Infrastructure, Technology and Innovation

Big 5 Game Change

Building the Backbone of Sierra Leone’s Future Economy

Infrastructure, Technology, and Innovation is the engine that powers national transformation. It enables everything else—from food production to healthcare, education, and public service delivery. Under the Big Five Game Changers, the Government of Sierra Leone is committed to expanding and modernizing the country’s infrastructure systems, increasing access to affordable energy, and scaling up digital transformation to power inclusive, resilient development.

This priority is about moving Sierra Leone from a basic infrastructure economy to a digitally empowered, technology-driven nation—one that connects rural to urban, government to citizen, and the present to the future.

THE PRESIDENT'S VISION

Global trends show that countries with robust infrastructure and digital capacity have stronger economies, faster innovation, and more efficient governments. Without it, even well-designed health or education policies cannot succeed at scale.

This Big Five priority addresses this gap head-on—by investing in infrastructure and digital systems to connect the people, power the economy, and modernize government.

A digitally connected and infrastructurally modern Sierra Leone is not a luxury—it is a national necessity. For our economy to compete, our citizens to thrive, and our institutions to perform, we must invest boldly in the infrastructure of today and the innovations of tomorrow.

Core Pillars

This Big Five priority focuses on three interlinked domains: energy, transport, and technology systems. Each is a foundation for inclusive growth and modern public services.

Energy Access & Sustainability

Reliable and affordable energy is central to economic transformation. Without it, factories stall, homes remain in darkness, and services are limited.

Key actions

Expand the national electricity grid, especially to underserved rural areas
Scale investment in renewable energy (solar mini-grids, hydro, and clean cooking)
Upgrade aging infrastructure to improve power reliability
Promote private sector participation through PPPs in energy production
Deploy clean energy systems to schools, health centers, and local markets

Outcome: A resilient, diversified energy ecosystem powering businesses, schools, farms, and households across Sierra Leone.

Road and Transportation Infrastructure

Sierra Leone’s road network is underdeveloped and uneven, with many production areas cut off from major markets. This hinders agriculture, health service access, and youth mobility.

Key actions

Upgrade and maintain feeder roads to link farms, mining, and fisheries to trade centers
Improve urban roads and bridges to reduce congestion and transit costs
Establish logistics infrastructure for food storage and export
Promote eco-friendly transport infrastructure (bike lanes, pedestrian routes)
Explore national rail and port upgrades for regional trade competitiveness

Outcome: A well-connected Sierra Leone, where goods and people move freely, supporting national productivity and economic inclusion.

Digital Transformation and Innovation

This pillar envisions a digitally enabled public sector and economy, where data, technology, and innovation drive delivery, inclusion, and competitiveness.

Key actions

Expand broadband and mobile internet coverage nationwide
Digitalize public services (civil registration, education, healthcare, licensing, procurement)
Promote digital skills training for youth, civil servants, and entrepreneurs
Support tech hubs, start-ups, and e-government platforms
Strengthen cybersecurity and digital governance systems

Outcome: A technology-forward nation where services are faster, data is trusted, and youth innovate and compete globally.

Infrastructure is not just concrete and cables—it’s the infrastructure of equity. Technology is not just about devices—it’s about people being seen, heard, and empowered.

Big 5 Game Change