As Sierra Leone continues its journey toward a digitally empowered future, the security and resilience of the systems that power our essential services—such as energy, telecommunications, finance, water, and healthcare—have become a national priority.
Recognizing this, the Sierra Leone Digital Transformation Project (SLDTP), is supporting the National Cybersecurity Coordination Centre (NC3) to develop a comprehensive Critical Information Infrastructure Protection Plan (CIIPP). A key milestone in this process was the recently held stakeholder consensus workshop, which brought together regulators, operators, and sector experts to align on national priorities and risks.
Why This Matters
In today’s digital world, disruptions to the underlying systems that run our public services don’t just cause inconvenience—they can affect national security, economic stability, and public safety. Whether it’s a power grid, banking system, mobile network, or digital ID platform, these infrastructures form the backbone of daily life in Sierra Leone.
Yet, as the country rapidly digitizes its public and private services, these systems are increasingly exposed to cybersecurity threats. The development of a Critical Information Infrastructure Protection Plan is therefore not just timely, but essential.
Workshop Objectives and Outcomes
The workshop served as a platform to:
• Validate insights gathered from sectoral focus groups and CII mapping exercises;
• Build consensus on what constitutes critical infrastructure in Sierra Leone’s context;
• Identify key systems, services, and networks that require prioritized protection;
• Discuss institutional roles, operational challenges, and opportunities for cross-sector coordination.
Participants included representatives from national regulators, infrastructure operators, cybersecurity experts, and government agencies. Their contributions are helping to shape a plan that is grounded in real sectoral needs and tailored to Sierra Leone’s digital landscape.
How SLDTP Fits In
The SLDTP’s support to this initiative aligns directly with one of the project’s core objectives: to strengthen the government’s capacity to deliver secure and trusted digital public services. The protection of critical digital infrastructure is not a separate stream of work—it is foundational to achieving the broader goals of digital transformation in Sierra Leone.
By investing in the development of the CIIPP and facilitating inclusive stakeholder engagement, SLDTP is helping to lay the groundwork for a resilient, future-ready digital nation.
Looking Ahead
The outcomes of the workshop will feed into the drafting of Sierra Leone’s first Critical Information Infrastructure Protection Plan. Once finalized, the plan will establish clear frameworks for risk assessment, mitigation strategies, and coordinated incident response—ensuring that our most vital digital systems are protected from evolving threats.
This effort is just one of the many ways the Sierra Leone Digital Transformation Project is working to secure the future of public service delivery and digital innovation in the country.
