By Hassan Osman Kargbo
In a landmark development for Sierra Leone and the region, Minister of Communication, Technology, and Innovation, Salima Monorma Bah, has announced the launch of West Africa’s first open-access 5G network. The announcement was made during the 2025 Sierra Leone Innovate Digital Government Summit, held at the Bintumani Conference Center in Freetown.
The minister described the 5G rollout as a major milestone in Sierra Leone’s digital transformation agenda, noting that the network would be accessible to all mobile operators in the country. “This is a new era for digital connectivity in Sierra Leone,” said minister Bah. “The open-access 5G network is designed to promote competition, improve service delivery, and ensure all citizens benefit from faster and more reliable internet.”
The introduction of 5G technology is expected to boost the country’s digital infrastructure, enabling high-speed connectivity for businesses, government services, and individuals. It also aligns with the government’s broader vision of becoming a regional leader in digital innovation and inclusion.
Another highlight of the summit was the unveiling of the EduCube, a 20-foot solar-powered digital container fully equipped with computers, internet access, air conditioning, and printers. Designed to function as a mobile classroom, the EduCube is part of the ministry’s strategy to bring digital learning opportunities to underserved and remote communities.
“This is about making sure no child is left behind,” said Minister Bah. “With EduCube, we are bringing education to the doorstep of every community, no matter how far they are from urban centers. Digital inclusion is not a luxury—it’s a right.”
The EduCube initiative is expected to play a significant role in improving digital literacy, especially among young people and women in rural areas, who are often excluded from mainstream technological opportunities due to lack of infrastructure.
Minister Bah also spotlighted the Big 5 Innovation Investment Challenge, a key part of the 2025 President Bio Innovation Award. This challenge is aimed at supporting homegrown innovators with practical solutions to local problems. The program offers up to NLe 1.8 million in seed funding for the most promising ideas.
This year’s grand prize winner was Mohamed Samu, an entrepreneur whose project converts organic waste into insect-based fertilizer and high-protein animal feed. His innovation addresses both agricultural productivity and environmental sustainability. Samu was awarded a $30,000 grant to scale up his solution.
“Mohamed’s work is a shining example of what’s possible when innovation meets opportunity,” said Minister Bah. “We’re not just recognizing ideas—we are investing in them and in the future of our country.”
The 2025 Innovate Digital Government Summit brought together policymakers, tech leaders, entrepreneurs, and development partners to explore how digital technology can improve governance, education, and economic development in Sierra Leone.
With these new initiatives—5G connectivity, mobile learning units, and investment in local innovation—Sierra Leone is positioning itself at the forefront of digital transformation in West Africa.
