Orange SL Commences 2025 Next Generation Camp to Equip Pupils with Digital Skills

August 6, 2025

By Foday Moriba Conteh

The Orange Foundation Sierra Leone has officially launched the 2025 edition of its Next Generation Camp at the Orange Digital Centre (ODC) on Hill Station in Freetown. The initiative, which kicked off on Monday 4^th August, 2025 targets young learners aged 7 to 15 and aims to equip them with essential digital skills in a fun and safe environment.

During the camp, participants will explore areas such as coding, web development and 3D printing. The free month-long program is fully sponsored by the Orange Foundation and is designed to foster creativity and technological curiosity among the next generation of innovators.

The launch featured an orientation session led by Orange Foundation Director, Annie Wonnie-Katta, alongside the ODC team, after which participants were grouped and began hands-on learning activities. The camp is expected to run throughout August from Monday – Thursday.

Delivering the welcome address at the launch, the Director of the Orange Foundation, Annie Wonnie-Katta, expressed excitement over the initiative, emphasizing its goal to nurture innovation among Sierra Leone’s next generation of digital leaders.

“We are absolutely thrilled to kick off the ODC Next Generation Camp 2025 right here at our new ODC building,” she said.

She noted that the camp offers a unique, free opportunity for children to explore creative digital skills including Scratch programming, Web Development and 3D Printing. “You won’t just learn new skills; you’ll learn to think creatively and solve problems like never before,” she added.

The camp, which is fully sponsored by the Orange Foundation, will run throughout the month of August. It aims to equip young participants with basic digital literacy and tech skills in a secure and stimulating environment.

“Our dedicated team is here to ensure that each child not only learns but enjoys every moment of the camp,” Annie Wonnie-Katta assured parents and guardians.

With a blend of learning and play, the Next Generation Camp 2025 promises to spark creativity, build confidence and inspire the innovators of tomorrow.

Destin Turay, 3D Printing Trainer, underscored the importance of 3D printing, describing it as a vital tool for addressing social issues in Sierra Leone. He noted that in previous years, students developed a plastic waste management project where they repurposed plastic waste into 3D printing filament to create useful objects aimed at tackling environmental challenges.

He explained that during the month-long camp, participants will be equipped with hands-on knowledge in 3D printing and encouraged to develop innovative ideas that could later be applied to solving national problems or pursued as personal projects. “3D printing offers countless possibilities. You can design and create almost anything,” he said.

Destin Turay urged participants to make the most of the opportunity provided by the Orange Foundation. “I encourage you to stay focused throughout the camp and explore new ideas. The potential of 3D printing is limitless,” he concluded.

Samuel B. Koroma, Trainer at the Coding School, also emphasized the significance of the camp for the pupils. He stated that the coding sessions will equip participants with foundational computer skills, including how to navigate basic systems, followed by lessons in web development.

He explained that by the end of the training, participants will have the opportunity to create their own websites to showcase some of their personal projects and achievements. “During this camp, we aim to ignite their creativity. From my observations, these pupils are very creative all they need is guidance and the right steps to bring their ideas to life,” he concluded.

Several parents who accompanied their children to the opening day of the Orange Digital Center Next Generation Camp expressed deep appreciation for the initiative. Fatmata Kamara, a mother of two participants, described the camp as a timely intervention that exposes children to relevant digital skills at an early age. “This is the kind of program we need for our children in today’s world. I’m happy my kids are learning something meaningful over the holidays instead of just staying home,” she said.

NSA Executive Director Lauds Amb. Navo Jr. for Transforming East End Lions Field

August 6, 2025

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

The Executive Director of the National Sports Authority (NSA), Dr. Emmanuel Saffa Abdulai, has commended Ambassador Anthony Navo Jr., Chairman of the East End Lions Football Club, for the remarkable transformation of the club’s playing ground at Louis Field into a modern sports facility.

During an impromptu visit to the site on Sunday, August 3, 2025, Dr. Emmanuel Saffa Abdulai expressed deep admiration for the quality and vision behind the project. He described the upgrade as a bold investment in community development and youth empowerment, hailing it as one of the most significant private-sector contributions to football infrastructure in recent years.

“I’m currently at the East End Lions playing field at Louis Field where they’re fixing the artificial turf,” Dr. Emmanuel Saffa Abdulai said. “Luawa FC will defeat East End Lions whenever we clash on this turf,” he jokingly added, before applauding the initiative. “Thank you very much, Anthony Navo Jr., for contributing to the infrastructure of football. This is massive and a good investment.”

