By: Kanto
Kai Okanta
Students from Limkokwing
University of Creative Technology Sierra Leone have showcased locally developed
digital solutions as part of efforts to strengthen youth participation in the
country’s digital transformation journey.
The innovations were
presented during the Digital Public Goods (DPG)-in-Academia End-of-Semester
Exhibition, which highlighted the potential of young people to create open,
reusable and scalable technology solutions to address development challenges.
The exhibition was hosted by
the Ministry of Communication, Technology and Innovation and Limkokwing
University, with support from UNICEF Sierra Leone, the United Nations
University and UNICEF’s Office of Innovation.
The event featured student
teams that developed digital solutions during a pilot semester that introduced
Digital Public Goods concepts and open-source principles into selected ICT
courses.
Through live demonstrations
and project pitches, students presented technology-driven ideas aimed at
supporting areas such as public services, community development and improved
access to digital solutions.
UNICEF Sierra Leone said the
initiative demonstrates the importance of equipping young innovators with the
skills and platforms needed to contribute to inclusive digital transformation.
The organisation reaffirmed
its commitment to supporting partnerships between government, academia and
development institutions to create opportunities for young people to innovate
and develop solutions that respond to local needs.
The DPG-in-Academia
programme forms part of broader efforts to promote digital public goods by
encouraging the creation of accessible, adaptable and sustainable digital tools
that can deliver value to communities and strengthen public systems.
