The U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) and Africell Sierra Leone have joined forces to conduct a feasibility study aimed at expanding internet access across Sierra Leone. U.S. Ambassador Bryan Hunt emphasized the importance of this partnership in encouraging private sector-led investment, envisioning economic growth and job creation for Sierra Leone. Minister of Communications, Salima Bah, expressed gratitude for the investment, highlighting the pivotal role of digital infrastructure in Sierra Leone’s rapid digital transformation.
The feasibility study will focus on constructing a 1,600-kilometer fibre backbone network nationwide and expanding fixed broadband networks, spearheaded by Africell Sierra Leone.
CEO Shadi Al-Gerjawi outlined the study’s objectives, emphasizing the construction of resilient infrastructure and the expansion of broadband access networks, with a commitment to transparency and compliance with American government contracting regulations.
The study aims to assess economic and technical viability, considering factors such as consumer demand, topography, demography, and existing infrastructure while promoting the use of U.S. technology and expertise.
This partnership signifies a crucial step forward in enhancing connectivity and advancing technological infrastructure in Sierra Leone, driving socio-economic development and fostering innovation for a more connected and prosperous future.
