By Janet A. Sesay
The President, Dr. Julius Maada Bio, on Tuesday, 5th May, 2026 officially launched a landmark partnership between Sierratel and Africell at the Miatta Conference Centre in Freetown, marking a major step towards revitalizing the country’s telecommunications sector.
The initiative introduces Sierratel as a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO), allowing it to deliver voice, data, and mobile money services using Africell’s existing infrastructure.
Delivering the keynote address, President Bio emphasized that the launch represents a deliberate effort to modernize communication systems and position Sierra Leone competitively in a fast evolving digital world.
He stressed that Sierra Leone must not be left behind, highlighting the government’s commitment to strengthening institutions, investing in human capital, and fostering innovation.
He said the launch marks a decisive step forward in how we communicate, how we do business, and how we prepare our nation for the future.
President Bio acknowledged the historical importance of Sierratel as the backbone of national communication, nothing that technological stagnation and policy gaps had led to its decline.
He framed the Mobile Virtual Network Operation (MVNO) model as a practical and forward looking solution to restore efficiency and reliability in ensuring the full and effective return of the country’s network into productive operation.
Africell’s CEO, Shadi Gerjawi described the partnership as a “national moment” and “a fulfillment of Africell’s long-standing commitment to Sierra Leone,” pointing out that as a moment of national pride, Sierra Leoneans can now proudly say: “Our national network is back,” noting that his mobile company, Africell, is proud to be the partner making this positive come back possible.
He explained that under the MVNO arrangement: Sierratel will retain full ownership of its assets, to save government from cost for new infrastructure; services will be rolled out nationwide from day one and customers will gain access to flexible, modern telecom solutions. Mr. Gerjawi went on to clarify that the agreement is not a privatization, but a strategic revival of a national asset.
Minister of Communication, Technology and Innovation, Salima Bah, outlined the rationale behind adopting the MVNO model.
She noted that rebuilding Sierratel’s infrastructure independently would have been costly and inefficient, given the rapid technological changes and market competitions. Instead, she explained, the government has opted for a partnership model that leverages private sector expertise while preserving national ownership.
She said that this is not about selling Sierratel; it is about restoring it in a sustainable and competitive manner.
She maintained the partnership is expected to bring several key benefits to include: expanded access to telecom services nationwide, improved service quality and reliability, greater competition in the telecom sector, enhanced digital inclusion, especially for underserved communities and a new revenue stream for the government.
She said the MVNO model will also support innovation, reduce duplication of infrastructure, and encourage efficient use of existing telecom resources.
Regulatory Oversight and Industry Impact:
Representative of the Director-General of the National Communications Authority (NatCA) Amara Brewah highlighted that the MVNO framework is part of a broader regulatory reform aimed at liberalizing the telecom sector, promote fair competition and ensure the protection of consumers.
She emphasized that all operators will be required to meet strict standards on service quality, data security, and consumer protection.
She said Sierratel Africell partnership signals a new chapter for Sierra Leone’s telecommunications landscape by combining public ownership with private sector efficiency, the government aims to rebuild trust in national infrastructure while accelerating digital transformation.
Former chairman and leader of the Sierra Leone People’s Party Dr. Prince Harding presented gifts of Five Thousand New Leones to five staff of Sierratel who have been patiently working in the company despite its challenges.
These workers includes: Edward Yarimeh Kamara who started working in the company from 1st May, 2001, Kandeh Mansaray who started working from 1st January, 1992, Ibrahim Mansaray who has worked from 15th October, 2009, Issa Bangura since 9th November, 2009, and Mariama Olu Williams who has worked since 1st February, 1991.
The ceremony was climaxed by the handing over of a cheque of USD 2million by President Julius Maada Bio to the staff of Sierratel for the servicing of their outstanding salaries, benefits and other emoluments owed them over the years.