The Directorate of Science, Technology, The Directorate of Science, Technology and Innovation – DSTI, in collaboration with the Office of National Security – SL convened security sector agencies in a strategic meeting aimed at enhancing digital capabilities across Sierra Leoneโs security institutions.
The meeting, held at the ONS Conference Room, follows an inaugural session on 23rd September 2025 at the DSTI Conference Room, State House.
The engagement brought together leading security agencies, including the Sierra Leone Police, Ministry of Defence / Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces National Fire Force Sierra Leone , Sierra Leone Immigration Department, Sierra Leone Intelligence Department (SLID), Ministry of Internal Affairs, Office of the President State House Sierra Leone , and the National Disaster Management Agency – Sierra Leone
The deliberations emphasized the need for a coordinated digital transformation strategy within security operations. Discussions covered cybersecurity, artificial intelligence (AI), advanced ICT skills, and data management as critical areas to build resilience against emerging threats.
Participants unanimously agreed on the urgency of comprehensive training programs for security personnel at both national and provincial levels. This will ensure sector-wide digital preparedness and equip frontline institutions with the skills to respond to modern security challenges.
DSTIโs Project Manager, Mrs. Tigidankay Bah, confirmed that DSTI will develop a cybersecurity training framework aligned with institutional needs.
She further announced the establishment of a digital communication platform to improve collaboration among agencies.
On behalf of the security sector, Dr. Ahmed Sannoh, Deputy National Security Coordinator, assured stakeholders that ONS, RSLAF, and SLP will work together to finalize venues and logistics for the training, with a target of up to 500 participants by mid-October 2025.
Importantly, the Inspector General of Police committed to provide the Police Training School as the primary venue for the program, and in support, the Chief of Defence Staff pledged to make the Military Training School available should additional facilities be required.
The Deputy National Coordinator also commended DSTIโs leadership, emphasizing how women in leadership roles at DSTI are demonstrating the institutionโs impact through strong articulation of its projects and their benefits to security sector beneficiaries.
The upcoming DSTI Digital Capacity Building Training for Security Sector Institutions will cover cybersecurity fundamentals and related fields. It is tentatively scheduled for the third week of October 2025, with final details to be confirmed.
This initiative forms part of DSTIโs broader mandate to deliver innovative digital solutions for the public sector and advance Sierra Leoneโs National Digital Transformation Strategy. With sustained collaboration between DSTI and national security agencies, Sierra Leone is positioned to strengthen its ability to counter both traditional and emerging security threats in an increasingly digital world.
