By: Thaimu Bai Sesay
Sierra Leone has been announced as the 100th market for SpaceX, marking a significant step in the nation’s digital connectivity. The announcement was made by Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah, during a government press briefing today.
The milestone was officially confirmed at a tech conference hosted by President Julius Bio, with a representative from SpaceX in attendance. SpaceX, owned by Elon Musk, aims to provide high-speed wireless internet connectivity worldwide through its Starlink network.
Minister Bah highlighted the significance of this development for Sierra Leone, emphasizing that the new service would make internet access cheaper, faster, and more widely available across the country. He assured that residents would no longer need to rely on traditional fiber lines or other conventional networks to connect to the internet.
“We have someone that came directly from SpaceX to Sierra Leone and he has announced that Sierra Leone has become the 100th market in the world to open SpaceX,” said Bah. He added that the new service would ensure reliable internet access regardless of location, alleviating dependence on local providers like Africell or Orange.
Minister Bah also shared his personal experience of receiving an instant confirmation email from SpaceX during the conference, marking Sierra Leone’s official inclusion in the global Starlink network. He encouraged all citizens to visit Starlink.com, create accounts, and order the necessary equipment to benefit from this advanced connectivity.
This development, driven by the efforts of President Bio and various government institutions, represents a leap forward for Sierra Leone in joining the global digital revolution. The minister reiterated the government’s commitment to leveraging such innovations for the betterment of the nation’s connectivity and overall digital infrastructure.
