By Fatima Kpaka
Freetown, April 29, 2026: The Parliament of Sierra Leone, through its Committee on Communications, Technology and Innovation, convened the 2026 Stakeholders’ Engagement at the Atlantic Beach Hotel to advance the country’s digital transformation agenda.
Held under the theme “Forging an Inclusive Digital Future: Ensuring Access, Quality of Service, and Affordability in Sierra Leone’s Communications Ecosystem”, the event brought together key players in the communications and technology sector.
Director Sheku Lamin Turay, serving as Master of Ceremonies, praised the initiative as timely and urged participants to contribute to constructive discussions aimed at improving mobile network services nationwide.
Committee Chairman Hon. Boston Munda reaffirmed Parliament’s commitment to efficient service delivery and consumer protection, noting that the engagement fulfilled Parliament’s oversight mandate in advancing Sierra Leone’s digital transformation journey.
Majority Leader Hon. Mathew Nyuma commended Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) for maintaining tariffs despite global price hikes linked to the Iran–American conflict. He emphasized that the engagement outcomes should be tabled in Parliament for prompt policy action, stressing the need for affordable, quality services and forward-looking solutions.
Minister of Communications, Technology and Innovation, Madam Salima M. Bah, highlighted sector growth, including fibre backbone expansion to 14 of 16 districts and increased metro services. She revealed ongoing discussions with the World Bank on a $50 million project for a second fibre backbone landing to extend coverage to Guinea and Liberia. With 3.4 million subscribers, she projected growth to 6 million by 2028, while calling for reforms to address affordability, infrastructure sharing, and penalties for fibre vandalism.
Clerk of Parliament Karmoh K. Conteh, in his keynote address, commended the Committee’s oversight efforts and urged stronger accountability from MNOs regarding tax obligations and service quality. He pledged continued support for committees submitting oversight reports.
Other stakeholders expressed optimism about sustaining progress in the sector and proposed innovative steps to overcome challenges.
The engagement underscored Parliament’s role as a hub for consumer protection and its readiness to strengthen outdated policies while fostering collaboration with MNOs to advance communications technology, including the integration of artificial intelligence.