Keypoints:
- Sierra Leone rolls out solar-powered 5G
- First towers installed in Freetown
- Aims to expand broadband, cut emissions
SIERRA Leone has launched its first 5G network, powered by renewable energy, making it one of Africa’s most ambitious efforts to merge digital connectivity with climate-conscious infrastructure.
Unveiled during the recent Digital Government Summit, the rollout is being led by local telecoms firm Zoodlabs and renewable energy provider CrossBoundary Energy. The initial phase, already under way in Freetown, is powered by solar panels, battery storage, and backup generators — a smart solution for a country grappling with unreliable electricity supply.
CrossBoundary is financing the first five towers to speed up deployment and reduce barriers to entry, with a clear focus on building a greener, more inclusive digital future.
Fast, clean, and made for tomorrow
Sierra Leone’s move could prove transformative in a nation where fewer than 20 percent of citizens currently have access to broadband internet. The 5G network promises ultra-fast speeds, low latency, and the ability to support emerging technologies such as smart city systems, remote health care, and the Internet of Things (IoT).
David Kapkima, CEO of Zoodlabs, emphasised the long-term impact: ‘This is not just about faster streaming. 5G will underpin economic transformation across industries. Thanks to CrossBoundary’s expertise, we’re also doing it in a way that respects our environment.’
A model for Africa’s digital leap
The towers already being installed in Freetown are just the beginning. Plans are in place for a national rollout, with the renewable-powered model offering a template for other African nations facing similar energy and connectivity challenges.
With CrossBoundary’s solar systems ensuring resilience
and sustainability, the project sidesteps the need for fossil-fuel-heavy infrastructure, reducing long-term costs and environmental impact.
Positioning Sierra Leone as a digital leader
Though Africa’s overall 5G uptake remains low — just 1.4 percent as of early 2024 — Sierra Leone’s leap forward places it in the company of continental frontrunners like Nigeria and South Africa.
This green 5G rollout not only bridges a critical digital divide, but also shows how sustainable technology can power future-ready infrastructure. If successful, it could serve as a continental case study in how to connect more people, more cleanly.