Although the visit was not pre-arranged, Dr. Emmanuel Saffa Abdulai took the opportunity to witness the transformation first-hand and share his thoughts. “I know you haven’t given me permission to video,” he remarked humorously, “but I was just passing from Lungi and thought I should take a look. It’s really a job well done.”

He went on to describe the development as the work of a “Renaissance mind,” praising the modern facility as a milestone achievement for both the club and the community it serves.

Ambassador Anthony Navo Jr., who also serves as the CEO of the Africa Young Voices (AYV) Media Group, has received widespread recognition for his leadership and commitment to youth development through sports. Under his stewardship, the East End Lions Football Club, one of Sierra Leone’s oldest and most decorated football institutions has undergone significant rejuvenation, both on and off the pitch.

The new state-of-the-art facility features artificial turf and improved infrastructure aimed at supporting talent development, fostering community engagement and elevating the overall standard of football in Sierra Leone.

In a statement following the NSA Director’s visit, Amb. Navo Jr. expressed appreciation for the recognition. “The kind words and genuine appreciation from someone like Dr. Emmanuel Saffa Abdulai mean a lot. It validates the hard work and vision behind this project,” he said. “This facility is not just for East End Lions; it belongs to the community and to the future of Sierra Leonean football.”

Supporters and community members have also applauded the transformation, describing the upgraded Louis Field as a beacon of hope for aspiring young athletes across the country.

The East End Lions are preparing to usher in a new chapter of football excellence with the upgraded playing field set to serve as a vital platform for nurturing talent and promoting professional sportsmanship in Sierra Leone.

This development reaffirms Amb. Navo Jr.’s status as a transformational leader, one whose dedication to progress continues to bridge the gap between vision and reality in both the media and sporting sectors.

NRA Commissioner General Appointed to Prestigious UN Tax Committee

August 6, 2025

In a landmark achievement for Sierra Leone, the Commissioner General of the National Revenue Authority (NRA), Jeneba J. Bangura, has been appointed to serve on the United Nations Committee of Experts on International Cooperation in Tax Matters for the 2025–2029 term.

Her appointment was officially confirmed by UN Secretary-General, António Guterres in a press release issued on July 30, 2025. Jeneba Bangura becomes the first Sierra Leonean woman and only the second Sierra Leonean in over two decades to serve on this globally influential committee.

Comprising 25 tax experts from around the world, the UN Tax Committee plays a vital role in shaping international tax norms and supporting countries in developing equitable and effective tax systems. The committee’s work is especially significant as countries grapple with complex tax issues surrounding the digital economy, natural resources and wealth taxation.

UN Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs, Li Junhua, emphasized the importance of the committee’s work: “The Committee helps countries work together to ensure their tax policies serve their development priorities. It provides a unique space where diverse experts can tackle frontier challenges together and develop innovative solutions that work across different tax systems.”

In response to the appointment, Jeneba Bangura expressed deep gratitude for the trust placed in her and recognized the pivotal support from national leadership.

“My appointment as the first Sierra Leonean woman to serve on this august body reflects the vision and commitment of His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio in promoting women in leadership and repositioning Sierra Leone on the global stage,” she stated.

She also extended appreciation to Finance Minister, Sheku Fantamadi Bangura, Foreign Affairs Minister Musa Timothy Kabba and Ambassador Imran Kanu and the team at Sierra Leone’s Permanent Mission to the UN for their invaluable roles in supporting her nomination.

Jeneba Bangura brings to the committee a wealth of experience in tax administration and public financial management. She previously served as Deputy Commissioner General of the NRA from 2018 to 2023 and was appointed Deputy Minister of Finance I in 2023 before assuming her current role. Her leadership has been marked by bold reforms, enhanced transparency and digital modernization of Sierra Leone’s tax systems.

Her inclusion in the UN Tax Committee is seen as a strategic win for Sierra Leone, elevating the country’s voice in international fiscal policy discourse. It also sets a powerful precedent for female representation in global governance.

According to the UN, the 25-member committee will guide countries in designing tax policies that align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), while addressing contemporary global challenges like climate transition, digital taxation and wealth inequality. The committee provides practical tools and options for nations to reform tax treaties, design health and environmental taxes and develop fair systems for taxing the digital and extractive sectors.

