NATIONAL CYBERSECURITY SKILLS STRATEGY AND ACTION PLAN
(ABRIDGED VERSION)
Sierra Leone
Prepared for:
National Cybersecurity Skills Strategy and Action Plan Consultative Meeting
Client:
National Cybersecurity and Coordination office (NC3)
Project:
Sierra Leone Digital Transformation Project (SLDTP)
Consultant:
Knowledge Network Solutions (SL) Ltd
Table of Contents
8. Conclusion
Executive Summary
Sierra Leone's digital transformation is rapidly advancing, creating new opportunities for economic growth, social inclusion, and improved public services. However, this progress also brings increased exposure to cyber threats. To ensure national resilience and sustainable development, Sierra Leone must urgently develop its cybersecurity skills base. This strategy provides a five-year roadmap to build a robust, inclusive, and sustainable cybersecurity talent pipeline, aligned with international best practices and national development goals.
Vision:
To create a digitally secure Sierra Leone, empowered by a skilled, diverse, and resilient cybersecurity workforce that protects citizens, businesses, and national interests.
Strategic Objectives:
1
Integrate cybersecurity into all levels of formal education.
2
Develop a skilled and diverse cybersecurity workforce.
3
Foster local cybersecurity industry and innovation.
4
Promote research, development, and knowledge sharing.
5
Raise public awareness and ensure inclusion.
6
Strengthen partnerships and international collaboration.
1. Introduction
The National Cybersecurity Skills Strategy and Action Plan for Sierra Leone was developed in response to the urgent need to strengthen the country's cybersecurity workforce. Commissioned by the National Cybersecurity Coordination Centre in partnership with the World Bank, the strategy is grounded in a thorough assessment of the existing skills ecosystem, including workforce supply and demand, skills gaps, and demographic disparities.
The development process engaged a wide array of stakeholders from government, the private sector, academia, civil society, and international partners. This inclusive approach ensures the strategy is holistic, evidence-based, and aligned with both national priorities and international standards.
2. Situational Analysis
2.1 Current Landscape
Sierra Leone is experiencing rapid digital transformation, with increased internet connectivity, mobile technology adoption, and digital service expansion. The government has demonstrated commitment through key policy frameworks, such as the Cyber Crime Act (2021) and the establishment of the National Cybersecurity Coordination Centre. Despite these advances, the country faces significant exposure to cyber threats, including data breaches, financial crimes, and attacks on critical infrastructure.
2.2 Skills and Workforce Gaps
A recent national assessment revealed
- A significant shortage of qualified cybersecurity professionals, especially in advanced technical roles and policy.
- Women, youth, and rural communities are underrepresented.
- Cybersecurity is not systematically integrated into education, and the domestic industry is nascent.
- Most practitioners have basic IT skills, but there is a deficit in advanced expertise such as digital forensics, incident response, and secure software development.
2.3 Opportunities and Strengths
Government Commitment
Strong government commitment to digital transformation and cybersecurity
Youth Population
A growing youth population eager to participate in the digital economy
Digital Infrastructure
Expanding digital infrastructure creating new opportunities
International Partnerships
Active engagement with international partners providing expertise and resources
The development of technology hubs and innovation centers within academic institutions is fostering entrepreneurship and research.
3. Strategic Framework
3.1 Vision and Mission
Vision:
To position Sierra Leone as a regional leader in cybersecurity skills and workforce development, fostering a secure digital society and a thriving cybersecurity industry.
Mission:
To build an inclusive, resilient, and future-ready cybersecurity ecosystem by integrating cybersecurity education at all levels, enhancing workforce capacity, promoting innovation, and ensuring broad-based participation.
3.2 Guiding Principles
Inclusivity
Ensure equitable access to education and career pathways for all, with a focus on women, youth, and rural communities.
Sustainability
Promote long-term capacity through continuous learning and institutional frameworks.
Collaboration
Foster partnerships among government, academia, industry, and civil society.
Innovation
Support research, entrepreneurship, and adoption of emerging technologies.
Excellence
Align with global standards and best practices.
Agility
Remain responsive to technological change and evolving threats.
3.3 Strategic Objectives
- Mainstream cybersecurity education across all levels.
- Advance workforce capacity and professional development.
- Promote local industry development and innovation.
- Enhance public awareness and inclusion.
- Strengthen partnerships and international collaboration.
3.4 Pillars of the Strategy
The strategy is structured around six pillars:
Integration of Cybersecurity into Formal Education
Workforce Development and Professional Training
Fostering Local Cybersecurity Industry and Innovation
Research, Development, and Innovation
Public Awareness and Inclusion
Partnerships and International Collaboration
4. Strategic Pillars and Key Initiatives
Pillar 1: Integration of Cybersecurity into Formal Education
The strategy will:
- Develop and roll out cybersecurity curriculum at the primary, secondary, and tertiary levels.
- Teachers and lecturers will receive dedicated training.
- Special outreach initiatives will target girls, youth, and rural learners.
- Partnerships between government, universities, and international bodies will create degree and certification programmes.
These efforts will ensure that cybersecurity awareness and skills are embedded early and equitably across the education system.
Pillar 2: Workforce Development and Professional Training
National Certification Fund
A national certification fund will be established to support professionals in obtaining industry-recognised credentials.
Sector-Specific Training
Sector-specific training academies will be launched, alongside internship and apprenticeship schemes.
E-Learning Portal
A national e-learning portal for continuous professional development.
