President Dr. Julius Maada Bio has officially unveiled a strategic partnership between the Government of Sierra Leone and Africell to relaunch Sierratel as a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO), marking a major turning point in the country’s telecommunications sector.

The launch ceremony, held on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at the Miatta Conference Centre, formalized a framework that enables Sierratel to re-enter the market by leveraging Africell’s infrastructure, advanced technology, and commercial capacity, while retaining full government ownership.

Under the MVNO arrangement, Africell will provide network coverage, technical backbone, and sustained investment, while Sierratel will focus on customer service delivery, market engagement, and product innovation. The model allows for the immediate rollout of services without requiring heavy public sector capital expenditure.

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Speaking at the event, Africell Chief Executive Officer Shadi Gerjawi described the agreement as a defining national milestone, emphasizing that it reflects Africell’s long-standing commitment to Sierra Leone. He noted that the initiative offers a practical and sustainable pathway for Sierratel’s return, enabling the company to resume full operations from the outset.

Gerjawi clarified that the partnership does not amount to privatization, stressing that Sierratel remains wholly owned by the Government. He explained that Africell’s role is to strengthen the company through modern infrastructure, improved operational efficiency, and continuous commercial investment to ensure long-term competitiveness.

He further disclosed that Sierratel subscribers will immediately gain access to voice, data, and mobile money services, supported by a dedicated operational team established by Africell to ensure independence and market competitiveness. The initiative, he said, is expected to enhance nationwide connectivity, improve service reliability, and introduce flexible, customer-focused offerings.

Addressing legacy concerns, the Africell CEO confirmed that the company will assume part of the financial liabilities owed to Sierratel staff, signaling a commitment to stabilizing the workforce.

In her remarks, Minister of Communication, Technology and Innovation Salima Monorma Bah stated that the Government deliberately avoided both privatization and direct infrastructure investment, opting instead for a sustainable partnership that leverages private sector efficiency while preserving public ownership.

She acknowledged that although Sierratel’s infrastructure had declined over time, its brand remained a valuable national asset. According to her, the MVNO model provides a viable route for rapid market re-entry, enabling the company to generate revenue while delivering improved services.

The Minister disclosed that the Government has committed an initial $2 million toward staff-related obligations and reaffirmed its commitment to settling all verified arrears transparently. She added that the partnership is expected to boost competition, improve affordability, and expand access to telecommunications services, particularly in underserved communities.

Delivering the keynote address, President Bio framed the initiative as a cornerstone of his government’s broader reform agenda, emphasizing that countries seeking relevance in the modern global economy must prioritize connectivity. He said the partnership reflects a deliberate strategy to strengthen national systems, enhance service delivery, and position Sierra Leone competitively both within Africa and globally.

The President underscored the link between connectivity and human capital development, noting that improved telecommunications infrastructure would drive innovation, increase productivity, and create opportunities across sectors. He highlighted that young people, who form the majority of the population, stand to benefit significantly from expanded digital access.

Reflecting on Sierratel’s legacy, he recalled its historic role as the backbone of national communication, connecting institutions, businesses, and families across the country. He described the company’s revival as more than a commercial effort, but a restoration of a strategic national asset with deep social and economic significance.

President Bio acknowledged that years of structural inefficiencies and outdated technology had weakened the company but maintained that the Government remains committed to a responsible and sustainable recovery path. He described the Africell partnership as evidence of a shift toward practical, results-driven solutions aligned with current industry realities.

On staff welfare, the President commended the resilience of Sierratel employees who remained committed despite prolonged challenges and assured that all verified obligations would be settled through a transparent and accountable process.

He further stated that the collaboration would expand access to reliable communication services across both urban and rural areas, benefiting traders, students, farmers, and entrepreneurs. Enhanced connectivity, he added, would also support critical sectors such as education, healthcare, agriculture, and national security.

The President pointed to the partnership as a sign of growing investor confidence in Sierra Leone, noting that credible international partners are increasingly engaging with the country due to ongoing reforms. He emphasized the need for continued innovation and adaptability to remain competitive in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

He concluded by describing the Africell–Sierratel partnership as a transformational step toward national development, grounded in performance, accountability, and measurable impact.

As part of the relaunch, Joe Abass Bangura has been appointed Managing Director of the Sierratel MVNO, tasked with overseeing operations and market positioning.

The event also recognized long-serving Sierratel staff for their dedication, including Ibrahim Mansaray (Driver), Edward Yarrimeh Kamara (Workers’ Representative), Issa Bangura (Director of Engineering), Kandeh Mansaray (Office Assistant), and Mariama Olu-Williams (Customer Care Manager), some of whom have served the company for over three decades.

Africell confirmed that the network is now fully operational, supported by a 24/7 customer care system, and emphasized that the partnership is designed to restore public confidence, enhance service quality, and drive financial inclusion through expanded mobile money services.

The relaunch of Sierratel under the MVNO framework signals a strategic shift toward public-private collaboration in Sierra Leone, positioning the telecommunications sector for improved efficiency, long-term sustainability, and accelerated growth.