Temitope Okeseeyin Leads University of Freelancing in Sierra Leone’s World Bank Digital Transformation Project

The University of Freelancing, under the visionary leadership of Temitope Okeseeyin, is proud to play a key role in the World Bank-funded Sierra Leone Digital Transformation Project—a $50 million initiative designed to empower youth, women, and persons with disabilities through digital skills development. As part of this transformative program, the University of Freelancing will lead efforts to integrate gig economy opportunities into the training curriculum, ensuring that participants gain the skills to access sustainable income and global career growth.

This gig economy integration is a crucial component of the broader Digital Transformation Project, which involves assessing the supply and demand for digital skills in Sierra Leone and exploring the potential of freelancing and remote work as viable career paths. The University of Freelancing, in collaboration with Commit Technology & Consult Limited, will bridge the gap between skills training and real-world economic opportunities, creating pathways for participants to thrive in the global digital economy.

Empowering Sierra Leone’s Workforce for the Future

Drawing from years of experience training over 100,000 professionals globally, Temitope Okeseeyin’s University of Freelancing is uniquely positioned to equip Sierra Leonean youth with the tools they need to succeed in the gig economy. Okeseeyin, a top 1% talent on Upwork and a globally recognized expert in freelancing education, has long championed the power of freelancing to drive economic independence and career growth.

Okeseeyin explained, “Our mission is to ensure that digital skills translate into tangible opportunities. By guiding participants through freelancing platforms, mentoring them on client engagement, and teaching them how to monetize their skills, we are not just offering training—we are creating pathways to financial independence and long-term career success.”

Key Components of Gig Economy Integration

The University of Freelancing will focus on delivering:

•   Freelancing Platform Training: Practical guidance on how to create profiles and secure opportunities on top platforms like Upwork and Fiverr.
•   Portfolio Development: Tools and templates to help participants professionally showcase their skills to attract clients.
•   Mentorship and Support: Ongoing mentorship to assist participants in navigating the gig economy, managing clients, and building sustainable careers.
•   Job Matching: Connecting trained participants with high-demand global freelance opportunities to jumpstart their careers.

In addition, the initiative will include tailored resources and mentorship programs to address the unique challenges faced by women and persons with disabilities in the gig economy.

A Collaborative Effort for Digital Empowerment

While the University of Freelancing takes the lead in the gig economy integration, the broader Digital Transformation Project is a collaborative effort with Commit Technology & Consult Limited, a West African ICT service provider with extensive experience in digital literacy and workforce development. Together, they are equipping Sierra Leone’s youth to succeed in the rapidly evolving global economy.

The study phase of the $50 million project, valued at $269,000, will provide crucial insights into the local digital skills landscape, ensuring the design of training programs that align with both global market demands and the unique needs of Sierra Leone’s workforce.

About Temitope Okeseeyin and the University of Freelancing

Temitope Okeseeyin is the founder of the University of Freelancing, a leading global platform dedicated to empowering individuals with the skills necessary to succeed in the gig economy. Under her leadership, the University has trained and mentored over 100,000 professionals worldwide, providing innovative programs and resources that help individuals build sustainable freelance careers.

Okeseeyin’s expertise, commitment, and dedication to digital empowerment have positioned her as a global leader in freelancing education. Through her work, she continues to drive positive change, offering new opportunities to underserved communities and helping individuals around the world achieve financial independence through freelancing.