UNDP, International Trade Centre Host National Dialogue on Digital Soft Skills in Sierra Leone.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in collaboration with the International Trade Centre (ITC), convened a one-day high-level stakeholder dialogue on Wednesday at the Sierra Palms Hotel in Freetown. The consultation focused on harnessing critical insights to strengthen digital and soft skills within Sierra Leone’s workforce.

The forum brought together representatives from financial institutions, microfinance companies, private sector actors, government agencies, and the Bank of Sierra Leone, aiming to shape future training and capacity-building initiatives in the digital sector.

In her opening remarks, Aissata Tambadou, Associate Programme Officer at the ITC, thanked participants for their contributions toward building a digitally competent workforce. She emphasised the workshop’s role in informing future programming and curriculum development for digital transformation.

Chairing the session, ITC Consultant Martin Kent outlined the key phases of digital literacy and transformation, including technical digital skills, supportive digital roles, and the integration of soft skills in professional settings. He called for strategic efforts to improve digital capacity, particularly in the private sector, to support employment diversification and innovation. “We want to better understand the challenges and opportunities for enhancing IT readiness across sectors,” he noted.

Abubakarr Kargbo of Harvest Microfinance emphasised the importance of digital tools in enhancing operational efficiency within the financial sector. Meanwhile, Linford Roy Macauley from A.C.S. Ltd. presented on the growing role of mobile banking and the importance of the National Payment Switch system in advancing financial technology in Sierra Leone.

Participants from various financial and development institutions shared their experiences and insights. They identified key barriers to effective adoption of soft and digital skills, including limited internet infrastructure, low digital literacy, and funding constraints.

In closing, the workshop emphasised the need for secure digital systems, targeted investments in digital training, and the promotion of women's participation in technology and innovation. Stakeholders also called for sustained collaboration to ensure inclusive and forward-looking workforce development.

Kelvin Mark Kargbo

SLENA Correspondent

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