Among the other appointed experts are professionals from countries including Singapore, Rwanda, Nigeria, Brazil, China and Australia. Notably, the majority of the appointees are women, reflecting the UN’s commitment to inclusive leadership in tax policymaking.

The new committee is scheduled to hold its first session in October 2025 at the United Nations Office in Geneva. The sessions are open to stakeholders from Governments, civil society, academia and the private sector.

Jeneba Bangura’s appointment further reinforces Sierra Leone’s growing influence on the global stage and underscores the nation’s commitment to international cooperation, gender equity and public sector excellence.

As global tax cooperation becomes increasingly essential for addressing illicit financial flows and ensuring fairer economic systems, Sierra Leone’s representation at this level is both timely and impactful.

China’s Hubei People’s Congress Engages Sierra Leone Parliament in Bilateral Exchange

August 6, 2025

The Speaker of the Sixth Parliament of the Second Republic of Sierra Leone, Rt. Hon. Segepoh Solomon Thomas, on Monday, July 4, 2025, warmly welcomed a high-level delegation from the Hubei Provincial People’s Congress of the People’s Republic of China. The visit, anchored on peer-to-peer legislative knowledge exchange, marked a significant moment in fostering deeper cooperation between the Parliaments of Sierra Leone and China.

The visiting delegation was led by Madam Wang Yanling, Secretary-General of the Communist Party of China and Chairperson of the Standing Committee of the Hubei Provincial People’s Congress. In her opening remarks, Madam Wang Yanling expressed her gratitude to Speaker, Rt. Hon. Segepoh Solomon Thomas and the leadership of the Sierra Leone Parliament for the warm hospitality extended to her delegation. She highlighted the longstanding friendship between Sierra Leone and Hubei Province, emphasizing that the visit was aimed at enhancing mutual understanding and cooperation between the two legislative bodies.

Madam Wang Yanling provided insight into Hubei Province, describing it as a central region of China with a population of over 61 million people. She noted that Hubei plays a critical role in China’s national development agenda through the “Rise of Central China” strategy.

Expounding on the structure of China’s legislative system, she explained that the People’s Congress system operates at various levels, with the Standing Committees serving as permanent legislative mechanisms. According to the Chinese Constitution, she said, the People’s Congresses are mandated to perform four core functions: legislation, oversight, vetting presidential appointments and making decisions on key national issues.

She concluded by extending an invitation to Speaker Rt. Hon. Segepoh Solomon Thomas to lead a parliamentary delegation from Sierra Leone on a reciprocal visit to Hubei Province, further strengthening parliamentary diplomacy and cooperation.

Responding to the delegation, Rt. Hon. Speaker Segepoh Solomon Thomas expressed appreciation for the visit and acknowledged the growing partnership between Sierra Leone and China, particularly through legislative exchange. He drew parallels between the two systems, noting that the Sierra Leone Parliament also performs three main constitutional roles—lawmaking, oversight and representation.

Speaker Rt. Hon. Segepoh Solomon Thomas explained that Sierra Leone operates under a Proportional Representation (PR) electoral system, also known as the List System and emphasized that the Sixth Parliament reflects the country’s diverse tribal composition, with representation from all districts.

He also highlighted the bipartisan nature of Sierra Leone’s political landscape, dominated by the All People’s Congress (APC) and the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP). He noted that the current Parliament has been particularly active in fulfilling its oversight responsibilities, including the vetting of presidential nominees. He cited instances where Parliament rejected nominees found to have dual citizenship, criminal backgrounds or inadequate qualifications.

In conclusion, Speaker Rt. Hon. Segepoh Solomon Thomas assured the Chinese delegation that the proposal for a reciprocal visit would be given due consideration. The meeting ended on a warm note with the presentation of a symbolic gift from the Hubei delegation to Rt. Hon. Speaker Segepoh Solomon Thomas, further cementing the spirit of friendship and collaboration between the two legislative institutions.

NP (SL) Reaffirms Mission to Lead Sierra Leone’s Petroleum Sector with Innovation and Integrity

August 6, 2025

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

Through a dynamic display of corporate strength, innovation and national commitment, NP (SL) Limited continues to reaffirm its mission to maintain dominant leadership in Sierra Leone’s petroleum sector while ambitiously extending its reach into the West African sub-region.

