Sierra Leone Drives Digital Sovereignty Agenda at UNGA Roundtable as… Africell Highlights Private-Sector Role in Digital Infrastructure and Investment
New York, USA — Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Communications, Technology and Innovation has convened a high-level cross-government and private-sector roundtable on energy security, digital sovereignty, connectivity and regional trade during the 2026 United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) week.
The roundtable, led by Minister of Communications, Technology and Innovation Salima Monorma Bah, brought together the Ministries of Energy and Trade and Industry, as well as leading private-sector and technology stakeholders, to examine opportunities for strengthening Sierra Leone’s digital infrastructure and investment environment.
Africell Sierra Leone was among the key private-sector participants, contributing perspectives on telecommunications operations, digital infrastructure and potential investment opportunities. Its participation highlighted the role of private-sector operators in supporting the country’s digital transformation and expanding connectivity.
Minister of Energy Cyril Grant participated in person, while Minister of Trade and Industry Ibrahim Alpha Sesay joined virtually, reflecting a coordinated government approach to addressing the energy, infrastructure and policy requirements of an expanding digital economy.
Discussions focused on the interdependence of reliable energy supply, telecommunications infrastructure, data centres, 5G deployment and regional trade, with participants exploring practical investment opportunities across Sierra Leone’s digital value chain.
The International Data Center Authority highlighted Sierra Leone’s efforts to develop data infrastructure aligned with international standards. Africell Sierra Leone and Sierratel also shared perspectives on their current operations and future investment plans, including the recently approved partnership to relaunch Sierratel under a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) model.
Other participants, including Africa Climate and Energy Nexus, Aton Path and AEB, examined the energy requirements necessary to support digital infrastructure, while Bell Canada contributed to discussions on 5G deployment and related technological opportunities.
The roundtable builds on President Julius Maada Bio’s engagements at UNGA, where he has called for greater African ownership and governance of digital infrastructure while encouraging international investors to explore opportunities across the continent.
The discussions also form part of Sierra Leone’s broader ambition to position itself as a regional hub for digital infrastructure, investment and trade, ahead of the inaugural West Africa Integration and Investment Summit, scheduled for November.
Africell’s participation further underscored the telecommunications sector’s role in Sierra Leone’s digital transformation, as government and private-sector stakeholders explore partnerships aimed at building a more connected, resilient and investment-ready digital economy.
