A dynamic group of young innovators and government officials from Sierra Leone is currently in South Korea, embarking on a benchmarking mission to boost the country’s digital transformation through the READY Salone Project.

This initiative, backed by the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) and executed by the International Trade Centre (ITC), stands as a flagship project in the digital economy, aimed at empowering the next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs.

The delegation features the winner and finalists of the 2025 President Julius Maada Bio Big Five Innovation Challenge, along with the Minister of Youth Affairs and representatives from the Ministries of Communication, Technology and Innovation, Youth Affairs, and Trade and Industry. Notable private sector leaders, including David Ogoo, Founder of Christex Foundation, and David Manley, CEO of Fɛlei Tech City, are also part of the team.

While in South Korea, the Sierra Leonean delegation is diving into the country’s renowned innovation ecosystem and building strategic partnerships that could greatly benefit Sierra Leone’s rapidly evolving digital landscape.

This mission also underscores the strengthening ties between Sierra Leone and South Korea. The two nations have enjoyed a friendship spanning over sixty years, with Sierra Leone establishing its embassy in Seoul back in 2014. In a significant development, South Korea is preparing to open its first resident mission in Freetown, further enhancing diplomatic and economic collaboration.

Under President Julius Maada Bio’s leadership, the Sierra Leonean government has prioritized human capital development as a key element of its national agenda. Education, innovation, and skills development are viewed as essential tools for empowering youth to drive the nation’s progress.

“This visit provides our innovators with a chance to learn from one of the world’s leading tech ecosystems and to bring back insights that can be tailored to fit Sierra Leone,” said David Manley, CEO of Fɛlei Tech City. “As we work on building Fɛlei Tech City, our aim is to adapt Korea’s successful strategies to our local context.”

We're on a mission to create a future-ready environment where the youth of Sierra Leone can innovate, grow, and compete on a global scale. This benchmarking initiative is set to uncover fresh insights and forge partnerships that will be crucial in shaping the digital landscape of Sierra Leone.