CEO of Zoodlabs, Davar Fazaeli David Tamba Kpakima, Zoodlabs Ex-COO Issam Yatim – COO- Zoodlabs SL
Zoodlabs, a private company entrusted with the management and commercialization of Sierra Leone’s Subsea Fibre Optic Infrastructure, has come under scrutiny for failing to fulfil its promises and operate the submarine landing station effectively.
In April 2021, the company pledged to deploy a second Submarine Cable worth US$36 million by the end of 2023/24, to modernize the network and bridge the digital divide in the country.
During a tour of the submarine landing station at Aberdeen, Zoodlabs’ Chief Operating Officer at the time, David Tamba Kpakima, assured the Parliamentary Oversight Committee on Information, Communication, and Technology (ICT) that the company would make significant investments to enhance connectivity and position Sierra Leone as a hub for content and international connectivity. However, recent investigations have revealed disturbing findings that have raised concerns among Sierra Leoneans. Despite the promise of a second Submarine Cable, Zoodlabs has failed to deliver on its commitment, leaving the people of Sierra Leone waiting for much-needed improvements that have yet to materialize.
The disappearance of the Le6 billion seed money inherited by Zoodlabs from SALCAB after the takeover has raised suspicions of mismanagement and allegations of deception by key figures within the company.
Accusations have been levelled against individuals like Davar Fazaeli,
Chairman and CEO of Zoodlabs and David Tamba Kpakima, suggesting they may have leveraged their political connections to provide inadequate services and exploit the government. Moreover, Zoodlabs’ lack of transparency regarding utilising the $36 million earmarked for upgrading the Aberdeen landing station, has fueled frustration and disappointment among Sierra Leoneans.
The company’s failure to fulfil its commitments, including paying a $450,000 annual lease fee to the government, has prompted calls for a thorough investigation into its operations and financial practices. The lack of accountability exhibited by Zoodlabs has raised serious concerns about its ability to effectively manage Sierra Leone’s telecommunications infrastructure and support the country’s development and connectivity goals.
As Sierra Leoneans continue to await the promised improvements from Zoodlabs, doubts persist about the company’s integrity and commitment to fulfilling its obligations. Sierra Leoneans have asked the government to take decisive action to hold Zoodlabs accountable and ensure the interests of the people are safeguarded in the telecommunications sector. “The transparency and accountability of Zoodlabs’ operations must be addressed to restore trust and confidence in Sierra Leone’s telecommunications infrastructure,” one senior citizen stated.
