Minister Salima Bah and NaTCA DG Commends Orange SL’s €23 Million Data Center Project in Bo

Bo City, Sierra Leone – In a significant stride toward decentralizing digital infrastructure and strengthening Sierra Leone’s digital resilience, the Minister of Communication, Technology and Innovation, Madam Salima Monorma Bah, has conducted an inspection visit to the construction site of Orange Sierra Leone’s upcoming Data Center in Bo. She was joined by Orange SL’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Sekou Amadou Bah, and the Director General of the National Communications Authority (NaTCA), Mr. Amara Brewah.

The Bo Data Center is designed as a full-scale replica of Orange SL’s existing facility in Freetown and will function as a dedicated disaster recovery site. This critical infrastructure will support business continuity and data integrity in the event of system failures, natural disasters, or other disruptions in the capital, thereby ensuring nationwide network stability.

“This project is a clear demonstration of our collective commitment to building a resilient and inclusive digital ecosystem for all Sierra Leoneans,” said Minister Bah. “Bo, as a major city in the south, deserves high-quality digital services, and this investment will go a long way in narrowing the digital divide between urban and regional communities.”

With a capital investment exceeding €23 million, the project marks one of the most ambitious private sector infrastructure undertakings outside of Freetown. It is part of Orange SL’s broader strategy to enhance digital connectivity and inclusivity, while also aligning with the government’s national digital transformation agenda under the leadership of His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio.

According to Orange SL’s CEO, Sekou Amadou Bah, the Bo Data Center represents a critical node in Sierra Leone’s emerging digital backbone. “We are not just expanding our physical footprint—we are reinforcing our commitment to deliver uninterrupted, secure, and fast digital services to all parts of the country,” he said. “This facility will play a central role in data hosting, network traffic distribution, cloud storage, and service reliability.”

The initiative is also a cornerstone of Orange’s efforts to strengthen internet access in underserved and remote communities. By expanding into regions such as Bo, Kenema, Kono, and Makeni, the company aims to improve national coverage, reduce latency in data processing, and enhance overall user experience.

NaTCA Director General Amara Brewah applauded the initiative as a step toward sustainable digital development. “Such infrastructure is crucial for digital sovereignty and local data protection,” he noted. “We are also proud to see public-private collaboration driving innovation, jobs, and capacity building.”

The Data Center will house mission-critical IT equipment, high-speed connectivity infrastructure, cooling systems, and backup power solutions. It will also comply with international standards on data security, environmental responsibility, and disaster recovery protocols.

Construction is progressing rapidly, with the facility expected to be operational in the coming months. Once completed, it will not only support Orange SL’s operational efficiency but also open avenues for local job creation, skill development, and potential collaborations with academic institutions and startups.

This investment is expected to serve as a model for future ICT infrastructure projects and represents a major milestone in Sierra Leone’s journey toward a digitally empowered future.