Published: September 5, 2025
When I received the news that I had been awarded the Swedish Institute Scholarship for Global Professionals (SISGP) to pursue a Master’s in Information Systems at Lund University this autumn, it was more than just a personal victory. It was a chance to amplify the work I’ve been doing for a decade—using technology to address Liberia’s challenges—and to return with the knowledge and tools needed to strengthen our country’s digital economy.
Liberia’s Digital Economy Gap
This opportunity comes at a critical time. Liberia has made progress since the days when technology was an afterthought, but the reality is that our digital ecosystem remains fragile. With internet penetration is around 32.4% (DataReportal, 2025), and digital financial services still facing trust and adoption hurdles, the risk of being left behind in the global digital economy is real. Without a stronger digital backbone, our progress remains limited.
About the Swedish Institute Scholarship for Global Professionals (SISGP)
The Swedish Institute Scholarship for Global Professionals is one of the world’s most competitive awards, designed to build a global network of future leaders committed to sustainable development and innovation. It is a fully funded program that covers tuition, living expenses, insurance, and travel, allowing scholars to focus entirely on their studies and leadership development.
A Proven Track Record of Tech for Impact
Winning this scholarship is not merely an academic achievement; it is a recognition of a proven commitment to tangible change. For the past ten years, I have worked at the intersection of technology and development in Liberia, focusing on practical, high-impact solutions.
During the Ebola epidemic, as an SMS system manager at Internews, I helped set up a two-way SMS system that collected rumors from across the country. We worked with partners to fact-check and dispel misinformation, ensuring people had access to accurate, life-saving information at a critical time.
More recently, at Viamo, where I serve as a Delivery Project Manager, I led the rollout of an Interactive Voice Response (IVR) platform with Concern Worldwide Liberia. This system connected farmers to buyers using basic mobile phones—no internet required. It was a powerful reminder that innovation doesn’t have to be complex to make a real difference; it must be low-cost, accessible, and inclusive.
Bridging the Gap: From Lund’s Expertise to Liberia’s Context
This hands-on experience has shown me precisely where my studies at Lund University will have the greatest impact. The Master’s in Information Systems program focuses on how digital technologies can be designed, managed, and applied to solve real-world problems—exactly the expertise Liberia urgently needs to bridge the gap between technology and people.
Most of our government services remain paper-based, and small businesses rarely use digital tools to scale. Information systems ensure that digital tools are not only built but are also adopted, trusted, and impactful. My studies will focus on digital innovation, systems design, and data-driven decision-making—all with the goal of bringing back practical, adaptable solutions for Liberia.
A Vision for a Digitally Transformed Liberia
I see my time in Sweden as preparation for a bigger mission: helping Liberia embrace technology as a driver of growth. Sweden’s emphasis on sustainability and innovation offers valuable lessons. By learning how digital systems are applied in advanced contexts, I can help adapt them to Liberia’s unique challenges, working with policymakers, the private sector, and civil society.
When I complete my studies, my vision is to contribute to policies and solutions that accelerate Liberia’s digital transformation. This could mean:
- Digital Agriculture – Expanding platforms to improve food security and connect farmers to markets.
- E-Governance – Building systems for transparency, accountability, and efficient public service delivery.
- Digital Literacy – Preparing young Liberians for the future of work and digital citizenship.
- Fighting Misinformation – Strengthening fact-checking and media systems, something I am already advancing at Local Voices Liberia as a Board Advisor.
Liberia stands to benefit when more of us—students, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and citizens—commit to building a stronger digital foundation. My journey to Lund is one step in that larger mission.
Bio:
Carol Doe is a Liberian ICT for Development (ICT4D) professional with a decade of experience building and deploying transformative technology solutions across the telecommunications, health, sports, and media sectors. He currently serves as a Delivery Program Manager for Viamo, a global technology for development company, where he leads the deployment of high-impact mobile services that connect individuals and organizations to critical information via digital technology. His expertise in managing mission-critical projects was honed during previous roles, including managing life-saving SMS systems during the Ebola epidemic for Internews. A dedicated advocate for Liberia’s digital future, he also serves as a Board Advisor for Local Voices Liberia. Doe is a recipient of the prestigious 2025 Swedish Institute Scholarship for Global Professionals and will commence his MSc in Information Systems at Lund University this autumn. Connect with him on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/doecarol/
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