Sierra Leone’s efforts to accelerate digital transformation and attract international investment received renewed attention in New York as the Minister of Communications, Technology and Innovation, Salima Monorma Bah, convened a high-level Government and private-sector roundtable on the sidelines of the 2026 United Nations General Assembly.
The engagement brought together representatives of key Government ministries, telecommunications operators, technology companies and other industry stakeholders to explore investment opportunities in energy, digital infrastructure, data centres, 5G connectivity and regional trade.
Africell Sierra Leone was among the leading private-sector participants, contributing industry perspectives on telecommunications development, network expansion and emerging investment opportunities. The company’s participation underscored the role of private-sector investment in advancing Sierra Leone’s ambition to build a more competitive, connected and technology-driven economy.
Minister Salima Monorma Bah led the discussions alongside representatives of the Ministries of Energy and Trade and Industry, with particular emphasis on the close relationship between reliable electricity, telecommunications expansion and the development of modern digital infrastructure.
Minister of Energy, Cyril Grant, participated in person, while Minister of Trade and Industry, Ibrahim Alpha Sesay, joined virtually, reflecting the Government’s cross-sector approach to addressing the infrastructure, policy and investment requirements of Sierra Leone’s growing digital economy.
A central issue during the discussions was the need to establish a reliable energy base capable of supporting telecommunications networks, data centres and other technology-intensive infrastructure. Participants noted that Sierra Leone’s digital expansion will increasingly depend on dependable electricity, enhanced connectivity and sustained investment from both domestic and international partners.
The roundtable further examined opportunities associated with the deployment of 5G technology and the expansion of data infrastructure as Sierra Leone seeks to strengthen its position within the rapidly developing West African digital marketplace.
The International Data Center Authority provided perspectives on the development of data infrastructure that meets recognised international standards. Such infrastructure is becoming increasingly important as countries seek to strengthen the security, resilience and management of their digital assets.
Africell Sierra Leone and Sierratel also shared perspectives on the country’s telecommunications landscape, including existing operations and opportunities for future investment, network development and service expansion.
Participants also discussed the recently approved partnership to relaunch Sierratel through a Mobile Virtual Network Operator model, commonly known as MVNO. The initiative forms part of broader efforts to reposition the telecommunications sector and create additional opportunities for innovation, competition and investment.
Africa Climate and Energy Nexus, Aton Path and AEB contributed perspectives on the energy requirements associated with large-scale digital infrastructure. Their participation highlighted the importance of sustainable and dependable power solutions to support the continued expansion of telecommunications and technology services.
Bell Canada also provided technical perspectives on 5G deployment, bringing an international dimension to discussions on the infrastructure and technical requirements needed to support next-generation connectivity in Sierra Leone.
Beyond telecommunications, the participants examined how stronger digital infrastructure could facilitate commerce, promote innovation, support businesses and deepen Sierra Leone’s integration into regional and international markets.
The discussions reflected an increasingly interconnected development approach in which energy security, digital infrastructure, investment and trade are viewed as mutually reinforcing components of economic growth.
The New York engagement also complemented President Julius Maada Bio’s engagements during the United Nations General Assembly, where the importance of strengthening Africa’s participation in the ownership, development and governance of digital infrastructure has featured in broader discussions on the continent’s technological future.
President Bio has also used his international engagements to encourage investors to explore opportunities across Africa as countries seek to expand their digital economies, strengthen technological capacity and attract investment into strategic sectors.
For Sierra Leone, attracting investment into telecommunications, data infrastructure and supporting energy systems forms part of a broader effort to position the country as an emerging destination for technology-driven investment.
The engagement comes ahead of the inaugural West Africa Integration and Investment Summit scheduled for November, which is expected to provide another platform for promoting investment, regional economic cooperation and infrastructure development.
Government officials are seeking to leverage such engagements to deepen collaboration with private-sector operators and international partners while creating an investment environment capable of attracting capital into strategic areas of the economy.
Africell Sierra Leone’s participation in the New York roundtable further highlighted the contribution telecommunications operators can make through infrastructure investment, technical expertise and expanded connectivity.
The discussions ultimately reinforced Sierra Leone’s pursuit of an integrated digital development strategy centred on reliable energy, stronger telecommunications infrastructure, secure data systems, international partnerships and increased regional trade.
Through closer collaboration between Government institutions, private-sector operators and international partners, Sierra Leone is seeking to establish the foundations for a more resilient digital economy capable of attracting investment, supporting businesses and expanding the country’s participation in the rapidly evolving global technology landscape.