These initiatives will be coordinated by the National Cybersecurity Coordination Centre, the Ministry of Labour, and private sector partners, with the goal of certifying over 1,000 professionals, training hundreds of sector staff, placing hundreds of interns, and engaging thousands of users on the learning platform.
Pillar 3: Fostering Local Cybersecurity Industry and Innovation
To foster a vibrant local cybersecurity industry, the strategy will establish:
Startup Incubator
Establish a dedicated cybersecurity startup incubator to nurture local talent and solutions
Hackathons
Organise annual hackathons to identify talent and innovative solutions
Seed Support
Provide seed funding for promising local cybersecurity firms
Export Support
Help local firms access regional markets
The National Cybersecurity Coordination Centre, the Ministry of Trade, Finance, Education and innovation hubs will drive these actions, aiming to incubate dozens of startups, host multiple hackathons, and help local firms access regional markets. Industry-academia collaboration and market development will be promoted to ensure the growth and sustainability of the sector.
Pillar 4: Research, Development, and Innovation
The plan includes:
- Launching competitive research grants for universities and research institutes,
- Equipping university innovation labs and promoting research on emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, and quantum computing.
- Knowledge dissemination platforms and international research partnerships will be established to ensure that Sierra Leone remains at the forefront of cybersecurity innovation and evidence-based policy.
Pillar 5: Public Awareness and Inclusion
National Awareness Campaign
A national multimedia awareness campaign will be implemented
Cyber Hygiene Toolkits
Distribution of cyber hygiene toolkits to communities
Diversity Acceleration
Launch of a diversity acceleration programme
24/7 Incident Helpline
A 24/7 incident helpline will also be established
The National Cybersecurity Coordination Centre, the Ministry of Information, and civil society organisations will ensure that millions are reached annually, thousands of toolkits are distributed, hundreds of scholarships are awarded, and the helpline is fully operational. These efforts will prioritise the inclusion of women, youth, and persons with disabilities.
Pillar 6: Partnerships and International Collaboration
The strategy will:
International Partnerships
Formalise partnerships with international bodies
Regional Forums
Host regional forums on cybersecurity skills development
Donor Funding
Mobilise donor funding for flagship projects
Public-Private Partnerships
Promote public-private partnerships to leverage expertise and resources
The National Cybersecurity Coordination Centre, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and donor groups will lead these actions, aiming to sign multiple memoranda of understanding, host at least one major regional event, and mobilise significant external funding.
5. High-Level Action Plan
The action plan operationalises the six pillars through targeted, time-bound activities. Over the next five years, the Ministry of MBSSE and MTHE, the National Cybersecurity Coordination Centre (NC3), universities, and partners will integrate cybersecurity into curricula, train hundreds of teachers, and launch degree programmes. The National Cybersecurity Coordination Centre (NC3) and the Ministry of Labour will coordinate certification funds, sector-specific academies, and a national e-learning portal, aiming to certify over 1,000 professionals and place hundreds of interns.
To foster industry and innovation, the National Cybersecurity Coordination Centre, the Ministry of Trade, and innovation hubs will incubate startups, host hackathons, and support local firms in accessing regional markets. Research and knowledge initiatives will be led by the National Cybersecurity Coordination Centre, universities, and the National Research Fund, with a focus on research grants, innovation labs, and international collaboration.
Public awareness will be raised through multimedia campaigns, toolkits, and diversity programmes, reaching millions and supporting underrepresented groups. Partnerships with international bodies and donors will be formalised to mobilise resources and share best practices.
All actions will prioritise inclusivity, sustainability, partnership, and accountability. Progress will be tracked through a national dashboard, with annual reviews and stakeholder consultations to ensure adaptive management and transparency.
6. Monitoring, Evaluation, and Sustainability
A robust monitoring and evaluation (M&E) framework will track progress on key performance indicators, with annual reviews, mid-term and end-term evaluations, and public dashboards. The National Cybersecurity Coordination Centre will coordinate implementation, supported by a multi-stakeholder Steering Committee. Risk management and sustainability are embedded through institutionalisation, capacity building, and continuous improvement.
Key Performance Indicators:
Number of students and professionals trained
Number of institutions integrating cybersecurity into curricula
Number of certified professionals
Gender and regional representation in the workforce
Number of startups and research projects supported
Public awareness and adoption of cyber hygiene practices
Volume of international partnerships and funding mobilised
7. Recommendations and Next Steps
Policy and Regulatory Recommendations:
- Mainstream cybersecurity in national policy and education standards.
- Establish a National Cybersecurity Skills Council for ongoing oversight.
- Promote gender and social inclusion through targeted policies and incentives.
- Facilitate data sharing and research while safeguarding privacy.
Resource Mobilisation:
- Increase government budget allocations for skills development.
- Leverage donor and development partner support.
- Promote public-private partnerships and establish a national skills fund.
Implementation Roadmap:
1
Secure Endorsement
Secure formal endorsement and launch the strategy
2
Develop Work Plans
Develop detailed annual work plans for each pillar
3
Operationalise M&E
Operationalise the M&E framework and initiate priority programmes
4
Stakeholder Engagement
Maintain continuous stakeholder engagement and conduct regular reviews
8. Conclusion
This 10-page abridged version of the National Cybersecurity Skills Strategy and Action Plan for Sierra Leone provides a clear, actionable, and inclusive roadmap for building the cybersecurity skills needed for a secure digital future. The strategy's success will require strong leadership, sustained investment, and the active participation of all stakeholders. By implementing this plan, Sierra Leone will be well-positioned to close the cybersecurity skills gap, build a resilient and inclusive workforce, and drive sustainable digital transformation for national development.