leone Association of Women in Journalism (SLAWIJ) successfully hosted the second edition of their roundtable dialogue on digital and financial inclusion in Sierra Leone on Wednesday, December 4, 2024.
This collaborative initiative brought together key stakeholders to address the challenges and opportunities in bridging the nation’s digital divide. Held under the theme, “Accelerating Digital Transformation for Inclusive Growth: Bridging the Divide through Financial Empowerment,” the event highlighted the importance of leveraging technology to promote economic equity and social progress.
In his opening remarks, Peter King Quaye, Executive Director of WAICTANet, underscored the transformative potential of technology in driving Sierra Leone’s development. He emphasized how the theme for this year’s roundtable directly reflects the critical role of technology in fostering equality and economic empowerment, particularly through financial inclusion.
Quaye further noted that the ongoing global digital revolution is reshaping societies and economies, stressing that for Sierra Leone, achieving digital inclusion and promoting financial literacy are pivotal steps toward unlocking the nation’s full potential. He described the roundtable not just as a discussion but as a collective effort to inspire policymakers, the private sector, and global stakeholders to adopt scalable solutions aimed at narrowing the digital divide.
The event also featured a keynote address by Professor Emmanuel Tweneboah Senzu, who focused on translating policy into actionable results. He argued that achieving digital inclusion requires not only building infrastructure but also providing individuals with the training and resources to develop essential digital skills. This, he explained, is crucial for closing the gap between those with access to technology and those without.
Professor Senzu further called for increased efforts to raise awareness about digital and financial inclusion, stressing their role in creating opportunities, driving economic growth, and overcoming barriers that hinder development in Sierra Leone. He concluded by reiterating the need for collective action to ensure no one is excluded from the benefits of the digital era.
Building on the success of its inaugural 2023 event, this year’s roundtable went beyond dialogue to focus on actionable outcomes. Key objectives included addressing systemic challenges, celebrating success stories, and fostering partnerships capable of driving meaningful change.
Participants unanimously recognized the urgent need for accessible technology and comprehensive financial education to fuel sustainable growth. The event emphasized the power of collaboration in creating solutions that not only close gaps in digital access but also economically empower communities.
The Sierra Leone Digital and Financial Inclusion Roundtable reinforced its mission to inspire action and advance inclusive growth, laying a strong foundation for lasting impact across the nation.
