By: Thaimu Bai Sesay
Sierra Leone and Guinea have taken a monumental step toward deepening regional cooperation in the telecommunications and digital economy sectors by signing a groundbreaking framework agreement on Friday, November 22nd, 2024.
The landmark agreement was formalized during a high-profile ceremony held at the Atlantic Hotel in Freetown. Sierra Leone’s Minister of Communications, Technology, and Innovation, Madam Salima Monorma Bah, and Guinea’s Minister of Posts, Telecommunications, and Digital Economy, Madam Rose Pola Pricemou, signed the agreement in the presence of senior government officials, industry leaders, and regulatory authorities from both nations.
This agreement follows high-level discussions between the two nations, including a pivotal meeting in August 2024. It outlines ambitious objectives, including infrastructure sharing, combating cybercrime, and implementing a “Free-Roaming” initiative. These measures aim to foster seamless cross-border communication and accelerate regional economic growth.
Delivering the keynote address, Sierra Leone’s Chief Minister, Dr. Moinina David Sengeh, underscored the critical role of connectivity in fostering economic growth, inclusion, and resilience. He highlighted the framework’s focus on linking fiber networks, enhancing service delivery, and bringing digital transformation to underserved rural communities.
“This agreement is a testament to our shared commitment to building an inclusive digital future for our people,” Dr. Sengeh declared. “It will bridge divides, promote innovation, and pave the way for sustainable development in both nations.”
Madam Salima Monorma Bah emphasized that the partnership aligns with the broader vision of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union for regional integration. “Affordable and reliable internet is no longer a privilege but a fundamental human right. This collaboration is a giant leap toward creating a unified digital market that connects and empowers all,” she said.
The agreement prioritizes public-private partnerships, secure communication systems, and the development of regional roaming services. By adhering to international standards and collaborating with bodies such as ECOWAS, SMART Africa, and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), both nations aim to enhance their global competitiveness.
The framework’s implementation will be supervised by regulatory authorities from both countries: Sierra Leone’s National Telecommunications Commission (NaTCA) and Guinea’s Authority for Regulation of Posts and Telecommunications (ARPT). A joint commission will monitor progress and ensure the agreement delivers sustainable results.
This partnership is expected to drive innovation, strengthen economic resilience, and improve connectivity across West Africa. The “Free-Roaming” initiative, in particular, is anticipated to transform cross-border communication, providing users with affordable and seamless connectivity while traveling between the two countries.
Industry stakeholders have praised the move as a bold demonstration of the power of regional collaboration in harnessing digital technologies’ potential to transform economies and lives.
As the digital revolution sweeps across Africa, Sierra Leone and Guinea are positioning themselves as trailblazers, proving that cross-border partnerships can overcome barriers and unlock a future of shared prosperity.