Africell Sierra Leone was among the key private-sector participants, contributing to discussions on the country’s telecommunications operations, digital infrastructure and future investment opportunities.
The company’s participation underscored the important role of the private sector in supporting Sierra Leone’s digital transformation and expanding connectivity.
The International Data Center Authority highlighted Sierra Leone’s efforts to develop data infrastructure aligned with international standards, while Africell Sierra Leone and Sierratel shared perspectives on current operations and future investment, including the recently approved partnership to relaunch Sierratel under an MVNO model.
Africell’s participation further reinforces the telecommunications sector’s role in Sierra Leone’s digital transformation agenda, as government and private-sector stakeholders work together to build a more connected and investment-ready digital economy.
Minister of Energy Cyril Grant participated in person, while Minister of Trade and Industry Ibrahim Alpha Sesay joined virtually, reflecting the government’s coordinated approach to addressing the infrastructure and policy requirements of a growing digital economy.
The discussions examined the connection between reliable energy, telecommunications infrastructure, data centres, 5G deployment and regional trade, with participants exploring practical opportunities for investment across the digital value chain.
Other participants, including Africa Climate and Energy Nexus, Aton Path and AEB, addressed the energy requirements needed to sustain digital infrastructure, while Bell Canada contributed to discussions around 5G deployment.
The roundtable builds on President Julius Maada Bio’s UNGA engagements, where he called for greater African ownership and governance of digital infrastructure and encouraged international investors to explore opportunities on the continent.
The discussions also support Sierra Leone’s broader ambition to position the country as a regional hub for digital infrastructure, investment and trade, ahead of the inaugural West Africa Integration and Investment Summit scheduled for November.
