Sierra Leone Seeks to Bridge Seven — Year Legal Gap to Fuel Digital Commerce Growth BODY: Freetown, Sierra Leone – Sierra Leone is taking strides to overcome a regulatory void that has lingered for over seven years, threatening the burgeoning digital commerce sector.
The government, along with key stakeholders, has initiated a dialogue aimed at addressing the gap and establishing a robust electronic transactions framework.
The July 27-28 public-private dialogue in Freetown brought together government officials, financial institutions, telecommunications companies, mobile money operators, and civil society organizations to discuss the implementation of Sierra Leone’s electronic transactions framework.
The initiative, led by the Ministry of Communication, Technology and Innovation (MoCTI) and the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI), is supported by the International Trade Centre (ITC) and the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA).
The Electronic Transactions Act, passed in January 2019, was designed to recognize electronic commerce and provide protections for participants in the digital economy.
However, key elements required to operationalize the law have been underdeveloped, leaving businesses, consumers, and investors without the necessary legal and institutional mechanisms.
The Act acknowledges electronic signatures and messages, offering consumer protections for electronic transactions. Yet, the absence of a clear system for issuing digital certificates, guidance on electronic evidence authentication, and dispute-resolution mechanisms pose challenges. This uncertainty can lead to disputes over transactions, fraud, and non-delivery of goods or services, increasing risks for businesses and undermining investor confidence.
Sierra Leone’s Trade and Industry Minister, Hon. Alpha Ibrahim Sesay, highlighted the importance of a trusted e-transactions ecosystem for the country’s economic ambitions. “A trusted e-transactions ecosystem is essential for expanding trade, improving the ease of doing business, and unlocking Sierra Leone’s digital economy,” he stated.
The dialogue focused on real — world scenarios, including mobile money fraud, online marketplaces, women entrepreneurs, youth-led technology businesses, and digital service providers. It aimed to ensure that proposed regulations are practical and reflective of the needs of the digital economy in Sierra Leone.
As the country moves to address the legal gap, the digital commerce sector stands at a critical juncture.
The outcome of this initiative will not only determine the future of the sector but also the nation’s economic growth and development.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
—
This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: Panafricanvisions
Source: Pan African Visions
