DSTI and CRS Drive Sierra Leone’s Digital Transformation Through Geospatial Data

The Directorate of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI)  and Catholic Relief Services (CRS)  have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This strategic partnership will expand the use of geospatial technology (mapping and location data) to support sustainable development, spatial planning, and disaster management across Sierra Leone.

The signing ceremony took place at the CRS office in Hill Station, Freetown. It marks a shared commitment to improving collaboration between institutions and using modern data tools to build community resilience from natural disasters and improve WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) services.

Upcoming Launch and Training:

The Coordination and Visualization Platform (CVP) Project will officially launch on July 6, 2026, marking a strategic collaboration to improve digital innovation, geospatial technology, and data-driven decision-making. Following the launch, a three-day capacity-building workshop titled ‘Spatial Data Science for Development (SDS4D)’ will be jointly facilitated by the DSTI Data Science Unit and the CRS CVP team from July 7 to July 9, 2026.

The Training workshop will bring together 60 leaders and experts from government ministries, local councils, development agencies, universities, and civil society groups. The goal is to bridge the gap between collecting data and using it to make real-world decisions.

Participants will build practical skills in five key areas:

• Spatial Data Science for Development (SDS4D): Using data to plan better development projects.
• GIS and Remote Sensing: Mapping locations and analyzing satellite imagery.
• Hazard Mapping: Identifying areas at risk for disasters to improve emergency response.
• Data Governance: Managing and sharing data securely and efficiently between agencies.
• Data Visualization: Creating digital dashboards to make data easy to understand at a glance.

As Sierra Leone drives its digital transformation forward, this partnership highlights how technology can empower local institutions, foster innovation, and build stronger, more resilient communities.