By Amara Brewah
Director General National Communications Authority
28 October 2026
Honourable Chief Minister; Honourable Minister of Communications, Technology and Innovation; distinguished Board members; senior government officials; representatives of the World Bank and development partners; chief executives and representatives of our licensed operators; members of civil society and the press; colleagues; ladies and gentlemen, good morning.
On behalf of the National Communications Authority, I warmly welcome you to NatCA Tower for the presentation and demonstration of our new spectrum management, monitoring and telecommunications equipment.
We are especially honoured by the presence of the Honourable Chief Minister and the Honourable Minister. Your presence affirms the importance of effective regulation in advancing Sierra Leone’s digital transformation.
Today marks the successful delivery of the Spectrum Management and Monitoring Tools Project, under the Sierra Leone Digital Transformation Project, funded by the World Bank and implemented through the Ministry of Communications, Technology and Innovation.
This investment strengthens NatCA’s ability to carry out its mandate: managing spectrum, monitoring compliance, safeguarding service quality and protecting consumers, while supporting a competitive communications sector that attracts investment.
Honourable Chief Minister, ladies and gentlemen, radio frequency spectrum is a scarce and valuable national resource. It supports the mobile calls we make, the internet services we use, the broadcasts we receive and the digital transactions on which businesses and families increasingly depend.
Managing that resource effectively requires reliable information and the technical capacity to act. The equipment we demonstrate today gives NatCA stronger tools to meet those responsibilities.
The project delivers four essential capabilities.
First, a Mobile Spectrum Monitoring System, installed in a specially configured vehicle. It enables our technical teams to monitor signals, locate sources of harmful interference and investigate unauthorised spectrum use in the field. This will help us respond more effectively when interference disrupts communications.
Second, an Automated Spectrum Management System. This will modernise frequency assignment, licensing, spectrum planning and engineering analysis. By digitising these processes, we can improve efficiency and transparency, and provide greater clarity for operators and investors.
Third, a Mobile Quality of Service Measurement System. Through specialised drive-test equipment and vehicles, NatCA can independently assess network coverage, internet speeds and voice quality. These measurements will strengthen our ability to establish where service falls short and require corrective action based on evidence.
Fourth, portable monitoring and inspection tools. These include spectrum analysers, electromagnetic field measurement equipment, broadcasting signal analysers and earth ground resistance meters. They will support field inspections, technical investigations and broadcasting oversight.
For consumers, the value of these systems must ultimately be reflected in more reliable services and faster resolution of technical problems. For businesses, reliable connectivity supports productivity and confidence. For licensed operators, effective monitoring helps protect legitimate spectrum assignments and supports fair competition.
The delivery of this equipment is an important step. Its lasting value will depend on how consistently and effectively we use it. NatCA’s responsibility is to turn stronger technical capability into better regulatory decisions and measurable improvements in service delivery.
To our licensed operators, we look forward to your continued cooperation. We share an interest in a sector where investment is encouraged, obligations are respected and consumers receive the quality of service they deserve.
I sincerely thank the Government of Sierra Leone, the Ministry of Communications, Technology and Innovation, the World Bank, the Sierra Leone Digital Transformation Project team, our development partners, contractors and the NatCA team whose efforts have brought this project to delivery.
As we proceed to the demonstration, our purpose is clear: to put these capabilities to work in protecting the public interest and supporting Sierra Leone’s digital development.
Once again, welcome to NatCA. I thank you.