Salton Massally Calls for First-Mover Investment in Digital Skills in Sierra Leone

Salton Massally, CEO of Mikashboks, at the recent Sierra Leone Diaspora Investment Conference (SLDIC), highlighted a digital skills shortage challenge in Sierra Leone. He however emphasized that these challenges present unique opportunities for investors. 

Massally urged investors to embrace the digital and technological gap as first-mover advantages. This means that investors could help shape fundamental digital sectors in the economy that are yet to be touched, thus making them pioneers in that industry. 

During a panel discussion, Massally addressed the challenges in digital infrastructure and workforce skill sets facing Sierra Leone. His company, Mikashboks supports informal sector participants, like market vendors and bike riders, with accessible saving options. 

Massally pointed out that there is a lack of essential technical skills and digital roles for businesses in the country. Therefore, it is hard for digital businesses to find the tech talent they need. However, instead of dwelling on these hurdles, he focused on the market’s potential.

“The lack of skills, digital roles, and infrastructure in Sierra Leone means there’s an open door for investors to establish these systems and take full advantage of a first mover position in the country,” he said.  

For tech businesses aiming to expand, Massally recommended investing in skills development and digital infrastructure. This is because upskilling local talent will drive business growth and help expand the Sierra Leonean economy. 

He further noted that these challenges offer valuable opportunities for investors to establish foundational structures in untapped markets, allowing first movers to dominate. 

Massally speaking at the Sierra Leone Diaspora Investment Conference 2024

Contribution of Panel at the 2024 Sierra Leone Diaspora Investment Conference

Other speakers on the panel echoed Massally sentiments. They discussed government and private-led initiatives to ease business operations and create an investor-friendly environment. 

The panel, sponsored by DT Global was moderated by Hamid Marah. The discussion was titled, “If You Build It, They Will Come: Creating an Enabling Business Environment for Investment and Competitiveness.” 

It featured Salton Massally, CTO of Mikashboks, Mary Jalloh, Project Coordinator of the Sierra Leone Economic Diversification Project, and Dr. Rose Mary Garcia, Lead Economist at DT Global. 

Jalloh, representing the Sierra Leone Economic Diversification Project, shared an optimistic outlook on the government’s reforms in the business environment. She stated that the government, with World Bank support, is streamlining business registration and tax systems. 

Jalloh also highlighted that the government was supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs) through technical assistance programmes. 

“We’ve made notable progress in policy and legislative updates, including a one-stop shop model for business registration,” she said. 

Jalloh speaking at the Sierra Leone Diaspora Investment Conference 2024

Dr. Garcia drew from DT Global’s experience in Uganda’s agricultural sector and diaspora engagement in Kosovo. 

She noted that economies with initial limitations often see transformative growth when foundational investments are made in skills and digital infrastructure. 

Diaspora efforts in Kosovo focused on addressing skill shortages, access to finance, and infrastructure issues. By fostering a supportive business environment, Kosovo attracted major diaspora-led investments, resulting in robust growth and new opportunities. 

She encouraged diaspora and international investors to build essential infrastructure and enhance workforce skills in Sierra Leone. 

“It’s about recognising and addressing the ‘binding constraints’ in the market while meeting the country where it is today and helping it grow from there,” she said.

Dr. Garcia speaking at the Sierra Leone Diaspora Investment Conference

Together, the panelists underscored the potential of transformative growth in Sierra Leone. They delivered a strong message to investors about the untapped opportunities awaiting first movers in the country. 

What is the 2024 Sierra Leone Diaspora Investment Conference 

SLDIC 2024 marked the second of its kind. 

This one-day gathering attracted over 200 leaders from various sectors, including business, investment, finance, policy, and development, all focused on promoting economic growth in Sierra Leone. It was recognized as the largest assembly of Sierra Leonean-American entrepreneurs, investors, and change agents in North America. 

The lineup of speakers was remarkable, showcasing individuals with both international and local leadership experience, both domestically and abroad. Panelists from a range of industries provided valuable insights into policy, innovation, and entrepreneurship, aiming to foster meaningful discussions. 

The conference received sponsorship from Leonoil, DT Global, and VR&C Marketing. 

The event was dedicated to enhancing connections between Sierra Leone and its diaspora, encouraging collaboration and investment, and is expected to take place again next year.

Some guests at the Sierra Leone Diaspora Investment Conference 2024