By Abass Mahmoud Sillah Jr
The Minister of Communication Technology and Innovation, Salima B. Bah, has outlined government’s new strategic direction for restructuring the state-owned telecom operator Sierratel, following Cabinet’s approval of a public–private partnership aimed at reviving the struggling institution. Speaking on the rationale behind the reform, the minister explained that earlier attempts to fully privatize Sierratel were unsuccessful after potential investors withdrew, citing high capital requirements and deep structural inefficiencies within the company.
She noted that investors, after initial assessments, raised concerns over the significant costs required to rebuild deteriorated infrastructure, settle accumulated staff-related obligations, and compete in a highly saturated telecommunications market already dominated by established operators. “It becomes very difficult. At the end, they pull out,” she said, referring to failed privatization negotiations. “We tried, but the old model did not work.” According to the minister, government has now adopted a new approach centered on a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) partnership model.
Under this arrangement, Sierratel will enter a strategic operational partnership with leading mobile operator Africell Sierra Leone while retaining state ownership. She explained that the MVNO model would allow Sierratel to leverage existing infrastructure and market systems without bearing the heavy upfront costs that previously discouraged full privatization. “We recognize all the challenges we have, but we also recognize the value we still hold,” she said, pointing to Sierratel’s enduring brand recognition and nationwide infrastructure footprint.
The minister identified three major challenges inherited by the current administration: infrastructure deficits, staffing constraints, and loss of market share in an increasingly competitive telecom environment. Despite these setbacks, she stressed that Sierratel still holds strategic value, including national brand recognition and broad geographic coverage. She further noted that global telecommunications trends are increasingly shifting away from purely state-run models, with many countries adopting public–private partnerships to enhance efficiency and improve service delivery.
“Telecommunications is not a typical government business. It requires private-sector efficiency and investment,” she stated. Under the new framework, government expects the partnership to improve service delivery, expand access to underserved communities, and reposition Sierratel as a competitive player in Sierra Leone’s telecommunications sector. Officials say further technical consultations will continue as implementation of the MVNO arrangement progresses.
