Sierra Leone Expands Digital Infrastructure with $200 Million Investment
Sierra Leone’s Minister of Communication, Technology, and Innovation, Salima Monorma Bah, has announced major progress in the country’s digital transformation, supported by more than $200 million in government and development partner investments.
Speaking at the Civic Day Series in the United States, organized by the Ministry of Information and Civic Education, Minister Bah said the expansion of digital infrastructure has connected millions of Sierra Leoneans and is opening new opportunities in governance, healthcare, and innovation.
According to the minister, Sierra Leone’s national fibre optic backbone, which in 2018 linked only eight districts, now extends to 14 of the country’s 16 districts. Mobile network sites have also increased sharply, from 798 in 2019 to 1,405 today, expanding internet access in both urban and rural communities.
“These investments are not just about cables and towers; they are about connecting our people to opportunities, livelihoods, education, and healthcare,” Bah said.
She also highlighted new initiatives placing Sierra Leone at the forefront of regional technology. These include the launch of Starlink satellite internet service and the establishment of West Africa’s first Stand-Alone 5G Open Access Network.
In digital governance, Bah cited two new platforms: PResTract, which tracks pregnant women to improve maternal health outcomes, and Wan-Gov Application, a centralized online service for processing national ID cards, driver’s licenses, and passports.
Looking ahead, the government is promoting a homegrown technology industry. Bah announced the development of Felei Tech Cityin Bo District, designed as a hub for startups and technology firms, and the creation of the Sierra Leone Innovation Investment Fund (SLIIF)to finance local entrepreneurs.
The minister said the initiatives reflect Sierra Leone’s commitment to integrating technology into national development, from rural connectivity to digital healthcare and innovation-driven growth.
