Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Communications, Technology and Innovation has led a high-level roundtable in New York focused on advancing the country’s digital transformation, connectivity and digital infrastructure agenda.
The engagement, held during the 2026 United Nations General Assembly week, brought together representatives from government, the private sector and international technology partners to explore opportunities for strengthening Sierra Leone’s digital economy.
The roundtable was led by Minister of Communications, Technology and Innovation, Madam Salima Monorma Bah, with participation from the Ministries of Energy and Trade and Industry, as well as telecommunications, technology and investment stakeholders.
Discussions centred on the development of reliable digital infrastructure, data centres, 5G deployment, telecommunications services and the energy requirements necessary to support Sierra Leone’s expanding digital ecosystem.
The Ministry also facilitated discussions on investment opportunities across the digital value chain, with participants examining how stronger connectivity and digital infrastructure could support economic growth, innovation and regional trade.
Africell Sierra Leone and Sierratel contributed perspectives on telecommunications operations, existing infrastructure and future investment opportunities. The discussions also highlighted the recently approved partnership to relaunch Sierratel under a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) model.
The International Data Center Authority shared perspectives on Sierra Leone’s efforts to develop data infrastructure aligned with international standards, while Bell Canada contributed to discussions on 5G deployment.
Other participants, including Africa Climate and Energy Nexus, Aton Path and AEB, examined the energy requirements for sustaining digital infrastructure and expanding connectivity.
The roundtable reflects the Ministry of Communications, Technology and Innovation’s efforts to bring government and private-sector stakeholders together around practical solutions for Sierra Leone’s digital development.
The engagement also builds on President Julius Maada Bio’s UNGA engagements, during which he called for greater African ownership and governance of digital infrastructure and encouraged international investment in the continent’s digital economy.
The discussions come ahead of the inaugural West Africa Integration and Investment Summit scheduled for November and form part of Sierra Leone’s broader ambition to position itself as a regional hub for digital infrastructure, technology, investment and trade.
