QCell Hosts PURA Delegation

Freetown, Sierra Leone – In a significant demonstration of growing regional cooperation within West Africa’s telecommunications sector, a high-level delegation from the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) of The Gambia has paid a courtesy visit to QCell Sierra Leone. The visit took place on the margins of a regional telecommunications meeting hosted by the National Communications Authority (NatCA) in Freetown.

The engagement forms part of ongoing efforts by West African regulators and industry stakeholders to strengthen collaboration, promote knowledge sharing, and drive reforms aimed at improving connectivity across the sub-region. The regional meeting, convened by NatCA, brought together key players from across ECOWAS member states to deliberate on pressing issues affecting the telecom industry, including cross-border service delivery, infrastructure development, cybersecurity, and policy harmonisation.

Central to the discussions were strategies for enhancing seamless cross-border communication, reducing roaming costs, and accelerating the implementation of regional roaming frameworks that would enable subscribers to use mobile services across countries at more affordable rates. Participants also examined the role of emerging technologies and digital innovation in expanding access to underserved and rural communities.

During their visit to QCell Sierra Leone, the PURA delegation was warmly received by the company’s senior management team. The meeting provided a platform for open dialogue and exchange of ideas on operational challenges, investment opportunities, and the future of telecommunications in the region. Both sides also explored areas of potential collaboration, particularly in advancing digital inclusion and strengthening service delivery standards.

Speaking during the engagement, the Director General of PURA commended QCell Sierra Leone for its steady growth and impactful presence in the country’s telecommunications sector. He noted that QCell’s expansion from The Gambia into Sierra Leone stands as a testament to the potential of African-owned enterprises to drive regional integration and economic transformation.

He further highlighted that QCell’s investment has contributed significantly to improving access to affordable voice and data services, thereby supporting economic activity, enhancing communication, and bridging the digital divide. According to him, such investments are critical in fostering inclusive growth and ensuring that the benefits of digital transformation reach all segments of society.

Providing an overview of the company’s operations, the management of QCell Sierra Leone outlined ongoing initiatives aimed at expanding network coverage, upgrading infrastructure, and introducing innovative digital solutions tailored to the needs of Sierra Leoneans. They emphasised their commitment to delivering reliable and customer-focused services, while also contributing to national development through job creation and capacity building.

QCell, a proudly Gambian-owned telecommunications company, continues to solidify its position as a major player in Sierra Leone’s telecom landscape. Over the years, the company has invested in network expansion and technological upgrades, enabling it to compete effectively and meet the growing demand for data and digital services in an increasingly connected world.

The PURA Director General encouraged the company to sustain its momentum by continuing to invest in innovation, maintaining high standards of service quality, and extending its reach to underserved communities. He stressed that achieving universal access to telecommunications services remains a key priority for regulators across the region.

He also underscored the importance of strong and transparent collaboration between regulators and service providers, noting that such partnerships are essential for creating a fair, competitive, and consumer-centric telecommunications environment. He reaffirmed PURA’s commitment to working closely with sister regulatory bodies, including NatCA, to promote policies that support industry growth and protect consumer interests.

In response, the management of QCell Sierra Leone expressed gratitude for the visit and described it as a valuable opportunity to strengthen ties with regional regulatory authorities. They reaffirmed their commitment to aligning with both national regulations and regional best practices, while contributing meaningfully to broader ECOWAS integration efforts.

They further emphasised their readiness to collaborate with stakeholders across the region in advancing initiatives that promote affordability, accessibility, and innovation within the telecommunications sector.

The courtesy visit concluded on a positive and forward-looking note, symbolising the strong and enduring relationship between The Gambia and Sierra Leone. It also highlighted a shared commitment among West African nations to build a more integrated, resilient, and digitally inclusive telecommunications ecosystem capable of supporting economic growth and regional development.