Sierra Leone, located on the West African coast, covers an area of 71,740 square kilometres and is home to 8.5 million people. The population is unevenly distributed, with a high density in the Western Area urban district, including Freetown, the capital. The country is characterised by diverse terrain types, including coastal plains, mountain ranges, and plateaus, which present unique challenges for infrastructure development. In terms of telecommunications, Sierra Leone has seen significant advancements in the past decade, yet it remains in a developing state. The introduction of multiple mobile network operators has improved connectivity, especially in urban regions, but large rural areas still lack reliable access. The country is slowly adopting digital technologies, driven by government initiatives like the National Innovation and Digital Strategy. As for renewables, Sierra Leone relies heavily on hydropower, with the Bumbuna Hydroelectric Project being a critical infrastructure solution, but the sector still faces issues related to operational stability and capacity expansion.
Mobile Network Operators
The are 4 companies operating mobile networks in this region.
Africell Sierra Leone is a telecommunications company operating in Sierra Leone, and is part of the Africell Group. The Africell Group was founded in 2001 by US entrepreneur Ziad Dalloul, with Africell Sierra Leone commencing operations in 2005. The company is US-owned and its group headquarters are situated in London, United Kingdom. Africell Sierra Leone has established a strong market position within the country, becoming one of the leading mobile network providers.
Africell Sierra Leone's network covers more than 92% of the population in Sierra Leone. The company has been the market...
Orange Sierra Leone is a leading telecommunications company operating in Sierra Leone. The company was established in 2002 and has since been providing a wide range of telecommunications services to the Sierra Leonean market. Orange Sierra Leone is a subsidiary of Orange S.A., a French multinational telecommunications corporation. The company's ownership lies with Orange S.A., which operates one of the world's largest mobile and internet services networks. The Sierra Leone branch forms part of the company's extensive network of subsidiaries across Africa and the Middle East.
Sierratel is a state-owned telecommunications company operating in Sierra Leone. It was founded in 1985 following the consolidation of the Sierra Leone External Communications (SLEC) and the Sierra Leone Cable System (SLCS). The company is wholly owned by the government of Sierra Leone and is responsible for providing both fixed line and mobile telecommunications services within the country.
Smart Mobile is a telecommunications network operating in Sierra Leone. It offers a range of services to its customers, including voice, text and data services. The company was established with the intent to provide high-quality telecommunications services to the people of Sierra Leone, reflecting the growing demand for such services in the region. The ownership structure of Smart Mobile is not publicly disclosed, suggesting it may be privately held or part of a larger, undisclosed corporate entity.