Despite significant investment in telecom infrastructure, Sierra Leone still faces a substantial digital divide. The country invested $400 million in telecom infrastructure but has a 60% usage gap. Only 20.8% of the population had Internet access by the end of 2025.
Sierra Leone’s population was approximately 8.86 million at that time. This means that about 7.02 million people did not use the Internet. The lack of access limits opportunities for youth, especially in creative industries.
The MultiChoice Talent Factory has trained hundreds of young filmmakers across Africa, including Sierra Leone. However, many still struggle to reach audiences due to poor connectivity. Alex Xolo, a writer who won a Safta for his work on the youth drama series LLB (Law, Love and Betrayal), noted that storytelling deals with human issues on all levels.
GlobalCorp seeks to sell its operations for $200 million amid these challenges. The company provides non-banking financial services such as direct leases and consumer finance solutions. Yet, the digital gap may hinder its growth potential in Sierra Leone.
Salima Monorma Bah emphasized that despite expanding the national fiber backbone to 14 of the country’s 16 districts, the usage gap remains high. This situation impacts not only personal connections but also access to essential services.
The future remains uncertain as Sierra Leone continues to grapple with its digital divide. Officials have not shared any specific plans to address these connectivity issues comprehensively.
