Sierra Leone Partners with SIGN Foundation to Launch National Blockchain Infrastructure
The partnership is part of Sierra Leone’s broader strategy to position itself as a regional hub for emerging technologies, particularly in blockchain and Artificial Intelligence, while enhancing transparency, financial inclusion, and the delivery of public services.
The Government of Sierra Leone, through the Ministry of Communication, Technology and Innovation (MoCTI), has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the SIGN Foundation to develop blockchain-powered national digital systems aimed at accelerating the country’s digital transformation. The partnership is part of Sierra Leone’s broader strategy to position itself as a regional hub for emerging technologies, particularly in blockchain and Artificial Intelligence, while enhancing transparency, financial inclusion, and the delivery of public services.
Under the agreement, the SIGN Foundation will lead the creation of sovereign blockchain infrastructure, including a national digital identity system, a digital wallet platform, and an asset tokenisation framework. The Foundation will provide technical expertise, investment support, and collaborate with local partners to ensure skills transfer and capacity building within Sierra Leone.
The Ministry of Communication, Technology and Innovation will provide policy guidance and regulatory oversight to ensure that all initiatives align with the national digital agenda. Felei TechCity, the government’s innovation hub, will serve as the central point for project coordination and implementation.
The MoU also establishes a joint investment mobilisation framework, in which SIGN and a government-appointed body will co-manage project funds under transparent and accountable systems. Both parties will work together to shape national blockchain and digital asset policies, drawing on international best practices. To strengthen global collaboration, the Economic and Commercial Office of the Embassy of Sierra Leone in China will help connect international investors, experts, and partners with Sierra Leone’s blockchain projects.
A Strategic Implementation Roadmap will guide the rollout of the initiatives, with key priorities including a National Digital Identity Infrastructure, Digital Wallet Integration, Blockchain-enabled Payment Systems, and an Asset Tokenisation Framework.
Speaking at the signing, Hon. Salima Monorma Bah, Minister of Communication, Technology and Innovation, described the partnership as a defining step toward establishing the digital backbone that will drive Sierra Leone’s inclusive growth and technological leadership. The collaboration reflects the government’s commitment to leveraging technology to create jobs, enhance public services, and foster a digital economy that benefits all citizens.
MoCTI leads Sierra Leone’s national digital transformation efforts by developing ICT policies, promoting innovation, and supporting inclusive growth through technology initiatives such as Felei TechCity, the Sierra Leone Digital Transformation Project, and the Big 5 Innovation Investment Challenge.
The SIGN Foundation is a global digital infrastructure organisation that supports governments and institutions in building sovereign blockchain networks and public digital systems. The organisation specialises in decentralised identity, digital payments, and distributed ledger technologies, providing secure and inclusive solutions to drive national development and innovation.
