Sierra Leone and China Sign $50M SMART Project Agreement

Beijing, China, Tuesday, September 3, 2024.  The Government of Sierra Leone and China National Technical Import & Export Corporation have finalized a USD$50 million agreement for the SMART Sierra Leone Project. This deal marks a key milestone in Sierra Leone’s push for digital advancement.

The government of Sierra Leone and China signed the agreement during the FOCAC Summit in Beijing. The agreement signifies a significant step in the nation’s effort to modernize its technology infrastructure. President Julius Maada Bio emphasized that the SMART Sierra Leone Project will achieve three primary goals. First, it will extend internet connectivity to over 400,000 citizens without access. Second, it will establish national data centers to safeguard and manage data. Third, it will bolster security around critical infrastructure in Freetown.

In addition to the SMART Sierra Leone Project, Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Communications, Technology, and Innovation has also entered an agreement with Huawei Group. This agreement covers the Digital Village Project, which will launch in Tormabum. The Digital Village Project will provide local farmers and community members with essential online resources to enhance agricultural productivity and broaden market access.

President Bio expressed his enthusiasm about the agreements. He stated, “I am delighted to witness the signing of these significant projects. The SMART Sierra Leone and Digital Village Projects reflect our commitment to digital and infrastructure development as part of our Big Five Agenda.”

SOURCE: State House Media and Communications Unit info@statehouse.gov.sl