Evelyn Lewis
Visionary Tech Innovator and Architect of Digital Transformation
Evelyn Lewis
CEO, SBTS Group
Evelyn Lewis is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of SBTS Group, a pioneering Information and Communication Technology (ICT) consulting firm in Sierra Leone, the United States, and India. Since its inception in 2002, Evelyn has led SBTS Group in driving technological advancements that empower communities and foster sustainable development across Africa and beyond.
A passionate advocate for connectivity and innovation, Evelyn’s contributions have been instrumental in shaping Sierra Leone’s ICT landscape. He played a key role in forming the nation’s Presidential ICT Task Force, which developed policies to integrate Sierra Leone into the global digital economy via submarine fiber optics. His leadership has also steered SBTS Group’s implementation of groundbreaking projects, such as Sierra Leone’s first commercial e-learning platform, an online job portal, and West Africa’s inaugural biometric pension system.
Evelyn’s innovative mindset came to the forefront during the Ebola Virus Disease outbreak in Sierra Leone (2013–2016) when he spearheaded the development of the Health Outbreak Manager (HOM) software. This critical tool enabled responders to collect and manage data effectively and was later adapted to support COVID-19 response efforts. His initiatives continue to serve as benchmarks for leveraging technology in crisis management.
Evelyn holds a Bachelor of Arts in Integrative Studies with a concentration in International Relations, Technology, and Law from George Mason University, as well as an Associate of Arts in International Studies from Northern Virginia Community College. He has served as Chairperson for the Internet Society’s Sierra Leone Chapter and is a member of the National ICT Council, advocating for sustainable digital growth and inclusion.
At the SLinT Tech Expo 2025, Evelyn Lewis will join the session “The Future of Connectivity in Africa,” where he will bring his wealth of experience and visionary insights to a discussion on unlocking the continent’s potential through enhanced digital infrastructure and connectivity.
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Panelist: The Future of Connectivity in Africa
Description
This session explores the future of connectivity in Africa, focusing on its transformative potential in critical sectors such as education, healthcare, and energy. It addresses current challenges related to infrastructure, access, affordability, and digital literacy. The panel will highlight innovative technological solutions and emphasize the critical role of energy and technology innovation in driving sustainable growth. By showcasing successful examples and future opportunities, the session aims to illuminate how improved connectivity can enhance quality of life, drive economic development, and promote inclusive growth across the continent.
Objective
Identify Current Challenges: Discuss the key problems in connectivity across Africa, including inadequate infrastructure, high costs, limited access in rural areas, and low digital literacy rates.
Education: Examine how improved connectivity can revolutionize the education sector by enabling remote learning, expanding access to digital resources, and fostering collaboration between institutions.
Healthcare: Highlight the benefits of enhanced connectivity in healthcare, such as supporting telemedicine, facilitating remote diagnostics, enabling health data management, and improving access to quality care.
Energy Sector: Discuss the role of connectivity in the energy sector, particularly in enabling smart grid management, integrating renewable energy sources, and improving access to electricity in underserved areas.
Emphasize the Role of Energy and Technology Innovation: Stress the importance of innovative technologies and energy solutions in supporting and expanding connectivity across Africa, including the use of renewable energy to power digital infrastructure.
Propose Solutions and Showcase Benefits: Present innovative solutions, including public-private partnerships, investment in digital infrastructure, policy reforms, and capacity building, to overcome connectivity challenges and unlock the social and economic benefits for Africa.
Expected Outcome
Attendees will gain a comprehensive understanding of how innovative connectivity solutions can overcome challenges and drive sustainable development in Africa, leaving with practical insights and collaborative opportunities to make a positive impact.