By Emma Black

Sierra Leone is undergoing a profound digital transformation, powered by more than $200 million in investments from the government and development partners. Speaking at the Civic Day Series in the United States on September 30, 2025, the Minister of Communication, Technology, and Innovation, Salima Monorma Bah, outlined how the country is moving from basic connectivity to cutting-edge digital governance and innovation.

At the heart of this progress is the rapid expansion of technological infrastructure. The national fibre optic backbone, once limited to just eight districts in 2018, now connects 14 of Sierra Leone’s 16 districts bringing internet access to millions of citizens and businesses. Complementing this, the number of mobile sites across the country has nearly doubled, from 798 in 2019 to 1,405 today. This surge has drastically improved coverage, reliability, and mobile internet access in both urban and rural communities.

These investments are not just about cables and towers; they are about connecting our people to opportunities, livelihoods, education, and healthcare, Minister Bah emphasized.

Sierra Leone is also embracing global innovations to leapfrog development. The country has rolled out two groundbreaking services: the introduction of Starlink satellite internet and the launch of West Africa’s first Stand-Alone 5G Open Access Network. These initiatives are positioning Sierra Leone as a digital leader in the region.

Technology is not only connecting communities but also reshaping governance. Minister Bah unveiled two pioneering platforms, PResTract, a maternal healthcare monitoring system designed to improve outcomes for pregnant women through better tracking and timely interventions.

Wan-Gov Application, a one-stop digital platform that simplifies access to essential government services, including National ID cards, driver’s licenses, and passports. This innovation reduces bottlenecks, enhances efficiency, and improves citizen experience.

Looking ahead, Sierra Leone is cultivating its own innovation ecosystem. Minister Bah highlighted Felei Tech City in Bo District an economic zone dedicated to technology companies, startups, and innovators. This hub will foster collaboration, entrepreneurship, and growth in the tech sector. Complementing this initiative is the Sierra Leone Innovation Investment Fund (SLIIF), which will provide vital financial resources for startups and SMEs to scale their operations.

From connecting remote villages to empowering expectant mothers, from launching 5G networks to funding local startups, Sierra Leone’s digital revolution under Minister Bah’s leadership represents a holistic approach to national development in the 21st century.

Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Monday, 6th October 2025 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)