Where a person lives should not determine whether their school can access digital learning resources, their health facility can use digital tools, or their local government office can deliver services efficiently. Reliable internet connectivity is an important part of making these services more accessible.
Through the Sierra Leone Digital Transformation Project , the Ministry of Communication, Technology and Innovation is examining how broadband connectivity can be extended to public institutions across Sierra Leone.
This work falls under Component 1: Expanding Digital Access and Increasing Resilience of the Digital Environment, specifically Subcomponent 1.2 on Last-mile Connectivity Access for Public Institutions.
At a stakeholder validation workshop in Freetown, government representatives, telecommunications operators, and other stakeholders are reviewing a feasibility study to determine which institutions need connectivity, what infrastructure is already available, which technical solutions are suitable and how the investments can be financed and sustained.
Today’s discussions cover four areas, projected connectivity demand over the next 10 years; technical options and network planning; financial and economic feasibility, including potential public-private partnership arrangements; and the preparation of technical specifications and bidding documents to guide subsequent procurement.
A key consideration is ensuring that new connections complement existing government networks and planned investments, supporting an integrated approach to public sector connectivity rather than creating separate systems.
Stakeholder feedback will help refine the study’s findings and recommendations before finalisation.
