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Sierra Leone’s digital transformation drive has gained momentum, with over $200 million invested by the government and development partners, according to Salima M. Bah, Minister of Communication, Technology and Innovation.
Minister Bah made this statement on September 30, 2025, during the Civic Day Series in the United States. She noted that the country’s national fibre optic backbone has expanded from 8 districts in 2018 to 14 out of 16, bringing internet access to millions.
Mobile network infrastructure has also seen significant growth, increasing from 798 sites in 2019 to 1,405 today, vastly improving coverage nationwide.
“These investments are not just about cables and towers; they are about connecting our people to opportunities, livelihoods, education, and healthcare,” said Minister Bah.
Sierra Leone has also embraced advanced 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 digital leader.
Minister Bah further highlighted two innovative digital platforms aimed at improving service delivery: PResTract, which monitors pregnant women to enhance maternal health, and the Wan-Gov App, a centralized gateway for accessing essential government services such as IDs, licenses, and passports.
Looking ahead, she emphasized the government’s focus on building a local technology ecosystem through initiatives like Felei Tech City in Bo District and the Sierra Leone Innovation Investment Fund (SLIIF), designed to support startups and SMEs in the tech sector.
