By Kadijatu Bangura, Reporter D.S
The Directorate of Science, Technology, and Innovation (DSTI) has launched a new initiative aimed at improving financial support for over 11,000 personnel in the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF). This initiative will be implemented through a digital transformation of the Armed Forces Endowment and Loan Scheme (AFELS), underscoring DSTI’s commitment to enhancing government services for all citizens, including military members.
Jasper Patrick Sembie, COO and Director of DSTI, remarked, “This project reflects our commitment to building digital systems that make government services faster, smarter, and more accessible for every citizen, including those who serve in uniform.”
The AFELS program provides essential loans and long-term financial benefits to both active and retired service members. The digital transformation aims to improve the speed, transparency, and accessibility of AFELS. During a recent project review at the DSTI headquarters, the team presented the near-final version of the new digital platform, marking a significant advancement toward smarter financial services for military personnel.
The new platform is designed to digitize all major functions of AFELS, including member registration, monthly contributions, loan disbursements, and benefit claims. This digital infrastructure is expected to significantly reduce paperwork, streamline approval processes, and provide users with real-time access to their financial information.
Colonel Roland Gbondo, Director of AFELS and CEO of Defence Enterprise, emphasized the importance of this advancement, stating, “With this digital platform, we’re transforming how we serve our personnel—bringing efficiency, transparency, and trust to the heart of our financial support system.”
Key features of the AFELS digital platform will include web and mobile access for convenience, secure login and user authentication, document uploads and electronic recordkeeping, real-time loan and contribution tracking, and USSD functionality for users in areas with low connectivity. DSTI’s initiative aims to ensure inclusivity in the digital shift, particularly for service members deployed in remote or rural areas.
As preparations for the official rollout are underway, this transformative effort illustrates how digital tools can address real-world challenges and enhance the lives of military personnel. For the RSLAF, this initiative represents a significant step toward a future-ready financial ecosystem, empowering members to plan, save, and grow with confidence.
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