By:
Robert Kwaku Annor
Sierra Leone’s Ministry of
Communication, Technology and Innovation (MoCTI), in partnership with the
International Trade Centre (ITC), has convened a two-day workshop in Freetown
to examine the country’s startup ecosystem and strengthen support for entrepreneurs
and growing businesses.
The Startup Ecosystem Policy
Validation Workshop and Entrepreneurship Support Organisation (ESO)
Formalisation Consultation is being held through the Ready Salone Project, with
KOICA NIGERIA OFFICE and Felei TechCity also involved in the engagement.
Government representatives,
entrepreneurs, investors, universities, private-sector actors, ESOs and
development partners are participating in discussions on key challenges
affecting Sierra Leone’s startup ecosystem.
The discussions are
examining gaps in access to finance, skills, markets, infrastructure and
business support, with the engagement informed by a national startup ecosystem
diagnostic.
The consultation will also
contribute to the development of Sierra Leone’s emerging Startup Act.
A key focus of the workshop
is strengthening the network of hubs, incubators, accelerators and other
Entrepreneurship Support Organisations operating within the country.
Stakeholders are also
considering a proposed framework for the classification and coordination of
Entrepreneurship Support Organisations as part of efforts to create a more
structured support system for entrepreneurs.
The two-day engagement
continues tomorrow, with participants expected to work towards practical
recommendations aimed at strengthening the support available to Sierra Leonean
entrepreneurs and growing businesses.
The Ministry said the
initiative is intended to contribute to a stronger startup ecosystem and create
more opportunities for Sierra Leone’s innovators, entrepreneurs and growing
businesses.
