On Monday, August 3rd, 2026, the National Communications Authority (NatCA) marked two decades of progress in the communications and digital technology sector since its establishment in 2006.
The celebration highlighted not only the institution’s growth, but also paid tribute to past and present Director Generals and Directors who have and continue to contribute immensely to the successes of NatCA, regardless of political affiliation
At a ceremony held at the institution’s headquarters in Freetown, the Director-General, Amara Brewah, reflected on Sierra Leone’s transition from limited telecommunications access to a more competitive, connected and increasingly digital economy.
Mr. Brewah recalled the difficulties of accessing international telephone services in the past, noting that people had to travel to Freetown and stand in queues to make telephone calls.
He said the transformation of the sector now allows citizens to make calls to virtually anywhere in the world.
He said NatCA’s mandate requires it to balance the interests of government, telecom operators, investors, and consumers, acting within legal powers.
Mr. Brewah traced the development of Sierra Leone’s telecommunications sector from the liberalization of the market and the establishment of the National Telecommunications Commission (NATCOM in 2006, to the landing of the Africa Coast to Europe (ACE) submarine fiber-optic cable in 2013 and the transformation of NATCOM into NatCA under the National Communications Act of 2020.
He said the Authority’s mandate had expanded to include bridging the rural-urban communications divide, expanding nationwide coverage, protecting consumers, promoting fair competition, improving quality of service and strengthening regulatory compliance.
“From regulation to enabling a digital nation, NatCA has evolved as the aspiration of Sierra Leone itself,” Mr. Brewah said.
He also paid tribute to former leaders and long-serving staff whose contributions, he said, had helped build the Authority over the past two decades.
In her keynote address, Minister of Communications, Technology and Innovation, Salima M. Bah, called for a renewed focus on increasing internet usage, improving affordability and ensuring better quality of service as Sierra Leone moves into the next phase of digital development.
Minister Bah described the anniversary as an important moment not only to celebrate achievements, but also to set the agenda for the next 20 years.
She noted that the transformation of the telecommunications sector had been driven by partnerships among Government, NatCA, the private sector and development partners.
According to the Minister, Sierra Leone has made significant progress, with mobile coverage reaching approximately 90 percent and fiber infrastructure extending to 14 of the country’s 16 districts.
However, she identified the gap between network coverage and actual internet usage as one of the country’s biggest challenges and opportunities.
“Currently, population coverage is at 90 percent, but usage is still at 42 percent,” Minister Bah said.
Hence, she called for concerted efforts from all players to bridge the digital usage gap, make services more affordable, and improve quality of service.
She stressed that the next phase of development should focus not only on infrastructure, but also on ensuring that more citizens can afford and effectively use digital space.
Minister Bah challenged telecom operators to improve communication with customers and respond more effectively to complaints, noting that citizens who pay for services expect value for money.
She emphasised that bridging the digital usage gap and improving services would require a collective effort from Government, Parliament, the regulator, the Ministry and private sector operators.
“It is not the responsibility of one sector. It is not the responsibility of just NatCA. It is not the responsibility of just the Ministry or the private sector. It is going to require all of us to work together,” she said.
As NatCA marks two decades of service, the anniversary provides an opportunity to reflect on the transformation of Sierra Leone’s communications sector, while renewing the commitment to building a more connected, inclusive, and digitally empowered nation over the next 20 years.
Past Director Generals and Directors who are still alive to witness the institution’s growth as it marks two decades of existence shared their experiences and contributions to the growth.