Tuesday 21st April 2026
Venue: Miatta Civic Center, Youyi Building
By: Zacharia Jalloh, Ministry of Information and Civic Education
Introduction
The Ministry of Information and Civic Education (MOICE) held its weekly press conference with a primary focus on the planned revamp of Sierratel through a private sector partnership. The government also announced key Cabinet decisions, including the approval of Sierra Leone’s first-ever National Data Protection Policy.
Cabinet Approves Landmark Data Protection Policy
The Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability by announcing major Cabinet conclusions.
He disclosed that Cabinet has approved the country’s first National Data Protection Policy. According to the Minister, a Data Protection Bill will be presented to Parliament alongside amendments to the Right to Access Information Commission Act. The two will be merged into a comprehensive legal framework to be known as the Data Protection and Right to Access to Information Act.
The new law will establish a unified authority with expanded powers to oversee both access to public information and the protection of citizens’ personal data. The legislation aims to strengthen privacy rights while enhancing institutional transparency in data management.
Government Clarifies Sierratel–Africell Partnership
The Minister of Communication, Technology and Innovation, Salima Monorma Bah, announced that the government has approved a strategic private sector partnership between Sierratel and Africell.
She emphasized that the agreement is not a privatization, but a collaboration under a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) model, which will allow Sierratel to utilize Africell’s infrastructure to restore and expand its operations.
Key Features of the Partnership Agreement
Minister Bah explained that the agreement will run for 10 years, with an option for a five-year renewal, and will be subject to performance reviews every five years.
She further noted that, the Sierratel brand will remain intact, ownership will remain with the Government of Sierra Leone, the partnership is designed to promote affordability and competition and Sierratel will offer voice, data, and mobile money services under a revenue-sharing model
She cited Lycamobile as a global example of a successful MVNO model.
$2 Million Support for Staff Obligations
Minister Bah also revealed that Africell has provided an advance payment of $2 million to help address staff-related obligations, including salary backlogs and benefits.
She clarified that the government will reimburse Africell, as it remains responsible for settling all staff liabilities. She added that Sierratel’s revamped services will particularly target students and young people, especially within the digital and creative sectors.
Outstanding Staff Liabilities
Providing further details, Minister Salima Bah disclosed that total staff obligations for 179 employees amount to $6.3 million, of which $2 million has already been secured.
She assured the public that the government is actively working on a plan to settle the remaining balance.
Labour Ministry Explains Sierratel Challenges
The Minister of Employment, Labour and Social Security, Mohamed Rahman Swaray, outlined the historical challenges that have affected Sierratel’s operations.
He stated that a $35 million loan secured from EXIM Bank by the previous APC administration was used to procure CDMA technology, which later became obsolete due to lack of factory support. According to him, this decision significantly contributed to the collapse of the company’s operations.
Minister Swaray, however, emphasized the current government’s commitment to implementing innovative solutions to revive Sierratel.
Steps to Address Workers’ Concerns
On labour issues, Minister Swaray confirmed that the government has identified key concerns affecting staff, including, Salary backlogs, Accrued leave allowances and Union dues.
He noted that the initial $2 million will help address some of these issues, in line with the Employment Act of 2023.
Sierratel Management Highlights Reform Needs
The Interim Managing Director of Sierratel, Francis Matturi, attributed the company’s challenges to a lack of sustained reforms and investment in outdated technology.
He explained that Sierratel was formed through the merger of the Sierra Leone External Telecommunications (SLET) and the Sierra Leone National Telecommunications Company (SLNTC).
Currently, the company provides limited services, mainly wholesale bandwidth through fibre and FTTx (fibre-to-the-home).
Mr. Matturi also confirmed that a comprehensive assessment of staff liabilities was conducted in collaboration with the Ministry of Employment, Labour and Social Security. He added that the final staff list will be reviewed by the Anti-Corruption Commission before payments are processed.
© Ministry of Information and Civic Education
