By Amin Kef (Ranger)
Since ZoodLabs assumed control of Sierra Leone’s Cable Landing Station, the country has been plagued by persistent and widespread issues with internet connectivity. The once-anticipated leap forward in digital advancement has instead turned into a major setback, with users across the nation struggling to perform even basic online tasks, such as downloading a picture, without delays and interruption.
ZoodLabs, which gained initial acclaim for its high-speed internet services through a wireless broadband network in Freetown, is now facing severe criticism for its role in what many describe as the deterioration of Sierra Leone’s internet infrastructure. The company is under fire for allegations of mismanagement, unfulfilled promises and questionable financial practices—all of which have contributed to the ongoing connectivity crisis.
The problem began in December 2020, when ZoodLabs took over the management of the Cable Landing Station—a vital piece of infrastructure for Sierra Leone’s internet access. This transition was formalized by a parliamentary agreement ratified on April 28, 2022, between the Ministry of Information and Communications and ZoodLabs (SL) Ltd., which granted the company responsibility for the station’s operations.
ZoodLabs initially promised to invest $20 million to upgrade outdated equipment at the landing station, a move that was seen as essential for ensuring stable and high-speed internet across the country. However, this investment has yet to materialize and the resulting internet disruptions have left businesses, institutions and citizens increasingly frustrated.
Insiders within the company have disclosed that rather than investing the pledged $20 million, ZoodLabs has instead relied on bank loans and payments from Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) and Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to maintain its operations. Even more troubling, ZoodLabs is reported to have quickly depleted the Le6 billion in seed money it inherited from the previous operator, SALCAB, within a single month, raising serious questions about its financial management.
Compounding the issue are allegations against ZoodLabs’ Founder and CEO, Davar Fazaeli, and his associate, David Tamba Kpakima. Reports suggest that the pair used their Government connections to secure the deal with SALCAB, and have since allegedly used government funds for personal luxury purchases, including a $150,000 customized G-Wagon Mercedes-Benz. These actions have only deepened public distrust.
Despite agreeing to replace all outdated equipment inherited from SALCAB as part of their lease agreement with the Government, which allows them to operate the landing station for fifteen years, ZoodLabs has yet to follow through on this commitment. While the company pays $450,000 annually to the Government as a lease, this amount is reportedly much lower than their monthly revenue, leading to criticism over the fairness of the deal.
The decision to transfer SALCAB’s operations to ZoodLabs has faced significant opposition. The Ministry of Finance, under then Financial Secretary Sahr Jusu, expressed concerns about the potential risks to the nation’s digital infrastructure. These warnings appear to have been justified, as the country continues to suffer from frequent internet outages under ZoodLabs’ Management.
One of the most significant incidents occurred on Sunday, August 4, 2024, when a major outage lasted nearly four hours, severely disrupting data services, international voice calls, roaming and other operations. The outage affected not only Sierra Leone but also neighboring Liberia. Despite the widespread impact, ZoodLabs failed to communicate the issue to the public, unlike their Liberian counterparts, who promptly issued an apology and explanation.
In response to this outage, the National Communications Authority (NatCA) convened an emergency meeting on August 5, 2024. The meeting, which included key stakeholders such as ZoodLabs, Leonecom, the terrestrial fiber provider, major MNOs, and ISPs, focused on establishing a robust short-term redundancy plan to restore connectivity. The discussions also explored alternative routes to enhance the resilience of internet services in the region.
As public scrutiny intensifies, there is a growing demand for transparency and accountability from ZoodLabs. Sierra Leoneans are questioning why the promised $20 million investment has not been made and why their internet services remain unstable despite ZoodLabs’ significant revenue streams.
The investigation into ZoodLabs’ Management practices is not merely about uncovering the truth—it is about safeguarding Sierra Leone’s digital future. As criticism mounts, the need for a comprehensive review of the company’s operations is evident. The people of Sierra Leone deserve reliable and stable internet services and they are demanding answers.
