Concerns over transparency, accountability, and the future of Sierra Leone’s state-owned telecommunications company dominated proceedings in Parliament as lawmakers subjected the controversial Sierratel-Africell partnership to intense scrutiny.
The hearing, held on Friday, 13 June 2026, brought together officials from the Ministry of Communication, Technology and Innovation before Parliament’s Oversight Committee on Communications, Technology and Innovation. Chaired by Hon. Boston Munda, the Committee sought detailed explanations regarding the agreement between Sierratel and Africell, insisting that all arrangements involving public assets must undergo thorough parliamentary examination.
Opening the session, Hon. Munda emphasized Parliament’s constitutional responsibility to oversee government institutions and safeguard national assets. He reminded ministry officials that lawmakers expected accurate and truthful responses on matters affecting the public interest.
Minister of Communication, Technology and Innovation, Mrs. Salima Monorma Bah, informed the Committee that Sierratel has struggled for years with severe operational and financial challenges. According to her, the company has faced declining services, mounting debts, inability to meet staff obligations, and increasing difficulty competing within the telecommunications industry.
She explained that previous government efforts to privatize Sierratel attracted little investor confidence due to the company’s liabilities and outdated infrastructure. As a result, government explored alternative solutions and engaged existing telecommunications operators, eventually identifying Africell as the most viable partner to help revive the struggling enterprise.
The Minister disclosed that the partnership is structured under a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) model, allowing Sierratel to continue operating under its own brand while utilizing Africell’s infrastructure and technical systems. She noted that the arrangement would help restore services, improve efficiency, reduce losses, and limit the need for significant government investment.
On the issue of staff welfare, Mrs. Bah revealed that Africell committed US$2 million toward settling outstanding obligations owed to workers. She stated that US$1 million had already been received and that a multi-agency verification committee had been established to oversee payments. The process, she said, has already facilitated payments to over 150 staff members for salary arrears, leave allowances, and other benefits.
However, committee members raised serious concerns regarding the legality, timing, and financial implications of the agreement. Several lawmakers questioned why branding activities, management appointments, and preliminary implementation measures had commenced before Parliament had reviewed the arrangement.
Deputy Leader of Government Business 1, Hon. Bashiru Silikie, stressed that Parliament must be afforded the opportunity to examine agreements signed on behalf of the State. He questioned the implications should Parliament ultimately reject the agreement after implementation activities had already begun.
Lawmakers also demanded clarification on the procurement process, the basis for selecting Africell, ownership arrangements, risk-sharing mechanisms, and the management of Sierratel’s assets. Particular concern was expressed over the revenue-sharing formula, under which Government would receive 12 percent while Africell would retain 88 percent.
Responding to the concerns, the Minister maintained that the arrangement does not constitute privatization but rather a strategic partnership designed to rescue Sierratel from collapse. She added that an ongoing nationwide audit would determine the value and status of the company’s assets before any separate asset management agreement is finalized.
At the conclusion of the hearing, the Committee reiterated that Sierratel remains a strategic national asset whose future must be handled with utmost transparency. Members resolved to suspend further consideration of the partnership until all relevant agreements, audit reports, valuation documents, and Cabinet approvals are formally submitted to Parliament.
The hearing ended with Parliament reaffirming its commitment to protecting public assets and ensuring that any agreement involving Sierratel serves the best interests of the people of Sierra Leone.