NP (SL) Limited’s mission is rooted in delivering a consistent supply of petroleum products in an environmentally sustainable manner, while providing superior value to its customers, employees and stakeholders. This mission is guided by a proud corporate culture focused on safety, profit optimization and corporate expansion, all geared towards contributing meaningfully to national development.

According to the company, its vision is to establish a “well-run, dominant petroleum company” positioned to compete effectively across the sub-region. This is complemented by a unique internal corporate culture, which treats the company as a disciplined family, committed to building a “great company.” NP (SL)’s core values are anchored on five pillars: Safe Working Environments, Excellent Customer Service, High-Quality Products, Environmental Sustainability and Positive Teamwork.

Under the transformative leadership of Dr. Mohamed S. Kanu, NP (SL) is entering a new era. Dr. Mohamed S. Kanu, who previously served with distinction as CEO of NP Côte d’Ivoire, brings with him a wealth of experience in petroleum management and sub-regional business strategy. His appointment as Managing Director has been described by the Board of Directors as the beginning of a new chapter of visionary leadership and sustainable expansion.

With a career steeped in excellence, Dr. Mohamed S. Kanu has successfully driven operational efficiency and increased market share in previous roles. His leadership at NP (SL) is expected to consolidate the company’s national dominance and accelerate its regional footprint. The Board lauded him as a “strategic leader with an in-depth understanding of the NP brand and its ethos.”

NP (SL)’s track record of innovation and customer satisfaction speaks volumes. The company is wholly owned by Sierra Leoneans and prides itself on indigenous ownership and local workforce development. Among its many forward-looking initiatives are the NP Energy Pass Card, a cashless payment system that advances financial inclusion and digitization and the deployment of Mobile Fuel Tanks to serve key public institutions with reliable and convenient fuel access.

Beyond product delivery, NP (SL) places strong emphasis on transparency and safety. The company has installed calibrated fuel pumps to ensure customers receive exactly what they pay for. It has also deployed GPS and video tracking technology across its transport fleet, ensuring logistics efficiency and accountability. Regular emergency drills and adherence to international safety standards further demonstrate the company’s commitment to best practices.

NP (SL)’s influence goes well beyond commerce. As a leading taxpayer, the company plays a strategic role in national revenue generation. It also supports Government operations with flexible fuel credit schemes, positioning itself as a dependable partner in public service delivery. Its regional operations extend into Liberia, Guinea, Côte d’Ivoire and The Gambia, making it a true West African petroleum powerhouse.

Environmental consciousness is another hallmark of NP (SL)’s operations. The company is actively promoting eco-friendly LPG (cooking gas), contributing to efforts in mitigating climate change by reducing dependence on traditional biomass fuels.

NP (SL)’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives have had tangible impact. These include funding the construction of a water facility for the National Fire Force in Kissy, supporting healthcare projects like the Burns Unit at Connaught Hospital and assisting communities affected by epidemics and natural disasters.

From its humble origins in the 1950s as a branch of British Petroleum, through various stages of ownership restructuring, NP (SL) became a fully indigenous company by 1996 and was rebranded in 2011. That rebranding signaled a renewed commitment to innovation, integrity and national service.

Today, NP (SL) stands tall as a symbol of Sierra Leonean resilience, entrepreneurship and excellence. With an unshakable commitment to its mission and a clear vision for the future, the company continues to live by its slogan, “1st for Customer Care.”

As NP (SL) continues to expand its horizons, it remains not only the backbone of the nation’s energy supply but also a catalyst for regional economic growth and integration — a petroleum brand built by Sierra Leoneans, for Sierra Leone, and beyond.

Mariama Sahid Named Sierra Leone Youth Coordinator for International Women Power Conference

August 6, 2025

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

Prominent youth leader and women’s empowerment advocate, Mariama Sahid, has been officially appointed as Sierra Leone’s Country Youth Coordinator for the International Women Power Conference (IWPC).

The appointment, announced in a letter dated 19th June 2025 by IWPC Global President Amb. Dr. Chris Oko Odey, recognizes Mariama Sahid’s influence, leadership and commitment to advancing the cause of women in Sierra Leone and across Africa.

The 2025 International Women Power Conference is scheduled to take place in The Gambia from November 13th to 17th. The high-profile event will feature four major side activities aimed at empowering, connecting and inspiring women from around the globe.

