The United States Government, through the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA), has allocated funding to Africell Sierra Leone Limited (Africell) to conduct a vital feasibility assessment. The primary goal of this assessment is to extend internet accessibility to over 95,000 individuals in Sierra Leone.
In a recent announcement from the U.S. Embassy in Freetown, it was revealed that this endeavor represents a strategic move by the U.S. Government to assist Africell in the expansion of its nationwide fiber backbone network and the simultaneous improvement of fixed broadband networks in up to 32 cities and towns throughout Sierra Leone.
Enoh T. Ebong, the Director of USTDA, reaffirmed the agency's commitment to fostering internet access in Africa in collaboration with both private and public sectors. Ebong emphasized, "Our agency has a long history of partnership with African nations navigating the rapidly evolving technological landscape and envisioning possibilities for their digital future." He underscored that this project is a concrete manifestation of USTDA's role as a co-leader in the Biden-Harris Administration's Digital Transformation with Africa initiative. Moreover, it will offer U.S. businesses opportunities to participate in Sierra Leone's digital infrastructure market.
The study, funded by the U.S., will evaluate the economic and technical feasibility of expanding Africell's existing telecommunications network in Sierra Leone. It will include a comprehensive analysis of consumer demand for fixed broadband services, taking into account factors like geography, demographics, and income levels, along with an assessment of the current infrastructure. Additionally, the study will encompass a legal and regulatory examination and the development of a detailed project implementation strategy. Overall, this assessment is set to pave the way for substantial investments in internet infrastructure, a pivotal step in broadening access and reducing the cost of internet connectivity.
Ziad Dalloul, the CEO and President of Africell Group, the sole U.S.-owned mobile network operator in Africa, stressed the significance of this grant in accelerating the deployment of reliable digital connectivity to numerous households in Sierra Leone. Dalloul emphasized that Africell's expansion endeavours are geared toward delivering both social impact and commercial returns. The USTDA-funded feasibility study will provide crucial insights into the technical and economic prerequisites needed to achieve this objective.
This USTDA study aligns with broader objectives of the U.S. government, including the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment, which seeks to stimulate transformative projects to address infrastructure deficiencies in developing nations. Furthermore, it dovetails with the Digital Transformation with Africa initiative, reinforcing the commitment to enhance digital access throughout the continent.
