By Alvin Lansana Kargbo
Chief Executive Officer of Africell Sierra Leone, Shadi Gerjawi, has emphasized the indispensable role of digital infrastructure in strengthening digital sovereignty and advancing sustainable technological development across West Africa during the 18th Edition of the West Africa Internet Governance Forum (WAIGF 2026) held in Freetown.
The high-profile regional forum, officially opened on Thursday, May 14, 2026, at the Miatta Conference Centre, Youyi Building, brought together policymakers, technology experts, regulators, youth representatives, development partners and private sector actors from across West Africa to deliberate on the future of internet governance, emerging technologies and digital transformation in the region.
Speaking on behalf of Sierra Leone’s Mobile Network Operators (MNOs), Shadi Gerjawi, CEO of Africell, underscored that digital sovereignty cannot exist without strong physical infrastructure, stressing that telecommunications towers, fibre optic networks and last-mile connectivity remain the backbone of digital advancement.
Shadi Gerjawi noted that mobile network operators have made substantial investments in strengthening telecommunications infrastructure across Sierra Leone and the wider region, explaining that countries with strong digital connectivity are better positioned to compete globally while safeguarding their citizens in an increasingly digital world.
According to him, extending reliable connectivity to underserved and remote communities requires sustained investments, supportive Government policies, targeted subsidies and regulatory frameworks that encourage investment. He pointed out that despite continuous network expansion in recent years, service costs have significantly declined, making telecommunications services increasingly accessible to citizens.
The Africell CEO further emphasized that digital infrastructure alone is insufficient to drive meaningful transformation, highlighting the important role mobile operators play in digital literacy and capacity building.
He explained that telecommunications operators engage millions of people daily and therefore possess the capacity to collaborate with Governments, schools and educational institutions to equip young people with practical digital skills necessary to thrive in the digital economy.
Shadi Gerjawi also stressed the responsibility of Mobile Network Operators in ensuring secure and trustworthy digital networks, maintaining that user data protection and online safety remain essential priorities, especially for vulnerable groups.
Looking toward the future, he identified mobile money services as one of the region’s most successful financial inclusion models, urging stakeholders to deepen financial integration through expanded access to credit, savings and insurance products. He called for stronger regulatory cooperation and continuous innovation to maximize the transformative potential of digital financial services.
While commending Sierra Leone for hosting the regional forum, Shadi Gerjawi praised the country’s leadership role in advancing discussions on digital governance and internet development in West Africa.
The five-day forum commenced after the successful hosting of the West Africa School on Internet Governance, held from May 11 to 12, where experts, facilitators and fellows explored issues surrounding internet governance, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, digital cooperation, data governance and emerging technologies.
The opening ceremony also featured strategic discussions on regional digital transformation, cybersecurity, digital inclusion and innovation, with Government officials reaffirming commitments to stronger collaboration aimed at building a secure, resilient and digitally sovereign West Africa.
WAIGF 2026 is expected to generate actionable recommendations that will shape internet governance policies, digital inclusion efforts and innovation strategies across the West African region.
