By Alvin Lansana Kargbo
President Dr. Julius Maada Bio has officially launched a strategic partnership between the Government of Sierra Leone and Africell to relaunch Sierratel as a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO), marking a significant step in revitalizing the country’s telecommunications sector.
The launch, held on Tuesday 5th May, 2026 at the Miatta Conference Centre, formalizes a framework that enables Sierratel to return to the market by leveraging Africell’s infrastructure, technology and commercial strength, while maintaining full Government ownership.
Under the MVNO model, Africell will provide network coverage, technical backbone and sustained investment, while Sierratel focuses on service delivery, customer engagement and product innovation. The arrangement allows for immediate rollout of services without the need for heavy public sector capital expenditure.
Africell Chief Executive Officer, Shadi Gerjawi, described the agreement as a defining national milestone, stating that it reflects Africell’s long-standing commitment to invest in Sierra Leone and deliver world-class telecommunications services. He emphasized that the initiative provides a practical and sustainable pathway for Sierratel’s return, enabling full operations from the outset.
The Africell CEO reiterated that the partnership does not amount to privatization, stressing that Sierratel remains wholly owned by the Government. He noted that Africell’s role is to strengthen the company through modern infrastructure, operational efficiency and continuous commercial investment to ensure long-term competitiveness.
He further disclosed that Sierratel subscribers will immediately access voice, data and mobile money services, supported by a dedicated operational team established by Africell to ensure independence and market competitiveness. He said the initiative is expected to enhance nationwide connectivity, improve service reliability and introduce flexible, customer-focused offerings.
Addressing legacy challenges, the CEO confirmed that Africell will assume part of the financial liabilities owed to Sierratel staff.
The Minister of Communication, Technology and Innovation, Salima Monorma Bah, in her statement, said the Government deliberately avoided both privatization and direct infrastructure investment, opting instead for a sustainable partnership that leverages private sector efficiency while preserving public ownership.
She noted that although Sierratel’s infrastructure had declined over time, its brand remained a valuable national asset. The MVNO model, she explained, provides a viable route for rapid market re-entry, enabling the company to generate revenue while delivering improved services.
The Minister added that the Government has committed an initial $2 million toward staff-related obligations and reaffirmed its commitment to settling all verified arrears transparently. She said the partnership is expected to increase competition, improve affordability and expand access to telecommunications services, particularly among underserved populations.
In his keynote address, the President of Sierra Leone, Rtd Brigadier Dr. Julius Maada Bio framed the initiative as a cornerstone of his Government’s broader reform agenda, stressing that countries seeking relevance in the modern global economy must prioritize connectivity. He said Sierra Leone’s decision to partner with Africell reflects a deliberate strategy to strengthen national systems, improve service delivery and position the country to compete both within Africa and internationally.
The President underscored the link between connectivity and human capital development, noting that improved telecommunications infrastructure would enable innovation, enhance productivity and create opportunities across sectors. He highlighted that young people, who make up the majority of Sierra Leone’s population, stand to benefit significantly from increased digital access, describing them as central to the country’s transformation.
Reflecting on Sierratel’s legacy, the President recalled its historic role as the backbone of national communication, connecting institutions, businesses and families across the country. He stated that the company’s revival goes beyond commercial considerations, representing the restoration of a strategic national asset with deep social and economic relevance.
President Bio acknowledged that years of structural inefficiencies and outdated technology had weakened the company, but maintained that the Government remained committed to finding a responsible and sustainable path to recovery. According to him, the partnership with Africell demonstrates a shift toward practical, results-oriented solutions that align with current industry realities.
He also addressed concerns around staff welfare, commending the resilience of Sierratel employees who remained committed despite prolonged challenges further assuring that all verified obligations would be settled through a transparent and accountable process as well as reaffirming his Government’s commitment to fairness.
The President intimated how the collaboration with Africell would expand access to reliable communication services across both urban and rural communities, improving opportunities for traders, students, farmers and entrepreneurs. He added that enhanced connectivity would support critical sectors such as education, healthcare and agriculture, while strengthening national security systems.
He also described the partnership as a clear sign of rising investor confidence in Sierra Leone, highlighting that credible international partners are becoming more willing to engage with the country as reforms continue to take shape. Emphasizing the need for progress, he added that embracing innovation and adaptability remains essential for Sierra Leone to stay competitive in an increasingly dynamic digital landscape.
The President concluded by describing the Africell–Sierratel partnership as more than a corporate agreement, characterizing it as a transformational step toward national development, grounded in performance, accountability and measurable impact.
As part of the relaunch, Joe Abass Bangura was appointed Managing Director of the Sierratel MVNO, tasked with overseeing its operations and market positioning.
The event also recognized long-serving Sierratel staff for their loyalty and dedication, including Ibrahim Mansaray (Driver), Edward Yarrimeh Kamara (Workers’ Representative), Issa Bangura (Director of Engineering), Kandeh Mansaray (Office Assistant) and Mariama Olu-Williams (Customer Care Manager), some of whom have served the company for over three decades.
Africell confirmed that the network is now fully operational, supported by a 24/7 customer care system. The company stated that the partnership is designed to restore public confidence, enhance service quality and drive financial inclusion through expanded mobile money services.
The relaunch of Sierratel under the MVNO framework underscores a shift toward public-private collaboration in Sierra Leone, positioning the telecommunications sector for greater efficiency, sustainability, and growth.
