By Amin Kef (Ranger)
Concerns are escalating over the frequent internet connectivity issues plaguing Sierra Leone since technology and smart utility infrastructure company, ZoodLabs, assumed control of the International Gateway. The recent disruptions have prompted calls for an urgent investigation into the company’s management and service reliability.
On Sunday, August 4, 2024, ZoodLabs experienced a significant outage that lasted nearly four hours, severely impacting data services, international voice calls, roaming and other operational services. According to a network incident notice, the issue originated from ZoodLabs’ end and was eventually resolved, but not before causing widespread inconvenience.
Incident Summary:
– Date: August 4, 2024
– Duration: Approximately 4 hours
– Impact: Data services, international voice calls, international roaming, and operational services
– Status: Resolved
– Start Time: 06:52 AM
– End Time: 10:10 AM
In a press announcement from the Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA) on August 4, 2024, it was stated, “At about 7:45 a.m. today, the nation experienced internet fluctuations caused by an Africa Coast to Europe (ACE) Cable shunt fault. These fluctuations have now been restored nationwide.” Henry Benson, CEO of the Cable Consortium of Liberia (CCL), added that ACE and CCL technicians are still conducting tests to stabilize and fully restore connectivity, emphasizing that the temporary fluctuation was through no fault of service providers and apologizing for any inconvenience caused.
Although the problem on Sunday morning affected not only Sierra Leone but also Liberia, ZoodLabs failed to communicate this to the public, unlike their Liberian counterparts.
In response to the significant internet outage caused by the subsea cable disruption on August 4, 2024, the National Communications Authority (NatCA) convened an emergency meeting on Monday, August 5, 2024. The meeting involved key stakeholders including the ACE Consortium member Zoodlabs, Leonecom—the terrestrial fibre provider, major Mobile Network Operators (MNOs), and Internet Service Providers (ISPs).
The primary focus of the meeting was to establish a robust short-term redundancy plan to restore connectivity. Discussions also focused on addressing the immediate and future options for internet connectivity through alternative routes, such as the Terrestrial Fibre Backbone with Guinea, the 2 Africa cable, the Amilcar Cabral cable and the Transco cable on the CLSG transmission line. The aim was to ensure continuity and enhance the resilience of internet services in the region.
ZoodLabs, known for its high-speed internet services through a wireless broadband network in Freetown, had previously committed to providing efficient internet connectivity in Sierra Leone. This commitment was highlighted during the launch of the Agenda for the Earth System Modifying Framework (ESMF), an open-source software initiative for climate numerical weather prediction.
The company has been integral to Sierra Leone’s technological development since Parliament ratified an agreement on April 28, 2022, between the Ministry of Information and Communications and ZoodLabs (SL) Ltd. This agreement entrusted ZoodLabs with the management of the Cable Landing Station, a critical infrastructure component for the nation’s connectivity.
However, the repeated internet disruptions since ZoodLabs’ takeover have raised serious concerns about their capacity to manage such essential services. Stakeholders and citizens alike are now demanding a thorough investigation to determine the root causes of these disruptions and to ensure that future connectivity is stable and reliable.
Sources close to Zoodlabs have revealed concerning details about the company’s actions since taking over from SALCAB in December 2020. Zoodlabs had pledged to invest $20 million to replace outdated equipment at the landing station. However, these promises remain unfulfilled.
Contrary to their commitments to the Government through the Ministry of Information and Communication (MIC), Zoodlabs has not invested the promised amount. Instead, it has come to light that the company relied solely on bank loans and payments from Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) and Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to sustain their operations. Despite inheriting Le6 billion from SALCAB as seed money, Zoodlabs exhausted these funds within a month.
Reports indicate that the Founder and CEO, of Zoodlabs, Davar Fazaeli, along with his associate David Tamba Kpakima, leveraged their Government connections to take over the business from SALCAB. Allegedly, both individuals have since acquired luxury vehicles, including a $150,000 customized G-Wagon Mercedes-Benz, financed with Government money.
The unfulfilled investment promises and alleged misuse of funds have raised significant concerns. Zoodlabs had agreed to replace all obsolete equipment inherited from SALCAB when the landing station assets were leased to them for fifteen years. Although they pay $450,000 annually to the Government as lease, this amount is reportedly much less than their monthly revenue.
The decision to unbundle SALCAB has faced criticism, with the Ministry of Finance expressing opposition in a letter from then Financial Secretary, Sahr Jusu. As scrutiny intensifies, there is growing demand for Zoodlabs to honor its original promise and invest the $20 million to upgrade the landing station’s outdated equipment. Fulfilling this commitment is the least they can do for Sierra Leone.
As the situation develops, the need for transparency and accountability from ZoodLabs is paramount. The investigation will aim to provide insights and solutions to prevent further disruptions, safeguarding Sierra Leone’s digital infrastructure and its users’ trust.
