The Director General of Sonatel Group, Mr. Brelotte BA, has reaffirmed the Group’s long-term commitment to supporting Sierra Leone’s digital transformation agenda, with a strong emphasis on expanding nationwide 4G coverage and sustaining major investments in telecommunications infrastructure.
Mr. BA made the remarks on Friday, 28 November 2025, during a courtesy call on His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio at State House in Freetown. Discussions focused on improving connectivity, advancing digital inclusion and strengthening the strategic role of telecommunications in driving economic growth.
During the engagement, the Sonatel Group Chief Executive outlined plans to accelerate the rollout of high-speed mobile internet across Sierra Leone while enhancing network capacity and resilience. He noted that Sonatel’s subsidiary, Orange Sierra Leone, will prioritise:
Accelerated expansion of 4G services to underserved districts and rural communities;
Continued investment in network modernisation and infrastructure upgrades; and
Strong support for Government’s broader digital transformation and innovation initiatives.
Introducing the delegation, Orange Sierra Leone Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Sekou Amadou Bah, described Mr. BA as a seasoned telecommunications executive with over 24 years of experience within the Sonatel and Orange Group networks in Senegal, Mali, Guinea-Bissau, and Guinea. He emphasised that Mr. BA’s regional expertise positions him to further strengthen Orange Sierra Leone’s operations and improve service quality for customers.
Mr. BA’s visit precedes the official commissioning of Orange Sierra Leone’s second data centre in Bo—a strategic investment that will reinforce the country’s digital infrastructure backbone. The new facility is expected to enhance network reliability, bolster service resilience and support future digital services.
Underscoring Sierra Leone’s strategic importance within the Sonatel ecosystem, Mr. BA noted that all Orange Sierra Leone macro sites currently deliver 4G services. He added that efforts are underway to extend high-speed connectivity to more districts and hard-to-reach communities to ensure broader access to fast and reliable mobile internet.
“Our investments are focused on building robust, future-ready infrastructure that can support education, entrepreneurship, public service delivery and broader economic growth,” he stated.
Mr. BA also highlighted the Group’s commitment to digital inclusion, noting that Orange Sierra Leone has already established seven digital schools nationwide. He disclosed plans to scale up additional technology-driven initiatives aimed at empowering young people, students and innovators. He also expressed gratitude to President Bio for his consistent support to the telecommunications sector and for fostering an enabling environment for investment.
In his remarks, President Julius Maada Bio welcomed the Sonatel delegation and commended Sonatel, Orange Group and Orange Sierra Leone for their vital contributions to Sierra Leone’s digital and economic advancement. He emphasised that telecommunications remains an engine of development, and that accessible, reliable and affordable communication services are essential for the country’s competitiveness in the modern global economy.
President Bio welcomed the accelerated expansion of 4G services, the commissioning of the new data centre in Bo and the continued investment in telecoms infrastructure, describing them as critical steps toward inclusive growth and expanded opportunities for citizens and businesses across Sierra Leone.
