AYV News, June 13, 2024
Sierra Leone has announced plans to construct an ultra-modern Tech City aimed to strengthen the technology ecosystem and provide facilities to incubate and accelerate programs to support the transition of start- ups from ideation to commercialisation.
The City, His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio said, is borne out of his vision to build a state-of-the-art hub for the brightest and most innovative minds to converge and create solutions for challenges.
President Bio said: “The City will foster the development of new technologies, products and services that will serve as catalysts for sustainable development, promote economic diversification and reduce the country’s over reliance on the traditional sectors. It is also projected to create thousands of jobs, and further provide access to the global digital job market, that may offer Sierra Leoneans new career paths.
“We are committed to implementing business-friendly policies and regulations that will encourage innovation, promote access to finance, encourage market expansion, and provide networking opportunities.
“This will provide a conducive environment with a view to attracting foreign companies, start-ups, venture capitalists, and investors to fuel further innovation and economic activity. To our private sector and development partners, this is a call to action. As we strive to build a city dedicated to fostering technology and innovation, I call for your support to ensure that this hub serves as a conduit for economic diversification, sustainability, and inclusive growth. “Please walk with us to build a city where we can further blur the lines between reality and the virtual world. Together, let us leverage and exploit technology to catapult Sierra Leone into middle income status. This is the opportunity that can serve as the bridge between our current state and our aspiration for a dignified and prosperous life for every Sierra Leonean citizen that can also contribute to the global economy”.
The President said with a deep sense of pride and bated excitement about what a tech forward Sierra Leone could mean for the accelerated development of its people, adding that he boldly took this step into the future to unveil and launch the Feilei Tech City Project.
