MONROVIA: In a significant event marked by dynamic discussions and forward-thinking ideas, the Liberia Ministry of Post and Telecommunications hosted the World Telecommunication Day on May 17, 2024 under the theme: Digital Innovation for Sustainable Development. The occasion, celebrated globally, brought together key stakeholders in the telecommunications and technology sectors to discuss the future of connectivity and innovation in Liberia.
One of the event’s highlights was remarks by Caesar Morris, the co-founder and Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of Banjoo Superstore Liberia’s premier eCommerce platform. Morris’s remarks were a powerful call to action for the Government of Liberia to establish a robust regulatory framework to govern technological advancements in the country.
“Tech innovations are creating endless possibilities,” Morris stated, “but they are also being exploited in ways that could undermine our progress if not properly regulated. Just as our traffic is regulated by traffic laws, there is an urgent need for comprehensive tech legislation.”
Morris emphasized that without adequate regulation, sustainable development through technological innovation would remain an elusive goal. He outlined the necessity for the government to proactively create policies that ensure safe and equitable growth in the tech sector.
“Innovation in technology should not only be about private sector growth but also about creating a framework that benefits the entire society. We need regulations that can keep pace with rapid technological changes and protect the interests of our citizens,” Morris added.
Furthermore, Morris underscored the importance of the government leveraging technology to decentralize its services. He advocated for the digitization of various government processes to enhance efficiency and accessibility for all Liberians.
“The Government of Liberia needs to take the lead by leveraging tech innovation to decentralize government services. For example, allowing citizens to register their vehicles online instead of requiring them to come physically to the Ministry of Transport would be a significant step forward,” Morris proposed. This initiative, he suggested, would not only save time and resources for both the government and the citizens but also reduce bureaucratic bottlenecks and foster a more inclusive governance model.
The World Telecommunication Day event also featured remarks from government officials and other permanent citizens including the deputy inspector general of police Mr. Jones. They highlighted how countries around the world are adopting innovative regulatory frameworks to manage the complexities of the digital age. The need for Liberia to follow suit was a recurring theme, emphasizing that a forward-thinking approach could place the country at the forefront of technological advancement in Africa.
Deputy Minister of Post and Telecommunications, S. Mohammed Massaley, who made a special statement on behalf of the Minister responded positively to the calls for increased regulation and innovation. In his address, he acknowledged the critical role of technology in national development and expressed the government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for tech growth.
“Today’s mark a new enlightening, and as a ministry, we are committed to working with all stakeholders to develop policies that will drive our country forward. We recognize the importance of a well-regulated tech sector and are taking steps to ensure that Liberia is not left behind in the global technological race,” Minister Massaley said.
The event concluded with a renewed sense of purpose among participants, who agreed on the necessity of collaborative efforts between the government, private sector, and civil society to harness the full potential of technology for Liberia’s development. As Liberia charts its path towards a digital future, the discussions from World Telecommunication Day will likely serve as a blueprint for the necessary steps to achieve sustainable technological growth.
With leaders like Caesar Morris advocating for proactive measures and a responsive government ready to implement change, Liberia is poised to make significant strides in the tech sector. The creation of a regulatory framework and the decentralization of government services through technology are seen as crucial steps in this journey, promising a more efficient, inclusive, and innovative Liberia. In a world increasingly driven by technology, the message from Liberia’s World Telecommunication Day is clear: the time for action is now, and the future of the nation depends on the decisions made today to regulate and embrace technological innovation.
