The Universal Access Development Fund (UADF) recently showcased its impactful initiatives at the Salone Civic Festival, organized by Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Information and Civic Education. The two-day festival, designed to celebrate civic engagement and promote government services, was a significant platform for various organizations and stakeholders to connect with the public. UADF’s participation showed its commitment to promoting digital inclusion and access to communication technology in unserved and underserved areas across Sierra Leone.

The UADF booth was strategically placed among other government, NGO, and MNO exhibits, providing an opportunity for attendees to learn more about the fund’s mission and ongoing projects. The booth highlighted UADF’s contributions to improving access to communication tools in underserved communities, bridging the digital divide, and promoting universal access to technology nationwide.

High-Level Visits to the UADF Booth

The festival was graced by several dignitaries, including the President of Sierra Leone, Vice President, First Lady, Ministers and Deputy Ministers, and key stakeholders across the country. The Deputy Minister of Communication, Technology & Innovation, paid a visit to the UADF booth. He expressed interest in the work being done by the Fund, recognizing its essential role in enhancing communication infrastructure, particularly in rural and remote areas. The visit was not only a moment of recognition for UADF’s work but also an opportunity for further dialogue on strengthening public-private partnerships to enhance the reach and impact of digital access initiatives.

A notable moment at the booth was a photo opportunity with the Deputy Minister, capturing the ongoing collaboration between the Ministry of Communication, Technology & Innovation and UADF. This interaction underscored the government’s support for initiatives that aim to foster digital connectivity and access to technology.

UNICEF’s Interest in UADF’s Work

The UADF booth also attracted attention from international organizations. A representative from UNICEF visited to inquire about UADF’s ongoing projects, particularly those that align with UNICEF’s mission of empowering children and communities through access to information and technology. The UNICEF representative showed a keen interest in understanding how the UADF initiatives could contribute to the empowerment of vulnerable groups, including children, in remote areas of Sierra Leone.

The exchange between UADF and UNICEF centered around exploring future collaborations to ensure that the benefits of digital access and communication technologies reach marginalized communities. The focus was on utilizing technology to enhance educational opportunities and create avenues for children to gain access to essential resources.

Orange Sales Manager Visits to Strengthen Partnerships

Another notable visit to the UADF booth came from a Sales Manager at Orange, one of Sierra Leone’s leading mobile network providers. The sales manager’s visit was aimed at further strengthening the partnership between UADF and Orange, with a focus on expanding mobile network coverage and providing affordable communication services in underserved communities in the country.

The visit signified a mutual interest in deepening collaboration between the public and private sectors to achieve the goal of universal access to digital services. With Orange’s extensive mobile infrastructure and UADF’s focus on bridging the digital divide, the two organizations discussed joint efforts to enhance connectivity, improve internet access, and support digital literacy in rural communities. This partnership has the potential to drive significant impact by making communication services more accessible and affordable for Sierra Leoneans.

A Platform for Civic Engagement

The Salone Civic Festival provided a vibrant space for UADF to engage with both the public and key stakeholders in government and civil society. In addition to showcasing the Fund’s work, UADF representatives were able to answer questions, and engage in discussions about the importance of universal access to technology. The event highlighted the growing need for continued investment in communication infrastructure, particularly in Sierra Leone’s rural areas, where access to reliable technology and the internet remains a challenge.

The participation of UADF in the Salone Civic Festival was a reminder of the vital role that digital access plays in the development of Sierra Leone. As the country continues prioritizing economic growth and social development, organizations like UADF are paving the way for a more connected and digitally inclusive future.

With the support of key government ministries, MNOs, Private Sectors, international organizations like UNICEF, and local communities, UADF is poised to continue its mission of bridging the digital divide and promoting universal access to technology for all Sierra Leoneans.