Bo City, 1st December 2025– President Dr. Julius Maada Bio has officially commissioned the new Orange Sierra Leone Data Centre in Bo, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to fostering private sector investment and accelerating digital transformation across the country.
The facility, described by Orange Sierra Leone’s Chief Technical Officer, Sylvanus Redwood-Sawyer, as a disaster recovery data centre, is the company’s second major installation following its flagship centre in Freetown.
Speaking at the launch, President Bio said the expansion of digital infrastructure into Bo aligns with his government’s broader vision to enhance nationwide connectivity and build a resilient digital economy.
“Technology and innovation are critical enablers of development,” the President stated. “The establishment of this Data Centre in Bo reflects the trust and confidence that exist between the government and the private sector.”
He emphasized the need for robust cybersecurity and responsible use of telecommunications services, urging providers to safeguard user data and confront emerging digital threats.
“As we expand our digital space, service providers must guarantee cybersecurity for end users, eliminate cyberbullying, and confront cybercriminals,” he said.
President Bio also reiterated his administration’s focus on human capital development, noting that infrastructure alone is not enough.
“I am a human capital development-oriented President. When we invest in people, we invest in their future, where their ideas matter,” he added.
Minister of Communication, Technology and Innovation, Salima Monorma Bah, praised the initiative, highlighting the government’s sustained investment in digital infrastructure since 2018.
“Through deliberate investment in connectivity, we have expanded Sierra Leone’s digital landscape, creating a strong foundation for digital services nationwide,” she said.
Orange Sierra Leone CEO Sekou Amadou Bah described the Bo Data Centre as a strategic investment aimed at supporting the growth of digital and financial services.
“We are a trusted digital partner to Sierra Leone. With this centre, we aim to power digital innovation across Bo District and beyond,” Bah said.
Brelotte BA, CEO of Sonatel Group and Chairman of Orange Sierra Leone’s Board, underscored the importance of data sovereignty and resilience.
“This facility represents a major step forward for data sovereignty. Digital transformation must be inclusive,” he remarked.
Leader of Government Business in Parliament, Hon. Matthew Nyumah, welcomed the investment, noting its role in ensuring continuity of digital services.
“We once had only one nerve centre for digital connectivity in Freetown. This second centre in Bo ensures continuity, so that in the event of storms, natural disasters or human error affecting the Freetown hub, this centre will automatically take over,” he explained.
The commissioning of the Bo Data Centre marks a significant milestone in Sierra Leone’s digital journey, reinforcing the government’s ambition to position the country as a regional technology hub where innovation drives growth and citizens benefit from reliable, secure digital services.
