KEY HIGHLIGHTS
By: Zacharia Jalloh, Strategic Communications Unit, Ministry of Information and Civic Education
The Ministry of Information and Civic Education press conference on Tuesday, 21st January 2025, addressed critical national issues with a major focus on progress in digital transformation under President Dr. Julius Maada Bio’s leadership. The press conference underscored the government’s dedication to press freedom, accountability, and digital transformation, aligning with its commitment to sustainable development and citizen-centric governance. The following are the key highlights:
Condolences for murdered journalist and Press Freedom
The Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah, extended condolences on behalf of the government to the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) and the bereaved family of Samuel Mattia, allegedly murdered by Joseph Lamin, station manager of VoPad Radio Waterloo. Minister Bah commended the police for arresting suspects who are assisting with investigations. He emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring justice is served and improving the working environment for journalists. He also highlighted Sierra Leone’s 92% score on the 2025 MCC Press Freedom scorecard, pledging continued efforts to enhance press freedom.
Cocaine Scandal Investigation
Minister Bah assured the public that the government is fully committed to transparency regarding the alleged cocaine involvement of a Sierra Leone Embassy utility vehicle in Guinea. The ambassador and head of chancery have been recalled for accountability, and the minister reiterated that anyone found culpable will face prosecution, regardless of their status.
Digital Transformation and Connectivity
Minister of Communication, Technology, and Innovation, Salima Monorma Bah, outlined the government’s strides in leveraging digital transformation for sustainable development. She highlighted key initiatives and strategies, such as the National Innovation and Digital Strategy, National Digital Development Policy, National Broadband Strategy, and Government Enterprise Architecture, all of which aim to digitize governance.
She emphasized the importance of institutional development, noting the establishment of the Directorate of Science, Technology, and Innovation (DSTI), the National Cyber Security Center, and the Universal Access Development Fund to drive digital transformation.
The government has made significant investments in the digital sector, totaling $132 million, and established a digital partnership with Guinea to create alternative fiber routes for both countries, ensuring low redundancy in connectivity.
Sectoral Progress and Statistics
Minister Bah shared significant progress in the digital sector, including the expansion of the fiber backbone from 8 districts in 2019 to 14 districts today, reflecting a 75% increase. Mobile network coverage has also improved, with telco sites rising from 798 in 2019 to 1,405 today, marking a 76% increase.
Mobile network modernization has seen coverage improvements across all levels, with 2G increasing from 80% to 96%, 3G from 60% to 96%, and 4G from 35% to 87%. Mobile network operators are now being encouraged to pilot 5G programs.
The number of mobile subscribers has increased by 89%, while mobile internet traffic has grown from 14,000 to over 110,000 terabytes per quarter. Additionally, wholesale bandwidth prices have dropped significantly, from $40 per MB in 2019 to $10 per MB today.
Sierratel Privatization
Minister Bah provided updates on Sierratel, noting that outdated technology and financial liabilities have led to its privatization process. The government is currently conducting audits to assess the company’s assets and liabilities.
Regulatory Oversight and Quality Improvement
Director General of the National Telecommunications Authority (NaTCA), Amara Brewah, emphasized the agency’s role in ensuring quality and affordable internet access. He highlighted that internet penetration has increased to 30.4% from 13% in 2018.
NaTCA recently fined Orange Sierra Leone $1 million for failing to meet service quality standards, demonstrating the agency’s commitment to protecting citizens, government, and investors alike.
Parliamentary Oversight
Honorable Boston Munda, Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Communication, Technology, and Innovation, reaffirmed Parliament’s commitment to improving telecommunications services. He highlighted a sub-committee’s nationwide tour to assess network issues and called on NaTCA to impose stricter fines to ensure better services for citizens.
