By Amin Kef (Ranger)
President Julius Maada Bio on Saturday, 29 November 2025, officially inaugurated Orange Sierra Leone’s new Data Recovery Centre in Bo District—an ambitious infrastructure investment expected to significantly strengthen the country’s digital ecosystem and expand access to modern technological services. The event attracted a distinguished audience, including Cabinet Ministers, the Governor of the Bank of Sierra Leone, the Chief Executive Officer of the Sonatel Group, the Director-General of the National Telecommunications Authority (NaTCA), Members of Parliament, the Mayor of Bo City, private-sector leaders, diplomats, civil society representatives and staff of Orange Sierra Leone.
In his welcome address, Chief Executive Officer of Orange Sierra Leone, Sekou Amadou Bah, expressed profound appreciation for the high-profile attendance, noting that the turnout demonstrated a collective commitment to accelerating digital transformation across the country. He described the inauguration as a major milestone in Sierra Leone’s digital journey, adding that the new Data Centre represents a strategic investment aimed at strengthening network resilience, integrating essential services and extending advanced digital solutions to customers in the Southern and Eastern Provinces.
Bah emphasized that the company had invested millions of dollars to establish the Bo Data Centre, which will enhance job creation, skills development, business confidence and technological innovation. Selecting Bo as the project site, he said, was a deliberate decision guided by Orange’s belief in inclusive development. “No region should be left behind,” he stated, reaffirming the company’s dedication to using technology to transform lives and improve service delivery.
Also speaking at the event, Chief Executive Officer of the Sonatel Group and Chairman of the Board of Orange Sierra Leone, Brelotte BA, underscored the significance of the facility in strengthening the nation’s data sovereignty. He described the centre as a vital addition to Sierra Leone’s technological framework. “This facility represents a major step forward for data sovereignty. Digital transformation must be inclusive,” he added.
Chief Technical Officer of Orange Sierra Leone, Sylvanus Redwood-Sawyer, described the new installation as the company’s principal disaster recovery data centre—its second in Sierra Leone after Freetown. He said it will play a critical role in ensuring service continuity, data protection and cybersecurity readiness.
Delivering the keynote address, President Julius Maada Bio reaffirmed his government’s unwavering commitment to creating an enabling environment for private-sector investment, innovation and sustainable digital growth. He praised Orange Sierra Leone and the Sonatel Group for their continued confidence in the country, stating that their decision to construct a major infrastructure facility in Bo aligns strongly with the government’s vision for nationwide digital inclusion.
“Technology and innovation are critical enablers of development. The establishment of this Data Centre in Bo reflects the trust and confidence that exist between the government and the private sector,” President Bio said.
The President emphasized the increasing need for robust digital infrastructure, enhanced skills development and broader connectivity. He also cautioned telecommunications operators to prioritize cybersecurity, data protection and user safety. “As we expand our digital space, service providers must guarantee robust cybersecurity for end users, eliminate cyberbullying and confront cybercriminals,” he stressed.
While acknowledging the importance of infrastructure, President Bio underscored that human capital development remains central to his administration’s agenda. “I am a human-capital-development-oriented President. When we invest in people, we invest in their future, where their ideas matter,” he emphasized.
President Bio further highlighted that the investment aligns with his administration’s “Big Five Game Changers,” which identify technology and innovation as key pillars of economic transformation and improved public service delivery. He also pointed out that the centre represents more than a physical structure—it is a demonstration of Sierra Leone’s determination to harness technology for national growth and competitiveness.
He urged Orange Sierra Leone and its partners to continue training local technicians, cybersecurity experts and young innovators so that Sierra Leoneans can fully benefit from the opportunities such facilities provide. He also stressed the need for data generated within the country to be hosted locally and protected with strong safeguards, describing data as a precious national asset.
Reflecting on leadership and public service, President Bio explained that choosing to attend the Bo inauguration—even while other engagements demanded his presence—was a deliberate expression of his belief in the long-term significance of the facility for national development. He expressed optimism that the Data Centre would inspire further investments that enhance dignity, opportunity and prosperity for all Sierra Leoneans.
Minister of Communication, Technology and Innovation, Salima Monorma Bah, reiterated that since 2018 the President has prioritized technology as a driver of national progress. “Through deliberate investment in connectivity, we have expanded Sierra Leone’s digital landscape, creating a strong foundation for digital services nationwide,” she said, commending Orange for its integral role in the country’s digital transformation.
Leader of Government Business in Parliament, Hon. Matthew Nyumah, also applauded the investment, noting that the establishment of a second national data centre ensures greater service reliability. “In the event of natural disasters or any disruption affecting the Freetown hub, this centre will automatically take over,” he explained.
With the commissioning of the Orange Sierra Leone Data Recovery Centre in Bo, President Julius Maada Bio once again demonstrated his administration’s commitment to positioning Sierra Leone as a modern digital hub—one where technology fuels economic growth, private investment thrives and citizens enjoy reliable, secure and inclusive digital services.
