COVID-19 has altered the technological landscape of many industries. Digital technology is now the centre of operation for many industries; from online meetings via Zoom, to companies relying on automated technologies to mitigate the financial impacts of COVID. In light of such transformations, there is a pressing need for students, industry professionals and unemployed individuals to upskill, reskill and retool in order to gain a competitive edge or have the necessary skills required for emerging roles in the workforce during and post-COVID. 

With President Bio’s commitment to leverage science, technology and innovation to better the lives of citizens, DSTI has collaborated with the Ministry of Technical and Higher Education, and Coursera to provide certification for 3,800 courses and 400 specializations that will support 50,000 Sierra Leoneans build on in-demand and industry-ready skills to accelerate workforce development over 6 months period.                      

“The pandemic has affected hundreds of millions of jobs around the world, including the livelihoods of many youths in Sierra Leone, Coursera is honored to partner with the government of Sierra Leone and the Directorate of Science, Technology and Innovation to provide young workers in the country with job-relevant online learning to swiftly enter the workforce”. said Jeff Maggioncalda, CEO of Coursera.