The Digital Empowerment Program for Start-ups and early-staged innovators is a transformative initiative aimed at fostering economic growth and job creation in Sierra Leone, with a particular focus on empowering Female-led and Youth businesses in the informal sector to actively participate in the digital economy.

The program is dedicated to supporting and enhancing economic opportunities for female-led businesses with a combined focus on expanding trade opportunities to foster sustainable development, and youth-led businesses. By increasing the digital readiness of the businesses, the program aims to address gaps in access, skills, and supporting the ecosystems to enable new jobs and market opportunities.

The initiative involves hosting events such as Cashless Markets to showcase and support early adopters of fintech solutions, aligning with such initiatives as the World Bank’s PROBLUE program and the Government’s efforts to promote digital trade and reduce single-use plastics. The program supports CHA’s mission is to facilitate access to finance and networking opportunities for women-owned enterprises, contributing to the development of a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem. CHA currently is sourcing and has already secured partnership with key stakeholders including the Ministry of Trade and Industry and the world bank.

The aim is to utilise these partnerships to leverage the power of women and youth involvement in digital trade, financial inclusion, and reduction of single-use plastics, with a focus on promoting sustainable alternatives and supporting the country’s export strategy.