Sierra Leone’s drive to strengthen its digital economy and attract greater international investment gained momentum in New York as Minister of Communications, Technology and Innovation, Salima Monorma Bah, led a high-level Government and private-sector roundtable on the sidelines of the 2026 United Nations General Assembly.
The engagement brought together key Government Ministries, telecommunications operators, technology companies and other industry stakeholders to examine investment prospects in energy, digital infrastructure, data centres, 5G connectivity and regional trade.
Africell Sierra Leone was among the prominent private-sector participants, contributing industry perspectives on telecommunications development, network expansion and future investment opportunities. The company’s participation highlighted the role of private-sector investment in supporting Sierra Leone’s ambition to build a more competitive, connected and technology-driven economy.
Minister Salima Monorma Bah steered the discussions alongside representatives from the Ministries of Energy and Trade and Industry, with the engagement placing strong emphasis on the relationship between reliable electricity, telecommunications growth 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, reinforcing the Government’s cross-sector approach to addressing the infrastructure, policy and investment requirements of Sierra Leone’s emerging digital economy.
A major focus of the dialogue was the need to establish a dependable energy base capable of supporting telecommunications networks, data centres and other technology-intensive infrastructure. Participants acknowledged that Sierra Leone’s digital expansion will increasingly depend on reliable power, stronger connectivity and sustained investment from both domestic and international partners.
The roundtable also explored opportunities surrounding the deployment of 5G technology and the expansion of data infrastructure as Sierra Leone seeks to increase its competitiveness within the West African digital marketplace.
The International Data Center Authority shared perspectives on efforts to develop data infrastructure that meets recognized international standards, an area considered increasingly important as countries seek greater control, security and resilience over their digital assets.
Africell Sierra Leone and Sierratel provided further insights into the country’s telecommunications landscape, including current operations and opportunities for future investment and service expansion.
Discussions also touched on the recently approved partnership aimed at relaunching Sierratel through a Mobile Virtual Network Operator model, commonly known as MVNO, as part of broader efforts to reposition the telecommunications sector and create additional opportunities within the market.
Africa Climate and Energy Nexus, Aton Path and AEB contributed perspectives on the energy demands associated with large-scale digital infrastructure. Their participation highlighted the need for sustainable power solutions capable of supporting the continued growth of telecommunications and technology services.
Bell Canada also contributed technical perspectives on 5G deployment, adding an international dimension to discussions on how Sierra Leone could prepare the infrastructure and technical environment required for next-generation connectivity.
Beyond telecommunications, participants examined how stronger digital infrastructure could facilitate commerce, encourage innovation and strengthen Sierra Leone’s integration into regional and international markets.
The discussions reflected an increasingly interconnected development strategy in which energy security, digital infrastructure, investment and trade are treated as mutually reinforcing priorities rather than separate sectors.
The New York roundtable also complemented President Julius Maada Bio’s engagements during the United Nations General Assembly, where attention has been drawn to the need for greater African participation in the ownership, development and governance of digital infrastructure.
President Julius Maada Bio has also used his international engagements to encourage investors to explore opportunities across Africa as countries on the continent seek to expand their digital economies and strengthen technological capacity.
For Sierra Leone, attracting investment into telecommunications, data infrastructure and supporting energy systems forms part of a broader effort to establish 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 use such engagements to deepen collaboration with the private sector and international partners while creating an environment capable of attracting capital into strategic areas of the economy.
Africell Sierra Leone’s involvement in the New York discussions further demonstrated the contribution telecommunications operators can make through infrastructure investment, technical expertise and expanded connectivity.
The roundtable ultimately reinforced Sierra Leone’s push towards an integrated digital development model built around reliable energy, stronger telecommunications infrastructure, secure data systems, international partnerships and increased regional trade.
With Government institutions and private-sector operators working across those interconnected areas, Sierra Leone is seeking to lay the foundation 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.
