According to Semafor, Sierra Leone is looking to raise $150 million to roll out a digital innovation hub strategy led by a new Tech City that covers everything from job creation and training to entrepreneurship and supporting inbound investment.
Details
The new policy is being overseen by the Sierra Leone technology and innovation minister Salima Bah, and is intended to position the West African country as an incubation hub for innovators attracting talent from across the sub-region as well as within the country.
The Tech City will sit within a 130-acre special economic zone in Tikonko, Bo District in the middle of the country about 250 kilometers east of the capital Freetown.
It is being adapted to support startups and innovators, according to the minister.
Digging Deeper
The new digital policy push is being supported by private players including local telecoms companies Africell and Orange Sierra Leone as well as early grant backing from development financial institutions. Africell has committed to building a data center in Tech City as part of the project which will be open to third parties, according to Africell Sierra Leone head, Shadi Gerjawi.
Zoom Out
Idris Elba earlier this year announced plans to build an eco-friendly smart city off the coast of Sherbo Island.
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