By Claudia Redwood-Sawyerr
The Government of Sierra Leone has approved a strategic partnership between Sierratel and Africell, a move endorsed by Cabinet to restore the operations of the state-owned telecommunications company and reposition it within the telecommunications sector.
Making this announcement at the Ministry of Information and Civic Education Press Conference today, 21st April 2026, the Minister of Communication, Technology and Innovation, Salima Bah, said the arrangement is not privatization. She noted that previous attempts to privatize Sierratel failed after investors withdrew due to the high cost of rehabilitating infrastructure, resolving staff issues, and competing in an already saturated market. She outlined that the agreement adopts a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) model, allowing Sierratel to operate using Africell’s infrastructure while maintaining its brand identity. “Sierratel still has significant value. It has a strong brand name that the public continues to recognize and trust,” she said.
The Minister also identified three major challenges facing Sierratel: aging infrastructure, longstanding staff-related issues, and significant loss of market share. “While these challenges are well known, the most important thing now is to focus on practical and sustainable solutions,” she stated. Under this new model, Sierratel will reintroduce services such as voice, data, and mobile money within a short period, supported by a revenue-sharing agreement.
She further highlighted that affordability and competition are central to the partnership. “This is not about maximizing profit. It is about ensuring that Sierra Leoneans have access to affordable telecommunications services,” she said, adding that the re-entry of Sierratel into the market will increase consumer choice and drive competitive pricing.
The partnership also targets underserved groups, including students and young people in the digital and creative sectors, with plans to design tailored products that meet their needs. Additionally, an advance payment of two million dollars has been secured to begin addressing staff obligations, a longstanding concern within the institution.
The Minister concluded that the agreement represents a strategic shift, leveraging existing assets to restore Sierratel’s operations while strengthening the telecommunications landscape and expanding access to affordable services across the country. The partnership is structured as an initial 10-year agreement, with provisions for renewal for at least an additional five years.
