Sierra Leone is moving to strengthen its digital infrastructure by adopting satellite technology as part of efforts to improve internet access across the country, according to a recent report by Developing Telecoms.
The plan was discussed during a parliamentary stakeholder meeting in Freetown, where the Minister of Communication, Technology and Innovation, Salima Monorma Bah, said the country still faces a major connectivity challenge despite heavy investments in the sector.
Government data shows that about 400 million US dollars has been invested in expanding the national fibre backbone network, which now covers 14 out of 16 districts. However, a large “usage gap” of around 60 percent remains, meaning many people still do not have access to or cannot fully use digital services.
To address this, the government is now looking at satellite technology as a key solution, especially for rural and hard-to-reach communities where traditional broadband infrastructure is limited. Officials say combining satellite systems with existing networks will help extend coverage and improve service reliability across the country.
The minister also called on telecom operators to share infrastructure more effectively. This, she said, will help reduce costs and make internet services more affordable for citizens.
In addition, Sierra Leone is pushing forward plans to land a second subsea cable, supported by a 15 million US dollar investment. This is expected to boost international bandwidth, improve network resilience, and support the country’s growing digital economy.
Stakeholders at the meeting, including regulators and industry players, agreed that a mix of fibre, subsea cables, and satellite technology will be needed to achieve nationwide connectivity. The government believes this approach will not only expand internet access but also support key sectors like education, healthcare, and business.
Sierra Leone currently has growing mobile coverage, but internet usage remains relatively low, especially outside major cities. Experts say improving connectivity will be critical to driving innovation, creating jobs, and supporting long-term economic growth.
