NaTCA DG Brewah Hails New Framework Agreement Between SL and Guinea

The Director General of Sierra Leone’s National Telecommunications Authority (NaTCA), Amara Brewah, has expressed his enthusiasm and optimism following the signing of a landmark Framework Agreement between Sierra Leone and Guinea. This new partnership establishes a strategic Alternative International Traffic Route, also known as the Redundant Route, aimed at enhancing regional telecommunications infrastructure and promoting the digital economy across West Africa.

The agreement was signed by Sierra Leone’s Minister of Communications, Technology, and Innovation, Salima Monorma Bah, and Guinea’s Minister of Posts, Telecommunications, and Digital Economy, Rose Pola Pricemou. The focus of the agreement is to improve cross-border internet redundancy, facilitate affordable data roaming, and foster resource optimization and knowledge exchange between the two countries.

NaTCA’s Director General, Amara Brewah, described the partnership as a crucial milestone in improving the region’s digital infrastructure. He emphasized that the agreement would enhance secure communication by interconnecting fiber optic cable networks between Sierra Leone and Guinea. “The Redundant Route will improve internet connectivity, ensure service reliability, and lower costs, which is essential for fostering economic growth, reducing digital inequality, and enhancing cyber security in the region,” Brewah said.

One of the key components of the agreement is the establishment of seamless sub-regional roaming for SMS, voice, and data services. Brewah also highlighted the importance of introducing new regulatory frameworks that will promote the “one network” concept, simplifying cross-border communication and creating a more integrated telecom landscape between the two nations.

Minister Salima Monorma Bah expressed the government’s excitement about the agreement, noting that it aligns with President Julius Maada Bio’s broader vision of universal connectivity for all Sierra Leoneans. She explained that the agreement would bring affordable and reliable internet and mobile services to even the most remote parts of Sierra Leone. “This partnership is an important step towards realizing President Bio’s vision of universal connectivity and reducing the digital divide for all our citizens,” Minister Bah stated.

In her remarks, Guinea’s Minister Rose Pola Pricemou highlighted the shared history and commitment of both nations. She celebrated the agreement as a step towards greater cooperation, not just in telecom infrastructure, but also in fostering deeper economic and cultural ties. “Sierra Leone and Guinea share more than a border; we share a deep-rooted commitment to mutual progress. This agreement will help bring our nations closer together in many ways, from technological collaboration to fostering economic growth,” Pricemou said.

The agreement is expected to create new opportunities for innovation and economic development in West Africa by improving connectivity and enabling more efficient communication between the two countries. NaTCA also acknowledged the significant contributions of various stakeholders, including Guinea’s Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications, ARPT, and Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Communications, Technology & Innovation, as well as telecom providers like LEONECOM and ZOODLABS.

Director General Amara Brewah concluded by reaffirming the importance of this partnership for the region’s future. “This agreement is more than just a milestone; it is a foundation for a future where technology drives inclusive growth and where digital connectivity transcends borders,” Brewah said. “By working together, Sierra Leone and Guinea are not only advancing our telecommunications networks but also building a stronger, more interconnected West Africa.”

This Framework Agreement represents a significant leap forward in telecommunications and digital innovation, setting a precedent for regional collaboration in West Africa and providing a model for further cooperation across the continent.