Sierra Leone’s $200M ICT Revolution
By JKM
Minister of Communication, Technology and Innovation, Salima Monorma Bah, has disclosed that the government and partners have invested over $200 million to strengthen Sierra Leone’s ICT infrastructure, a move she says will “open up new digital opportunities, spur innovation, and position Sierra Leone as a competitive player in the global digital economy.”
According to the Minister, significant progress has already been made:
National Fiber Backbone: Expanded from 8 districts to 14 out of 16, bringing reliable high-speed internet closer to rural and underserved communities.
Mobile Network Growth: Mobile sites have surged from 798 to 1,405 nationwide, vastly improving coverage and connectivity.
5G & Satellite Internet: The launch of Starlink satellite internet and a 5G open access network is expected to drastically improve bandwidth and lower costs, making Sierra Leone one of the first countries in West Africa to embrace such digital advancement.
She also announced two flagship digital platforms:
PResTract: An innovative health monitoring system that tracks and supports pregnant women, aimed at reducing maternal and infant mortality rates.
Wan-Gov Application: A one-stop e-government platform where citizens can access services, including ID cards, driver’s licenses, and passports, reducing bureaucratic delays and corruption risks.
Looking ahead, Minister Bah unveiled two key initiatives designed to cement Sierra Leone’s digital future:
Felei City Tech and Innovation Zone: A designated hub for startups, research, and digital entrepreneurship, aimed at attracting global investors and creating thousands of tech jobs.
Sierra Leone Innovation Investment Fund: A financial vehicle to mobilize both local and foreign resources to fuel growth, innovation, and investment in the sector.
“This is not just about technology—it’s about transformation. With the right infrastructure and innovation, we can create jobs, empower young people, improve healthcare, and make government services accessible to every Sierra Leonean,” Minister Bah emphasized.
Analysts say these investments could boost Sierra Leone’s digital economy contribution to GDP, attract foreign direct investment, and place the country on track towards becoming a regional digital hub.