As Country Youth Coordinator, Mariama Sahid will be responsible for promoting the conference locally, proposing notable speakers aligned with IWPC’s vision and nominating outstanding women for the prestigious Global Leading Women Awards.

Reacting to the appointment, Mariama Sahid expressed her excitement and gratitude. “Duty calls once again, this time as African Youth Coordinator for Sierra Leone under the International Women Power Conference,” she said. “I’m honored to serve and amplify the voices of African women, and even more excited to do so in my second home, the smiling coast of Africa – The Gambia.”

She urged the public to continue supporting initiatives that celebrate trailblazing African women. “Africa calls, I’ll always answer,” she affirmed, while extending appreciation to Amb. Dr. Chris Oko Odey, Sierra Leone Country Chairperson, Madam Millicent Kargbo and National Youth Coordinator, Edward JD Alpha, for their support.

The IWPC operates under the International Goodwill Ambassador Club Organization and seeks to drive global women’s empowerment through networking, recognition and leadership development.

Mariama’s appointment underscores Sierra Leone’s growing representation in global women’s leadership platforms and reaffirms the country’s active role in promoting gender equality across Africa.

UBA Sierra Leone Posts Strong 2024 Gains, Sustains Momentum in Q1 2025

August 6, 2025

United Bank for Africa (UBA) Sierra Leone has reported a strong start to 2025, building on the remarkable financial and operational achievements recorded in 2024. The bank’s latest quarterly update underscores continued progress in financial inclusion, digital innovation and strategic expansion.

In 2024, UBA Sierra Leone’s Profit Before Tax (PBT) jumped 71% to NLe 833.6 million, while Profit After Tax (PAT) reached NLe 622.8 million. Gross earnings rose 59% to NLe 1.1 billion, driven by growth in both interest and non-interest income. Despite a 22.4% increase in operating expenses, largely due to inflationary pressures, the bank improved its cost-to-income ratio from 23.6% in 2023 to a leaner 18.1% in 2024.

Preliminary Q1 2025 results indicate that this upward trajectory is continuing, reinforcing UBA’s resilience and operational efficiency.

The bank’s total assets climbed 27.8% in 2024 to NLe 5.2 billion, while customer deposits increased by 22.7% to NLe 3.5 billion. Over the same period, UBA opened more than 250,000 new accounts and issued approximately 35,740 bank cards, reflecting its commitment to expanding financial access nationwide.

The adoption of UBA’s AI-powered virtual assistant, LEO, along with robust mobile banking platforms, has accelerated the bank’s digital engagement. The “Customer First (C1st)” strategy continues to shape service delivery, prioritizing responsiveness, inclusivity and innovation across branch and online channels.

As part of its strategic expansion drive, UBA will soon open a new branch in Kono district, enhancing access to banking services in underserved areas.

Board Chairman, Dr. Claudius Bart-Williams, commended the 2024 performance, describing it as a testament to strategic growth that supports Sierra Leone’s economic development. Managing Director and CEO, Mohamed Alhajie Samoura, reaffirmed UBA’s mission to deliver sustainable financial results while promoting inclusive banking solutions for all Sierra Leoneans.

With Q1 2025 performance reinforcing the bank’s momentum, UBA Sierra Leone is poised to achieve its financial inclusion and growth targets for the year. Strong financial fundamentals, a focus on technology and a widening branch network continue to position the bank as a leader in Sierra Leone’s banking industry.

Stats SL and MoICE Finalize Inclusive Communication Strategy for 2026 Census

August 6, 2025

Statistics Sierra Leone (Stats SL), in partnership with the Ministry of Information and Civic Education (MoICE), has concluded a two-day Message Development and Communication Strategy Finalization Workshop aimed at preparing the nation for the 2026 Population and Housing Census (PHC).

The event, held from July 30–31 at Sierra Palms Resort in Freetown, brought together a diverse group of media and communication experts to finalize a comprehensive public awareness plan.

Key objectives of the workshop included finalizing the draft Communication and Publicity Strategy for the Census, developing targeted messages for all population groups, crafting the official theme and slogan, and adopting a logo that reflects the principle of inclusivity.

