Communications Ministry Leads Digital Investment Talks at UNGA
Sierra Leone brought energy, digital infrastructure and regional trade into a joint investment discussion during the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) week in New York, with government and private-sector stakeholders exploring ways to strengthen the country’s digital economy and regional connectivity.
The roundtable, led by the Ministry of Communications, Technology and Innovation, brought together the Ministries of Energy and Trade and Industry, alongside telecommunications, energy, data infrastructure and technology companies. Communications Minister Salima Monorma Bah and Energy Minister Cyril Grant participated in person, while Trade and Industry Minister Ibrahim Alpha Sesay joined virtually.
Discussions focused on energy security, telecommunications networks, data infrastructure, regional trade, digital services and investment opportunities. The International Data Center Authority highlighted Sierra Leone’s data infrastructure efforts, while Africell Sierra Leone and Sierratel discussed their operations and future investment plans.
Participants also discussed the Africell-Sierratel partnership to relaunch Sierratel under a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) model, allowing Sierratel to provide services through Africell’s network infrastructure.
Energy stakeholders, including Africa Climate and Energy Nexus, Aton Path and AEB, addressed the power requirements for digital infrastructure, while Bell Canada contributed to discussions on 5G deployment.
The engagement builds on President Julius Maada Bio’s calls for greater African ownership of digital infrastructure and increased investment in systems supporting the digital economy. It also comes ahead of Sierra Leone’s inaugural West Africa Integration and Investment Summit scheduled for November.
The roundtable brought government, telecommunications, energy and technology stakeholders together to explore coordinated investment in infrastructure, digital services and regional economic integration.
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