Despite significant investment in telecom infrastructure, Sierra Leone still faces a substantial digital divide. The country invested $400 million but has a 60% usage gap. At the end of 2025, only 20.8% of the population accessed the Internet.
Sierra Leone’s population was approximately 8.86 million, yet 7.02 million people did not use the Internet at that time. This gap highlights the challenges of accessibility and affordability.
The expansion of the national fiber backbone (NFB) to 14 out of 16 districts has not resolved the issue. Salima Monorma Bah noted, “Despite the national fiber backbone being expanded to 14 of the country’s 16 districts, the usage gap remains high.”
In film and television, initiatives like the MultiChoice Talent Factory aim to empower young filmmakers across Africa. This program has trained hundreds of individuals, helping to develop local content and storytelling.
Alex Xolo, a participant in this program, won a Safta for his writing on the show LLB (Law, Love and Betrayal). He expressed his surprise at his achievement, stating, “It still feels surreal and unexpected.” He encourages others to pursue their passions despite uncertainties: “Start, even if you’re unsure. Do it scared.”
GlobalCorp is also involved in this landscape, preparing for a potential sale valued at $200 million. They provide non-banking financial services including direct leases and consumer finance.
The future remains uncertain as officials have not disclosed how these developments will impact the digital landscape in Sierra Leone. However, bridging this digital divide will be crucial for economic growth and access to essential services.
