The U.S. Trade and Development Agency has awarded a grant to
Africell for a feasibility study to expand internet access to more than 95,000
individuals throughout Sierra Leone. The study will facilitate the expansion of
Africell’s fiber backbone network nationwide and the complementary expansion of
fixed broadband networks in up to 32 cities and towns.
“USTDA is committed to
expanding internet access across Africa in partnership with the private and
public sectors,” said Enoh T. Ebong,
USTDA’s Director. “Our Agency has a long
history of partnering with African countries that are navigating the rapidly
changing technology landscape and envisioning possibilities for their digital
future. This project reflects the concrete action that USTDA is taking as a
co-lead of the Biden-Harris Administration’s Digital Transformation with Africa
initiative, and it will create opportunities for U.S. companies to engage in
Sierra Leone’s digital infrastructure market.”
USTDA’s study will evaluate the economic and technical viability
of expanding Africell’s existing telecommunications network in Sierra Leone.
The study will include an analysis of consumer demand for fixed broadband
service considering topography, demography, and income, as well as a supply
analysis of existing infrastructure. It will also include a legal and
regulatory analysis as well as a project implementation plan. Overall, the
study will enable the deployment of large-scale internet infrastructure
investment that is key to expanding access and reducing the cost of internet
connectivity.
“This grant will
accelerate the roll-out of reliable digital connectivity to thousands of
households in Sierra Leone,” says Ziad Dalloul CEO and President of Africell Group, the only
U.S.-owned mobile network operator in Africa. “When expanding our network, our goal is always to deliver both social
impact and commercial returns. The USTDA-funded feasibility study will help us
achieve that by providing vital insights into the technical and economic
requirements”.
USTDA’s study advances the U.S. government’s Partnership for
Global Infrastructure and Investment, to deliver game-changing projects to
close the infrastructure gap in developing countries, as well as the Digital
Transformation with Africa initiative, to expand digital access on the
continent.