President Julius Maada Bio has officially commissioned Orange Sierra Leone’s new €23 million Data Centre in Bo, marking a major milestone in the country’s digital transformation drive and reinforcing government’s commitment to strengthening private sector-led technological growth.
The new state-of-the-art facility, Orange Sierra Leone’s second in the country after its Freetown hub, is designed as a major disaster recovery and data resilience centre. The company’s Chief Technical Officer Sylvanus Redwood-Sawyer said the installation will improve service continuity, boost data security and support the rising demand for digital services nationwide.
Speaking during the inauguration, President Bio said Orange’s decision to expand into Bo aligns with his administration’s long-term vision to extend digital connectivity and innovation across Sierra Leone. “Technology and innovation are critical enablers of development,” he stated. “This Data Centre reflects the trust between government and the private sector and strengthens our goal of building a modern, digitally empowered nation.”
The President stressed the growing importance of cybersecurity and responsible digital use, urging telecom operators to protect citizens’ data and combat cyberbullying and online criminality. “As we expand our digital space, service providers must guarantee strong cybersecurity and safeguard end users,” he added.
President Bio reiterated that infrastructure must go hand in hand with investment in people. “When we invest in human capital, we invest in the future—one where young people’s ideas drive national progress,” he said, assuring that his administration will continue creating policy conditions that attract private investment and keep Sierra Leone competitive globally.
Minister of Communication, Technology and Innovation, Salima Monorma Bah, noted that since 2018 digital transformation has been at the heart of President Bio’s development agenda. She praised Orange Sierra Leone for expanding national connectivity and for playing a central role in strengthening the country’s digital ecosystem.
Orange Sierra Leone CEO Sekou Amadou Bah described the new Data Centre as a bold investment to expand digital and financial services, improve reliability and support economic growth. “We are a trusted digital partner to Sierra Leone. This facility will power innovation across Bo District and far beyond,” he said.
Sonatel Group CEO and Chairman of Orange Sierra Leone’s Board, Brelotte BA, highlighted the centre’s contribution to improved resilience and data sovereignty. “This facility is a major step forward. Digital transformation must remain inclusive and secure,” he noted.
Leader of Government Business in Parliament, Hon. Matthew Nyumah, applauded the investment, saying the centre provides an essential backup to the Freetown hub. “This ensures continuity in case of storms, disasters or system failures. It guarantees that connectivity across Sierra Leone remains uninterrupted,” he said.
With the commissioning of the Bo Data Centre, Sierra Leone strengthens its ambitions to become a competitive digital hub, one where resilient infrastructure, private sector innovation and strong public-sector support jointly drive national development.
