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Sierra Leone’s telecommunications sector has attracted more than $400 million in investment over the past five years, according to the Minister of Communications, Technology and Innovation, Salima M. Bah.
Speaking as keynote speaker at the 7th Consumer Parliament held at the Kenema City Council Hall, Minister Bah highlighted improvements in infrastructure, coverage, and service quality, describing them as “massive investments that are changing how Sierra Leoneans connect.”
She said the $400 million invested since 2021 came from the government, development partners, and the private sector.
Other figures presented by the Minister include: 14 out of 16 districts now connected to the national fibre backbone; a 90 per cent increase in nationwide network coverage; an 88 per cent improvement in service quality delivered by mobile network operators; and the introduction of 5G technology, aimed at expanding digital access and speed.
“For the past five years, over four hundred million dollars have been invested in the sector. These are monies from the government, development partners, and private sector,” Bah told attendees.
While noting the progress, the Minister also acknowledged ongoing challenges related to coverage and service standards. She said sector players are working to ensure sustainable and reliable network services.
The event brought together Members of Parliament, lecturers and students from Eastern Technical University, officials from the National Telecommunications Authority, civil society representatives, traders, and mobile network providers to discuss consumer rights and industry accountability.
Minister Bah praised mobile network operators for their resilience, saying that despite global economic pressures, they have continued to ensure Sierra Leoneans “communicate at ease.”
