My view on Digital Public Goods (DPG) is that they represent one of the most powerful tools for bridging digital divides, promoting open innovation, and enabling equitable access to technology—especially in countries like Sierra Leone. By being open, collaborative, and community-driven, DPGs reduce dependency on expensive, closed digital systems and instead promote local solutions to local problems.
Where I see DPG Sierra Leone in the next 5 years:
With ongoing efforts like community meetups, youth engagement, and support from partners (e.g. UNICEF, DSTI, MoCTI), DPG Sierra Leone is on track to become a leading digital innovation hub in West Africa. In five years, I expect to see:
- A strong ecosystem of open-source developers and digital leaders.
- Integration of DPGs in education, health, governance, and agriculture.
- Sierra Leone exporting its own locally-built DPGs to the world.
Impact DPG can create in the lives of Sierra Leoneans:
- Youth Empowerment: Through training and access to open digital tools, young people can gain job-ready tech skills.
- Access to Services: DPGs like open health platforms or e-governance tools can make public services more efficient and transparent.
Digital Literacy: Free and open digital content can boost education in rural and underserved areas. - Innovation Culture: Encouraging open collaboration can help shift the mindset from consumption to creation.
In summary: DPG has the potential to democratize technology in Sierra Leone, empower communities, and put the country on the global map for digital innovation.