Participants represented a wide range of institutions, including the Ministry of Information and Civic Education, Ministry of Communication, Technology and Innovation, Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ), Guild of Editors, Sierra Leone Bar Association, Independent Radio Network (IRN), Women in the Media Sierra Leone (WIMSAL), Media Reform Coordinating Group (MRCG), National Council for Civic Education and Democracy (NaCCED), National Communication Authority (NatCA), national broadcasters, mobile network operators QCell, Africell and Orange, as well as civil society groups, the Bike Riders Union, the Sierra Leone Artists Union, the entertainment industry and online influencers.

In his opening address, Francis Tommy, Director of the National Statistical Systems Division at Stats SL, stressed that the success of the 2026 Census depends as much on public trust and participation as on technical and logistical execution. He described the workshop as a key step in ensuring that no segment of society is excluded from the process.

Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah, underscored the importance of unified communication efforts, urging participants to create clear, culturally sensitive and inclusive messages.

“All of us here have a crucial role to play,” Minister Chernor Bah said. “We must ensure that the Census message reaches every nook and cranny of Sierra Leone, dispelling misconceptions, addressing concerns and inspiring participation. The Census is a civic imperative; it informs policies, guides resource allocation and drives national development.”

The workshop concluded with the adoption of a robust and inclusive Communication and Publicity Strategy, a slogan designed to resonate across demographics and an official Census logo symbolizing national unity and inclusivity.

Stats SL and MoICE say those tools will serve as the foundation for a nationwide outreach campaign to ensure broad public engagement in the 2026 Population and Housing Census.

UBA Group Chairman Tony Elumelu Champions Private Sector-Led Development at 2025 African Caucus in Central African Republic

August 5, 2025

From left: H.E. Professor Faustin-Archange Touadéra, President of the Central African Republic; Mr. Tony Elumelu, UBA Group Chairman and Keynote Speaker; and Mr. Hervé Ndoba, CAR Finance Minister, at the Opening Ceremony of the 2025 African Caucus in Bangui.

August 1st, 2025

Under the distinguished patronage of His Excellency Professor Faustin-Archange Touadéra, President of the Central African Republic, Mr. Tony O. Elumelu, Group Chairman of United Bank for Africa (UBA) and Founder of the Tony Elumelu Foundation, delivered the keynote address at the African Caucus of Governors of the World Bank and IMF, held in Bangui on Thursday, July 31, 2025.

Speaking on the theme “Resilient Infrastructure, Human Capital and Green Assets: Essential Levers for Strong, Inclusive and Sustainable Growth”, Mr. Elumelu delivered a bold call to action for African governments, development partners and the private sector to redefine development on Africa’s terms—homegrown, inclusive and sustainable.

“Africa’s development is our responsibility. No one else will do it for us,” he declared to an audience of African Heads of State, Finance Ministers, Central Bank Governors and global financial leaders.

Three levers to transform the continent:

Investing in human capital

Africa is the world’s youngest continent. “If we train, fund, and empower our youth, they will transform our societies,” Mr. Elumelu said, noting that the Tony Elumelu Foundation has already supported 24,000 young entrepreneurs across all 54 African countries, including 23 from the Central African Republic.

Building resilient infrastructure

Access to electricity remains a critical barrier to economic growth. Mr. Elumelu advocated for effective public-private partnerships and recognition of natural gas as a viable transition fuel, emphasizing that without reliable power, there can be no sustainable progress.

Unlocking the value of Africa’s green assets

Despite contributing less than 4% of global emissions, Africa bears the brunt of climate change. He called for equitable climate finance mechanisms that recognize the environmental services provided by the continent and support the growth of green SMEs.

UBA: Africa’s Global Bank

The participation of UBA Group Chairman in this important continental forum reaffirms UBA’s strategic commitment to inclusive African development. Through his voice and leadership, UBA strengthens its position as Africa’s Global Bank, actively promoting sustainable and innovative solutions to drive the continent’s transformation.

President Touadéra and UBA Group Chairman Tony Elumelu exchange during the opening of the 2025 African Caucus Meeting in Bangui, where he delivered a keynote on “Resilient Infrastructure, Human Capital and Green Assets.”

