Sierra Leone is preparing to launch its first 5G network powered entirely by renewable energy, a move that marks a significant milestone in the country’s simultaneous push for digital transformation and sustainable energy development.
The initiative, led by local telecommunications company Zoodlabs in partnership with African energy provider CrossBoundary Energy, was officially announced during the Digital Government Summit held in Freetown.
The project will power 5G towers using solar photovoltaic panels, battery storage systems, and backup generators to guarantee consistent service while reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
CrossBoundary Energy is financing the initial deployment of five towers, starting in the capital city of Freetown, with plans to extend coverage nationwide.
This 5G network promises enhanced internet speeds and lower latency, supporting critical applications such as smart city solutions, remote healthcare services, and the Internet of Things.
With Sierra Leone’s broadband penetration currently at only 20.7%, the rollout aims to significantly broaden internet access across the country.
David Kapkima, CEO of Zoodlabs, highlighted the transformative role of 5G in powering diverse sectors of the economy and stressed the necessity of integrating renewable energy to build resilient, future-proof infrastructure.
By combining renewable power with 5G deployment, Sierra Leone is presenting a new model for digital infrastructure development in emerging markets.
This approach tackles two persistent challenges, energy access and connectivity, simultaneously.
Across Africa, 5G adoption remains in its early stages, with just 1.4% of mobile users connected to 5G networks as of 2024.
That figure is projected to climb to 25% continent-wide by 2029, with Sub-Saharan Africa expected to reach 180 million 5G subscriptions.
While South Africa leads in 5G deployment, countries like Nigeria and Kenya are accelerating their own rollouts despite obstacles such as high infrastructure costs and unreliable energy supplies.
Sierra Leone’s solar-powered telecom infrastructure offers a practical solution to these hurdles, demonstrating that green energy and advanced digital networks can develop hand in hand.
This initiative also aligns with global priorities for climate-resilient development, proving that sustainable power sources and next-generation connectivity can advance together to support economic growth and social progress.
