Project Giga advances connectivity agenda in Sierra Leone

By:  Robert Kwaku Annor

The Directorate of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI), in collaboration with UNICEF Sierra Leone and key partners, has convened a high-level review meeting at UNICEF headquarters in Freetown to assess progress under Project Giga and define the next phase of implementation aimed at expanding nationwide digital connectivity.

The engagement brought together representatives from the National Telecommunications Authority (NATCA), Zoodlabs SL, the Ministry of Communication, Technology and Innovation, and the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education. Discussions focused on strengthening coordination mechanisms, accelerating infrastructure rollout, and aligning policy frameworks to support equitable access to digital services.

Project Giga, which is deploying solar-powered internet connectivity to selected schools, has already connected several institutions, with stakeholders reviewing performance outcomes and identifying gaps required to scale the initiative across all targeted learning environments. The initiative is positioned as a key pillar in Sierra Leone’s broader digital transformation agenda, with emphasis on bridging connectivity gaps in underserved areas.

A central component of the meeting was the presentation of a commercial sustainability model exploring blended financing approaches, private sector participation, and cost-recovery mechanisms designed to reduce long-term dependency on donor funding. The model aims to ensure that digital infrastructure investments remain viable while expanding coverage.

While the current phase of Project Giga is largely terrestrial and solar-enabled, stakeholders also noted the growing importance of satellite-based connectivity solutions as a complementary layer for extending broadband access to hard-to-reach and remote communities. Satellite systems were highlighted as a strategic enabler for national resilience, particularly in areas where fibre deployment remains economically or geographically constrained.

Technical challenges identified during implementation will be addressed through the project’s Technical Working Group, which is expected to refine deployment standards and operational coordination.

Moving forward, the initiative will place greater emphasis on local research capacity and increased engagement with domestic internet service providers to ensure that connectivity models reflect local operational realities and long-term sustainability needs.