Minister Salima Bah: “Access to Internet Should Be a Basic Human Right” in Sierra Leone’s Tech Vision

August 4, 2025

Sierra Leone’s Minister of Communication, Technology and Innovation, Salima Bah, has reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to making internet access a basic human right while positioning the country as a leading hub for technology and innovation in West Africa.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with Ganiu Oloruntade, Senior Editor at TechCabal, Salima Bah highlighted the rapid strides the country has made since the creation of her Ministry, which was less than two years old when she first spoke to TechCabal in July 2025. At the time, Sierra Leone’s ambitions were still largely on paper. Today, the Government has invested more than $132 million in technology and innovation, focusing on policy, infrastructure and funding projects such as the Universal Access Development Fund. Internet usage has surged from 1.84 million users in early 2023 to 2.32 million in 2025 and in June, Sierra Leone unveiled West Africa’s first open-access standalone 5G network.

“You can’t talk about technology or innovation if your infrastructure isn’t there,” Salima Bah noted. “But you also can’t use setting up as an excuse not to deliver. That’s why we’ve been rolling out and implementing initiatives simultaneously.”

Under Salima Bah’s leadership, the Ministry has overseen a 75% increase in fibre backbone penetration and a massive upgrade in international bandwidth capacity since 2018. Through partnerships with neighbouring countries like Guinea, Sierra Leone has strengthened internet resilience and redundancy while nearly doubling rural mobile sites. One of the most significant moves was the controversial decision to privatize the undersea fibre cable, formerly managed by SALCAB. The move, though initially unpopular, has paid off; capacity has increased from 90Gbps to over 500Gbps and the private partner has introduced professional standards and expanded infrastructure, including Freetown’s metro network and the launch of OneMobile, a data-only 5G network.

“We’ve been vindicated,” Salima Bah said. “It’s a testament to our policies that we’ve been able to sustain three and now a fourth mobile operator for a population of eight million.”

For Salima Bah, the Government’s tech vision goes beyond infrastructure. The Universal Access Development Fund is helping connect underserved rural areas where private investment alone isn’t feasible. “Access to mobile and internet services should no longer be seen as a privilege. Internet access should be a basic human right,” she stressed. “Regardless of whether citizens are in urban centres or remote areas they must have access to mobile and internet services.”

Salima Bah revealed that impact is measured not just by the number of people connected but by downstream effects on education, healthcare, agriculture and social services. “We ask: what changed after access was introduced? Are healthcare workers using the internet to do research or farmers leveraging e-commerce platforms? That’s the impact we want to see.”

Central to Sierra Leone’s digital ambition is the development of Felei Tech City, designed to attract private sector investment and foster a thriving ecosystem for startups and innovators. Construction is slated to begin this year, with funding secured through a partnership with the African Development Bank. The project draws inspiration from Kigali Innovation City and Kenya’s Konza Technopolis but is being tailored to Sierra Leone’s unique economic and social context.

“The idea is not just about infrastructure and buildings. It’s about creating an ecosystem,” Salima Bah explained. “We want the private sector and local players to feel ownership of the space from the very beginning.”

The Government has also hosted two annual national tech summits to bring together key stakeholders, foster strategic conversations and drive ecosystem growth. Sierra Leone recently hosted the regional Startup World Cup for the first time, with a local startup winning the competition to represent West Africa in Silicon Valley.

Recognizing that innovation depends on people, Salima Bah emphasized the need to build Sierra Leone’s technical talent pipeline. The Ministry has introduced digital skills assessments, hosted job fairs and expanded tech-focused education at all levels, from primary schools to tertiary institutions. There has also been a rise in self-taught talent, with many professionals transitioning to careers in software development and data science.

“We’re focusing on five key skill sets where Sierra Leone can be globally competitive,” Salima Bah said. “We want to invest heavily so that when someone thinks of hiring great data scientists, they think of Sierra Leone.”

The Government is also digitizing public services with initiatives like WanGov, a single platform for all Government services and the HR Hub, which is transforming how the public sector manages personnel and processes. “Our job is to deliver efficient services for people, whether it’s passports or birth certificates. Improving the public sector is foundational to national development,” Salima Bah stated.

On artificial intelligence, Sierra Leone is conducting an AI Readiness Assessment covering infrastructure, policy, data governance and talent. The country is working with the World Bank and MIT to develop AI-driven solutions and training programs for public sector workers. “We believe AI can be a game-changer but we must ensure we are part of the global conversation and that solutions include our data,” Salima Bah said.

With record investments, cutting-edge infrastructure and a strong policy framework, Sierra Leone is making bold moves to transform its digital landscape. But for Salima Bah, the ultimate goal remains clear: “We don’t want to just consume technology; we want to develop our own solutions and be part of global innovation. That’s the only way to secure our future.”