The National Commission for Persons with Disability (NCPD) and the Directorate of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) on Monday September 8, 2025 signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at State House in Freetown to advance digital inclusion and ensure that persons with disabilities (PWDs) are fully part of Sierra Leone’s digital transformation drive.
The signing ceremony was held in the DSTI Conference Room and was described as a historic step towards breaking barriers and providing equal opportunities for all citizens in the digital age.
Speaking during the event, DSTI’s Policy Manager, Abubakarr Kallon Esq., expressed joy at the partnership and reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to leaving no one behind in its technological advancement. He emphasized that the inclusivity agenda of President Julius Maada Bio is evident in the process, adding that the agreement would change the narrative for PWDs in the country’s digital space.
DSTI Technical Director, Ibrahim Rashid Bayoh, explained that the agreement marks the beginning of a long journey aimed at producing fruitful results. He disclosed that the partnership will introduce a Radical Inclusive Digital Skills Master Class, starting with 80 PWDs and later expanding to train 1,000 PWDs across four digital hubs equipped with assistive technologies. He further noted that digital platforms, including Le We Tok, will be adapted with accessibility features to enhance participation, stressing that the initiative will ensure inclusivity and co-creation at every stage of design and implementation.
Chairman of the NCPD, Brima Abdulai Sheriff, expressed gratitude to the leadership of DSTI for the inclusive vision and commitment to empowering PWDs. He described the MoU as timely, pointing out that it directly addresses the Commission’s work and strengthens its alignment with the Ministry of Social Welfare to fulfil the provisions of the 2011 Persons with Disability Act. He assured that the Commission would fully contribute to the success of the partnership and deliver on its responsibilities.
The MoU is expected to open opportunities for PWDs to access digital training, employment and innovation spaces, reinforcing Sierra Leone’s commitment to inclusive development.
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