The Director General of Sonatel Group, Mr. Brelotte BA, has reaffirmed the company’s long-term commitment to advancing Sierra Leone’s digital transformation agenda, with an emphasis on accelerating nationwide 4G coverage and sustaining major investments in telecommunications infrastructure.
Mr. BA made the declaration during a courtesy call on President Julius Maada Bio at State House in Freetown last Friday, where discussions focused on digital inclusion, connectivity, and the strategic importance of telecommunications in driving socio-economic growth.
During the engagement, the Sonatel Group CEO outlined plans to intensify the rollout of high-speed mobile internet across the country, while strengthening network capacity and resilience. He disclosed that Orange Sierra Leone, Sonatel’s local subsidiary, will prioritise accelerated expansion of 4G services to underserved districts and rural communities; continued investment in network modernisation and infrastructure upgrades; and support for the government’s broader digital transformation agenda, including innovation and technology-driven initiatives.
Introducing the delegation, Orange Sierra Leone CEO Sekou Amadou Bah described Mr. BA as a seasoned telecommunications executive with over 24 years of experience across the Sonatel and Orange networks in Senegal, Mali, Guinea-Bissau and Guinea. He noted that Mr. BA’s extensive regional expertise will help strengthen Orange Sierra Leone’s footprint and enhance service quality.
Mr. BA’s visit precedes the official inauguration of Orange Sierra Leone’s second data centre in Bo, a major strategic investment aimed at bolstering the country’s digital infrastructure. The new facility is expected to enhance network reliability, improve service resilience, and provide a strong platform for future digital services.
Highlighting Sierra Leone’s significance within the Sonatel ecosystem, Mr. BA disclosed that all Orange Sierra Leone macro sites now deliver 4G services. He added that the Group is increasing efforts to extend coverage to additional districts and remote communities to ensure broader access to fast, reliable mobile internet.
“Our investments are focused on building robust, future-ready infrastructure that can support education, entrepreneurship, public service delivery and wider economic growth,” he said.
Mr. BA also underscored Orange and Sonatel’s commitment to digital inclusion, noting that Orange Sierra Leone has already established seven digital schools across the country. He said the company plans to scale up further technology-driven initiatives targeting young people, students and innovators. He also expressed gratitude to President Bio for his continued support to the telecommunications sector and for fostering an enabling environment for investment.
In his remarks, President Julius Maada Bio welcomed the visiting delegation and commended Sonatel Group, Orange Group and Orange Sierra Leone for their vital contributions to Sierra Leone’s digital and economic progress. He emphasised that telecommunications is an engine of national development and that reliable, affordable connectivity is essential for competitiveness in the global economy.
President Bio welcomed the accelerated 4G rollout, the commissioning of the Bo data centre and ongoing infrastructure investments, describing them as critical steps toward inclusive growth and expanded opportunities for citizens and businesses across Sierra Leone.
