Strong MSMEs are the foundation of sustainable economic growth, job creation, and innovation in Sierra Leone.
On 8th July 2026, CIJ Digital Hub participated in the SMEDA Strategic Plan 2026–2030 Stakeholders’ Consultation, organized by the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency (SMEDA) with support from the International Labour Organization (ILO).
Representing CIJ Digital Hub, Founder and Chief Innovation Officer Chernor Issa Jollah joined government institutions, development partners, Enterprise Support Organizations (ESOs), innovation hubs, and private sector stakeholders to contribute to shaping the future of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
Together with Africa BrandNest Hub our flagship initiative supporting MSMEs through business development, branding, digital transformation, innovation, and entrepreneurship we shared recommendations to strengthen small businesses, startups, and MSMEs across Sierra Leone.
Our key recommendations included:
1. Recognizing Innovation Hubs and ESOs as strategic partners in MSME development.
2. Increasing the meaningful participation of youth-led organizations in policy development and programme implementation.
3. Accelerating digital transformation, AI adoption, entrepreneurship, and digital skills to improve MSME competitiveness.
4. Expanding mentorship, incubation, finance readiness, and market access for entrepreneurs, particularly across the Eastern Area, where many MSMEs still face limited business support.
A special thank you to Mr. Sharka Samuel Sannoh, Chief Executive Officer of SMEDA, for his leadership and commitment to strengthening Sierra Leone’s MSME ecosystem. We also appreciate the entire SMEDA team and the ILO for creating an inclusive platform that values collaboration across the entrepreneurship ecosystem.
At Cij Digital Hub Logistics Ltd, we believe young people are not only the futurethey are today’s entrepreneurs, innovators, and business leaders. We believe youth-led organizations should play an active role in implementing the SMEDA Strategic Plan 2026–2030, helping deliver entrepreneurship programmes, strengthen MSMEs, and expand opportunities for small businesses across Sierra Leone.
Through African BrandNest Hub SL, we remain committed to supporting MSMEs, startups, and small businesses with business development, branding, digital marketing, innovation, and capacity building to help them grow into competitive and sustainable enterprises.
Together, we can strengthen Sierra Leone’s MSMEs, empower the next generation of entrepreneurs, create sustainable jobs, and build a more innovative and inclusive economy.
