{"id":306,"date":"2025-08-26T16:10:09","date_gmt":"2025-08-26T20:10:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/coledinc.org\/?page_id=306"},"modified":"2025-12-23T12:16:57","modified_gmt":"2025-12-23T17:16:57","slug":"information-technology","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/coledinc.org\/?page_id=306","title":{"rendered":"Information Technology"},"content":{"rendered":"

Information Technology<\/h3>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>
\"\"<\/div><\/div>
<\/div>

Chairman\u2019s Message<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Welcome to the Information Technology Cluster of COLED! Our cluster provides the technology services required to support cutting-edge public sector development in Liberia. We operate under the leadership of the Chairman, who reports directly to the Interim Leadership led by Dr. Robert G. Sherman.<\/p>\n

We take a proactive, collaborative approach to deliver innovative, reliable, and sustainable technology solutions. Our goal is to optimize user satisfaction and outcomes across COLED\u2019s mission.<\/p>\n

We support these major functional areas:
\nLegislative, Executive, Judiciary, Public Administration, Defense & National Security, Finance & Budgeting, Foreign Affairs, Public Safety, Health & Social Services, Education, Infrastructure & Development, Environmental Management, End-User Training & Support, Communications & Networking, and Systems Administration & Operation.<\/p>\n

Our cluster is designed to be customer-centered and responsive. We strive to gain high regard from COLED, cluster members, public and private partners, and international stakeholders.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

<\/div>

About the Information Technology Cluster<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Approximately 75% of Liberia\u2019s workforce is employed by government entities\u2014primarily at the state and local levels (e.g. schools, police, social services, hospitals) and less than 10% by private industry. Despite the need, the pace of technology adoption in both government and private sectors has been slow. Several factors contribute:<\/p>\n

    \n
  • Insufficient funding<\/li>\n
  • Corruption and weak accountability<\/li>\n
  • Complex procurement and contracting practices<\/li>\n
  • Lack of internal IT capacity<\/li>\n
  • Fragmented agency systems<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    These limitations have led to inefficient, costly, and cumbersome public services.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

    <\/div>

    Vision & Impact<\/strong><\/h4>\n

    Our cluster\u2019s vision aligns with COLED\u2019s mission to reduce poverty, increase literacy, and improve infrastructure. We aim to lay the foundation for a digital government guided by informed policy.<\/p>\n

    Greater adoption of technology in government can:<\/p>\n

      \n
    • Eliminate redundant, error-prone manual processes<\/li>\n
    • Free workers to address more complex service needs<\/li>\n
    • Make government services more accessible<\/li>\n
    • Speed assistance to citizens<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      But technology must be deployed responsibly\u2014ensuring public servants can assess whether systems are effectively serving the population.<\/p>\n

      In the public sector, technology plays many roles. We categorize them (sometimes overlapping) into:<\/p>\n

        \n
      1. Infrastructure & Connectivity<\/li>\n
      2. Education & e-learning technology<\/li>\n
      3. Healthcare technology<\/li>\n
      4. Digital financial services<\/li>\n
      5. E-governance & citizen services<\/li>\n
      6. Cybersecurity & data protection<\/li>\n
      7. Green\/renewable energy tech<\/li>\n
      8. Agritech<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

        To unlock these opportunities, we must overcome several challenges:<\/p>\n

          \n
        • Limited infrastructure<\/li>\n
        • Unreliable electricity<\/li>\n
        • Digital divides (urban vs rural, socioeconomic gaps)<\/li>\n
        • Budget constraints<\/li>\n
        • Educational \/ skills gaps<\/li>\n
        • Cybersecurity risks<\/li>\n
        • Weak regulatory frameworks<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

          These require coordinated efforts from government, private sector, and international partners, with investment in infrastructure, education, and policy.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

          Meet Our Cluster Members:<\/h4>\n<\/div><\/div>
          <\/div>
          \"\"<\/div><\/div>
          <\/div>

          Hajie Goll, MSIS<\/strong>
          \nChairman<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

          <\/div>
          \"\"<\/div><\/div>
          <\/div>

          Charles Howard<\/strong>
          \nCo-Chairman<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>

          Key Focus Areas<\/h4>\n<\/div><\/div>
          <\/div>