By Amin Kef (Ranger)
The National Telecommunications Authority (NaTCA) on Friday, November 22, 2024, expressed immense satisfaction following the signing of a historic Framework Agreement between Sierra Leone and Guinea. This partnership establishes an Alternative International Traffic Route, also known as the Redundant Route, aimed at enhancing regional telecommunications infrastructure and driving the digital economy in West Africa.
The agreement was signed by Sierra Leone’s Minister of Communications, Technology and Innovation, Madam Salima Monorma Bah, and Guinea’s Minister of Posts, Telecommunications and Digital Economy, Rose Pola Pricemou. The deal focuses on improving cross-border internet redundancy, affordable data roaming, resource optimization and the exchange of knowledge between the two nations.
Amara Brewah, Director General of NaTCA, called the initiative a significant milestone in harmonizing resources and promoting infrastructure sharing between the two countries. He highlighted that interconnecting terrestrial fiber optic cable networks would improve secure communication, make services more affordable and enhance efforts to combat cybercrime in the region.
“The framework agreement ensures enhanced and redundant internet connectivity through a terrestrial fiber network linking both nations,” Amara Brewah said. “This will bolster the resilience and reliability of our digital infrastructures, which are critical for promoting economic growth, fostering socio-economic development and reducing risks associated with network disruptions.”
One of the key highlights of the agreement is the facilitation of seamless sub-regional roaming for SMS, voice and data services. Amara Brewah also noted the introduction of regulatory frameworks aimed at advancing the “one network” concept, simplifying cross-border communication. NaTCA believes this collaboration will foster secure and affordable interconnections, contributing to a more inclusive digital economy.
The partnership aligns with Sierra Leone’s broader vision, championed by President Julius Maada Bio, to make connectivity a basic human right. Amara Brewah stressed that this agreement emphasizes the importance of digital transformation for both national and regional progress.
“This is a major step in the realization of President Bio’s vision of universal connectivity, which will help reduce the digital divide and provide opportunities for ICT startups, e-commerce, and digital education,” he added.
Minister Salima Monorma Bah reflected on the origins of the initiative, which dates back to 2019 and its alignment with Sierra Leone’s ambition to achieve middle-income status by 2039. She underscored the importance of the agreement in making internet and mobile connectivity accessible to all Sierra Leoneans, irrespective of their location.
“This agreement is a long journey that started with the vision of President Julius Maada Bio, who believes that internet and mobile connectivity should be considered a basic human right. Our Government is committed to ensuring that every citizen has access to affordable connectivity,” said Minister Salima Monorma Bah.
The framework agreement will not only enhance telecommunications network interconnections but also introduce regulations to promote regional initiatives such as the “one network” concept, making cross-border communication simpler and more efficient.
Guinea’s Minister of Posts, Telecommunications and Digital Economy, Rose Pola Pricemou, celebrated the historic ties between the two nations, emphasizing their shared history and commitment to mutual support. She expressed optimism for the future, stating that the agreement would strengthen not only physical connections but also economic, cultural, and technological collaboration.
“Guinea and Sierra Leone share more than just geographical proximity. We have a deep-rooted history of solidarity and mutual support. Today, we celebrate this partnership and look forward to a future where our nations are even more connected in all aspects,” Pricemou said.
The agreement is expected to foster economic growth, improve regional connectivity and create opportunities for innovation in West Africa. NaTCA expressed gratitude to various stakeholders, including Guinea’s Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications, ARPT, SOGEB, GUILAB, and Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Communications, Technology & Innovation, LEONECOM, and ZOODLABS, for their contributions to the agreement.
As NaTCA commended the landmark agreement, it emphasized that the partnership would elevate the two nations on their developmental trajectories, enhancing communication systems and fostering innovation across the region.
“This agreement reflects our united commitment to a future where technology drives growth and connectivity transcends borders,” NaTCA concluded. “Together, we are building a digital landscape that meets current needs while anticipating future demands.”
This Framework Agreement is more than a milestone; it sets the stage for advancing telecommunications, digital innovation and economic development in West Africa, setting a precedent for collaboration across the continent.
