The Directorate of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing Sierra Leone’s digital transformation agenda through the development of a high-resolution national base map aimed at improving planning, infrastructure development and decision-making across the country.
The initiative, being implemented in collaboration with the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Country Planning, with support from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and technical partnership from Aero Toyota Japan, seeks to establish a modern geospatial infrastructure to address existing mapping gaps.
The proposed national base map will provide critical support for land management, disaster risk response, urban and rural planning, and transportation infrastructure development.
During technical discussions on the project, stakeholders explored digital solutions to strengthen Sierra Leone’s mapping capabilities, improve disaster preparedness, and define the technical direction ahead of a feasibility assessment mission.
According to Yuuki Kaneda of Aero Toyota Japan, the project will utilise OpenStreetMap technology to develop an enhanced national mapping system that can serve as a foundation for future development projects. The first phase will focus on the Western Area Urban District before a gradual expansion to other parts of the country.
To ensure sustainability, the Japanese technical team has committed to supporting capacity building throughout the implementation process, equipping local teams with the skills required to manage and maintain the system.
DSTI Director and Chief Operating Officer, Jasper P. Sembie, reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to working with partners to advance the initiative alongside other national geospatial projects.
He noted that the development of a reliable national base map aligns with DSTI’s broader mandate of leveraging science, technology and innovation to support national development.
Meanwhile, Buawah Jobo Samba, Land Advisor at the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Country Planning, described the project as a Government-led initiative requiring collaboration among institutions and stakeholders. He emphasised that its success will depend on shared responsibility, technical expertise and sustained commitment.
The national base map project represents a significant milestone in Sierra Leone’s digital transformation efforts, with the potential to enhance evidence-based planning and provide reliable geospatial data to support both public and private sector development.
