Sierra Leone, where broadband penetration hovers around just 21%, is preparing to make a major leap this time with sustainability in mind. The country is set to roll out its first 5G network, but unlike many others, it won’t be driven by fuel-heavy infrastructure. Instead, the plan is to power the towers using renewable energy: solar panels, battery systems, and minimal reliance on backup generators.
The initiative led by local telecom operator Zoodlabs in partnership with African renewable energy firm CrossBoundary Energy was announced at the Digital Government Summit in Freetown. It’s an ambitious step that tackles two pressing challenges at once: expanding digital access and cutting carbon emissions.
CrossBoundary is funding the first five 5G towers, now under installation in Freetown. In a country where slow speeds and unreliable connections have long been the norm, this rollout could transform the digital landscape. Beyond faster downloads, 5G brings the potential for smarter urban systems, telemedicine, and real-time IoT applications services that have largely been inaccessible to most Sierra Leoneans.
What truly distinguishes this initiative is its focus on sustainability. In a region where power grids are unstable and fuel prices unpredictable, Sierra Leone is bypassing traditional fossil-fuel infrastructure in favor of solar power. This leap could offer a strategic model worth emulating across neighboring countries.
“We’re not just building mobile networks; we’re laying the groundwork for economic growth,” said Zoodlabs CEO David Kapkima. His statement holds weight, 5G penetration in Africa was only 1.4% in 2024 but is projected to reach 25% by 2029, according to Omdia. By investing early and sustainably, Sierra Leone is positioning itself as a frontrunner in Africa’s green tech future.
In contrast, South Africa currently leads the continent with 10.8 million 5G users and 50% population coverage, according to Africa Analysis. Nigeria, Kenya, and Ethiopia are making strides as well, but they continue to face significant challenges—namely, high infrastructure costs and lingering policy barriers—that could slow their 5G rollout compared to Sierra Leone’s more agile, renewable-powered approach.
Sierra Leone’s strategy could represent a more efficient path ahead—particularly for nations dealing with limited connectivity and unreliable energy infrastructure. If it works, this solar-powered 5G model might not just transform local access, but also emerge as a scalable digital solution for the rest of Africa.
Source: https://www.techinafrica.com/sierra-leone-builds-africas-first-solar-powered-5g-network/
