In the heart of Freetown, where the hum of generators competes with the buzz of daily life, Sierra Leoneans are caught in a relentless struggle.

Frequent power outages plunge homes and businesses into darkness, while mobile phone bills skyrocket, draining wallets already strained by economic hardships.

As of early 2026, with demand for electricity hovering around 200 megawatts against a mere 70 megawatts of production, the nation’s grid is overwhelmed, leaving only 36% of the population with access—and just 6% in rural areas. This crisis isn’t just an inconvenience; it’s a barrier to progress.

Yet, amid this darkness, mobile companies like Orange and Africell continue to hike tariffs, ostensibly to cover their operational costs, while the media, which are reliant on these same companies for advertising revenue and perhaps even “light” in the form of favours —fails to hold them accountable.

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The government of Sierra Leone must act assiduously to overhaul the electricity supply, not only to illuminate homes but to ease the financial burden on citizens and foster genuine oversight in the telecom sector.

The Chronic Electricity Crisis: A Nation in the Dark

Sierra Leone’s electricity woes are as old as independence itself, with successive governments promising solutions that often evaporate into corruption and mismanagement. Most staff at Kington and elsewhere across the country have been in the habit of selling the diesel meant for use in the machines that generate electricity.

Recent disruptions, such as the faulty transmission line at Blackhall Road in the east end of the capital city Freetown in January 2026, have left entire communities without power for days, forcing reliance on expensive alternatives like diesel generators.

The national grid, primarily hydropower-dependent at 90.8% of capacity, suffers from seasonal fluctuations, outdated infrastructure, and staggering losses, estimated at 76 million kilowatt-hours2022 alone.

Businesses bear the brunt: Over 60% experience at least four outages monthly, each lasting nine hours on average, resulting in a 16% loss in annual sales—four times the regional average.
For micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), which drive 80% of jobs in sub-Saharan Africa, these interruptions sap productivity and erode revenues.

The human cost is equally profound. Hospitals struggle to provide care during blackouts, education is disrupted, and daily routines grind to a halt.
President Julius Maada Bio’s ambitious targets—35% renewable energy by 2030 and full rural electrification by 2027, offer hope, with projects like solar plants in Newton and Lungi set to add capacity by June 2026, followed by gas and solar initiatives boosting output by over 120 megawatts by year’s end. At least there is solar light now in 40 % of the 190 chiefdoms in Sierra Leone. But promises must translate into action; without swift implementation, the cycle of darkness persists.

The Telecom Sector’s Hidden Burden: Powering Networks at a Premium

Unreliable electricity doesn’t just dim lights; it inflates costs for telecom companies, who then pass the buck to consumers through exorbitant tariffs.
Mobile towers across Sierra Leone rely heavily on diesel generators to bridge grid failures, with outages lasting 8-12 hours daily in 60-80% of sites.

This dependence hikes operational expenses: Diesel fuel deliveries are inconsistent, leading to network downtime that erodes service quality and revenue.
In Freetown, engineers building the nation’s No.1 5G network faced voltage drops that shut down towers, stalling digital services until solar-battery systems were deployed for 99.9% uptime

The result? Telecom firms like Orange and Africell have repeatedly raised tariffs, from NLe 60 to 100 in late 2025, and even to 150% in some cases, sparking public outrage and calls for regulatory intervention.

Civil society groups demanded the resignation of the National Telecommunications Authority (NATCA) Director General over these hikes, arguing they exacerbate economic hardship amid rising costs of essentials.

Lawsuits, such as those filed by activist Edmond Abu against mobile operators for unfair pricing and poor service, highlight consumer frustration.
Yet, without stable or consistent power, telecoms claim these increases are necessary to maintain operations.

Transitioning to solar hybrids could slash costs by 20-40%, as seen with Orange’s continental initiatives, but widespread adoption lags due to infrastructure gaps.

High cost of mobile tariffs a Silent Killer of Household Budgets

For ordinary Sierra Leoneans, these tariffs are more than a nuisance—they’re a financial stranglehold. Millions depend on mobile services for communication, business, education, and information, yet affordability remains elusive.

The 2025 hikes came without consultation, amplifying “bill shock” for users already grappling with unemployment and inflation. In a country where 64% lack grid access, mobile data is a lifeline, but rising costs force tough choices: Pay for connectivity or essentials like food and transport.

This burden is particularly acute in rural areas, where poor service persists despite promises. Initiatives like free roaming with Guinea aim to ease cross-border costs, but domestic tariffs remain unchecked.

If electricity were reliable, telecoms could cut diesel reliance, lowering expenses and, ideally, tariffs.
Instead, subscribers foot the bill for systemic failures, perpetuating inequality in a digital age.

Mobile companies ads and light Muzzled media’s Watchdog role of Accountability

Compounding the issue is the media’s inability or their unwillingness to scrutinize mobile companies.
Sierra Leone’s press is “partly free,” with economic insecurity leaving journalists vulnerable to influence from advertisers.

Mobile giants like Orange host annual media engagements, positioning themselves as “consistent corporate partners,” providing advertisements that apparently add to sustain them.

This dependency fosters silence: Why bite the hand that feeds you, or perhaps even supplies “light” through sponsorships or infrastructure support? Or who say the head of the man who is carrying him is dirty?

Just as the adage says, he who pays the piper dictate the tune. Mobile companies are dictating the professionalism of the media in Sierra Leone because of the advertisements that they give them to enable them stay in business.

While ordinary subscribers grumble in their corners andvcivil society pursues legal action, media coverage often glosses over tariff hikes, focusing instead on company narratives of “digital inclusion.”

The Independent Media Commission Act 2020 raised censorship concerns, and low pay makes reporters susceptible to editorial pressure.
Genuine accountability requires independent media that is free from financial ties, to amplify consumer voices and pressure regulators.

A Call to Action: Government Must Lead the Change as it holds the key.

By prioritizing electricity reforms; accelerating solar and gas projects, curbing corruption, and expanding the grid can reduce telco costs, which is bound to pave the way for tariff reductions.
Regulate mobile operators strictly through NATCA, mandating transparency in pricing and service quality.

Bolster media independence via funding for public broadcasters and protections against advertiser influence. Orange and Africell provide light for most community radio stations. They also give advertisements to media institutions across Sierra Leone.

The €24 million EU-funded programme to expand access via private mini-grids is a start, but scale it urgently. Procrastination is dangerous. Sierra Leoneans deserve better than perpetual darkness and predatory pricing that prevents citizens from affording other basic necessities.

Improving electricity isn’t just about flipping a switch; it’s about empowering citizens, fostering economic growth, and ensuring accountability from EDSA, the service provider.

The time for assiduous action is now! now! before high tariffs and silenced media dim the nation’s future irreparably. Otherwise, the media is yet to be the last man stading after the fall of the three arms of government.