By Mohamed Kamara
Freetown, August 13, 2014 — The future of Sierratel, the government-owned mobile company, remains uncertain as investor interest surges, according to Communications Minister Salima Bah. Speaking at a press briefing held at the Ministry of Information and Civic Education, Bah revealed that Sierratel’s fate hangs in the balance, with the government considering whether to privatize the struggling company or continue operations under state control.
Sierratel was shut down following numerous complaints of misappropriation of funds, failure to compete with private sector companies, and significant administrative shortcomings. Minister Bah stated that several investors have shown interest in taking over the administration and management of Sierratel, prompting the government to weigh its options carefully.
“The government is seriously considering two paths: privatization or maintaining Sierratel as a state-owned entity with a strong focus on reformation,” Minister Bah explained. She noted that the National Commission for Privatization (NCP) is playing a pivotal role in the decision-making process.
In addition to discussing Sierratel’s future, Minister Bah highlighted recent strides in internet connectivity across Sierra Leone. The Ministry has expanded internet access to neighboring Guinea, resulting in significant improvements in the sector. According to data from Simeon Kemp’s Data Reported, the number of internet users in Sierra Leone grew from 800,000 in 2018 to 1.34 million in 2023. Plans are underway to further increase internet access, particularly in rural schools.
Mr. Mohamed Idriss, representing Zoodlap, provided insights into the challenges facing the country’s internet infrastructure. He noted that since 2012, when the 7,000-mile fiber optic cable from Paris to Freetown was installed, much of the cable has aged and requires deeper placement under the ocean to function effectively. Idriss also mentioned that Sierra Leone’s internet connectivity has now extended to Spain, Portugal, and Cape Town in South Africa.
In response to concerns about cyber security, Minister Bah assured the public that a specialized unit within the Ministry of Communications has been established to combat internet hacking. Once fully operational, this unit will be equipped to track and prevent any attempts to breach internet privacy.
