Advancing Governance: An In-depth Analysis of the Digitisation Strategy of the Parliament of Sierra Leone
About the Parliament of Sierra Leone | Written on January, 2023
Introduction
The digital era has radically reshaped operational processes within institutions globally, parliaments not being an exception. To function effectively and efficiently in an increasingly interconnected world, the adoption of digital strategies becomes not just desirable, but vital. This translates into optimising operational efficiencies, enhancing accessibility, and fostering transparency in governance. A prime example of an institution recognising and addressing these imperatives is the Parliament of Sierra Leone, whose digitisation journey is laudable for its scope and strategy.
Structure of the Digitisation Team in the Parliament of Sierra Leone
The digitisation team within the Parliament of Sierra Leone comprises a well-structured, twenty-two member strong workforce. This team is further segmented into four specialised units: software systems development and management, hardware and electronics management, multimedia systems, and networking and security infrastructure.
Each of these units holds specific mandates. The software systems unit focuses on software deployment, both on computers and online. The hardware and electronics unit takes charge of handling hardware and related electronics. The multimedia unit oversees the operation of various multimedia technologies, including CCTV, virtual technologies, PowerPoint presentations, and video conferencing. Lastly, the networking and security infrastructure unit is responsible for ensuring the robustness and security of the parliament's digital infrastructure, with an additional focus on cybersecurity.
The Parliament of Sierra Leone's Strategy of Resource Utilisation
Crucial to the success of the digitisation process is the clever utilisation of both internal and external resources. The Parliament of Sierra Leone strategically outsourced some of its software development tasks, collaborating closely with external engineers on-site. This co-creation approach is testament to their commitment to maintaining control and ensuring the end product aligns perfectly with their unique needs.
The Parliament's decision to insist on the development occurring in-house ensured a seamless transfer of knowledge from the external developers to the internal team. Once the development was complete, the source code and user management were handed over to the Parliament's software team. This approach ensures that the team not only acquires new knowledge but also retains full control over the end product, effectively making it the Parliament's property.
Cybersecurity: A Priority for the Parliament of Sierra Leone
In an era where data breaches and cyber attacks are common, the Parliament of Sierra Leone has prioritised cybersecurity within its digitisation strategy. The Parliament's decision to pass a law concerning cybersecurity underlines their commitment to this cause. The creation of a cybersecurity and cybercrime unit, and the hiring of cybersecurity experts indicate their proactive approach to this threat.
In their pursuit of cybersecurity, the Parliament of Sierra Leone aims to build an internal solution for cybersecurity, in addition to having multiple layers of security. This further underlines the importance they attach to data security and sovereignty.
Conclusion
The digitisation journey of the Parliament of Sierra Leone is a testament to the profound impact of digital technologies on governance. Their strategic utilisation of resources, well-structured team, and prioritisation of cybersecurity underline their commitment to harnessing technology to foster efficiency and transparency. Their approach is a valuable blueprint for parliaments and similar institutions globally, showing how to adapt to the digital age while ensuring security and sovereignty.