The Government of Sierra Leone has taken a significant step toward revitalizing its state-owned telecommunications company, Sierratel, following Cabinet approval of a new strategic partnership with Africell Sierra Leone.

Announcing the decision, Minister of Communication, Technology and Innovation, Salima Monorma Bah, confirmed that Africell has been selected as the official investment partner to support the relaunch of Sierratel. The collaboration will operate under a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) model, enabling Sierratel to provide telecom services by leveraging Africell’s existing infrastructure rather than building its own network from scratch.

According to the minister, the partnership is designed to address long-standing operational and financial challenges that have hindered Sierratel’s performance in recent years. As part of the agreement, Africell will inject an initial $2 million to begin settling outstanding staff liabilities, including unpaid salaries and employee benefits.

The move comes in response to mounting concerns among Sierratel workers, who in February raised alarm over unpaid salaries amounting to Le326 million, alongside unresolved entitlements. Total staff-related liabilities are estimated at $6.3 million, highlighting the scale of the financial burden facing the company.

Government officials say the partnership is expected to bring immediate relief to employees while laying a stronger foundation for the company’s long-term sustainability.

By adopting the MVNO model, Sierratel can reduce operational costs, improve service delivery, and re-enter the market more competitively. Industry observers view the development as a pragmatic approach to reviving a struggling public enterprise.

Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Wednesday, 22nd April 2026 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)