By Joseph Momoh, Daily Scope Reporter
Sierra Leone is accelerating its digital transformation efforts with an investment exceeding $200 million from the government and development partners, as announced by Salima M. Bah, Minister of Communication, Technology, and Innovation.
Speaking on September 30, 2025, during the Civic Day Series in the United States, Minister Bah highlighted the expansion of the national fibre optic backbone, which has grown from serving 8 districts in 2018 to 14 out of 16 today, significantly increasing internet access for millions of citizens.
Additionally, the mobile network infrastructure has witnessed remarkable growth, increasing from 798 sites in 2019 to 1,405 currently, vastly improving nationwide coverage. “These investments are not merely about cables and towers; they are about connecting our people to opportunities, livelihoods, education, and healthcare,” Minister Bah stated.
Sierra Leone is also embracing cutting-edge technologies, including the deployment of Starlink satellite internet and the launch of West Africa’s first Stand-Alone 5G Open Access Network, positioning the country as a regional leader in digital innovation.
The Minister also introduced two groundbreaking digital platforms designed to enhance service delivery: PResTract, which monitors pregnant women to improve maternal health outcomes, and the Wan-Gov App, a centralized gateway for accessing essential government services such as identification cards, licenses, and passports.
Looking ahead, Minister Bah emphasized the government’s commitment to fostering a local technology ecosystem through initiatives like Felei Tech City in Bo District and the Sierra Leone Innovation Investment Fund (SLIIF), aimed at supporting startups and small to medium-sized enterprises in the tech sector.
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