By Alvin Lansana Kargbo
The Minister of Communication, Technology and Innovation, Salima Bah has outlined an ambitious plan to drive technological advancement and innovation across various sectors. Speaking at the Weekly Government Press Conference held on the 28th June, 2024 at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Relations Conference Room, the Minister, Salima Bah emphasized the critical role of young innovators in shaping the future economy and detailed the upcoming Tech and Innovation Summit scheduled for June 11th to the 14th, 2024.
“The Government is committed to fostering a culture of innovation,” she declared. “Our agenda is to create a dynamic platform for young people to showcase their talents, develop solutions and bring their creative ideas to fruition. This summit will serve as a catalyst for innovation, connecting young innovators with industry leaders and venture capitalists.”
She highlighted the importance of supporting innovation across multiple sectors, including agriculture, mining and transportation. “Innovation is not confined to technology alone. It spans across all sectors, from agricultural advancements to autonomous mining operations. It is essential that we provide an environment that nurtures and supports these innovations.”
One of the key challenges identified was the need for a supportive ecosystem that enables young innovators to thrive. “During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, we saw young people invent vital equipment like ventilators. However, the environment must support these innovations to transition from ideas to market-ready products. We need to ensure that our innovators have access to the necessary resources, including finance, infrastructure and regulatory support.”
The Tech and Innovation Summit aims to address these challenges by bringing together innovators, industry leaders and venture capitalists. “This summit is not just a showcase event. It is a platform for meaningful conversations about how we can integrate innovative solutions into our national plans. We will discuss access to finance, regulatory reforms and the creation of a conducive environment for innovation,” she stated.
She also stressed the importance of public-private partnerships in driving innovation. “We need to bring together the private sector and the Government to create a robust ecosystem for innovation. This collaboration is crucial for turning innovative ideas into profitable businesses that can drive economic growth.”
The Minister expressed optimism about the future of innovation in the country. “Young people are at the forefront of innovation. They have the potential to transform our economy and improve lives. The upcoming summit will be a significant step towards realizing this potential by providing a platform for young innovators to shine and connect with the resources they need.”
The Tech and Innovation Summit promises to be a landmark event, setting the stage for a future driven by innovation and technological advancement. As the country gears up for this exciting initiative, the Minister’s vision of a thriving innovation ecosystem is poised to become a reality.
