Kenema City Council Hall, Kenema
22nd May 2026
The 7th Consumer Parliament organized by the National Communications Authority (NatCA) was successfully convened at the Kenema City Council Hall under the theme “Connectivity for Accelerated Growth.” The session brought together government representatives, regulators, telecommunications operators, consumer advocacy groups, Members of Parliament, civil society organizations, media practitioners, and consumers in a strategic national dialogue aimed at strengthening accountability, consumer protection, and digital inclusion within Sierra Leone’s telecommunications ecosystem.
The Consumer Parliament has become one of the National Communications Authority’s most impactful stakeholder engagement platforms, serving as a bridge between consumers, telecoms operators, policymakers, and regulator. As a regulator, NatCA utilizes the platform to strengthen transparency, accountability, and consumer protection within Sierra Leone’s telecommunications ecosystem.
Through the Consumer Parliament, NatCA gains direct insight into the concerns, expectations, and experiences of consumers, enabling evidence-based regulatory interventions and policy decisions. The platform also enhances public confidence in the regulatory process by ensuring that operators are held accountable while promoting constructive dialogue aimed at improving Quality of Service, digital inclusion, affordability, and overall sector growth.
Ultimately, the Consumer Parliament reinforces NatCA’s commitment to fair regulation, inclusive participation, and the development of a more responsive and consumer-centered digital ecosystem in Sierra Leone.
The session was formally called to order by Mr. Aloysious B. Ansumana, Senior Manager at the Department of Corporate and Industry Affairs, NatCA, who welcomed dignitaries and participants while emphasizing the Authority’s mandate under the NatCA Act 2022 to bridge the gap between consumers and service providers through transparent engagement and responsive regulation.
Opening prayers were jointly offered by Sheikh Alhaji Musa Swarray and Pastor Sidie Gbow, symbolizing national unity and inclusivity. The proceedings were moderated by Mr. Emmanuel A. B. Turay, who served as Clerk and Master of Ceremony for the Parliament.
Delivering the welcome statement on behalf of the Mayor of Kenema City Council, Mr. Emanuel Yambasu expressed appreciation to NatCA for selecting Kenema as host city and acknowledged the contributions of telecommunications operators toward corporate social responsibility initiatives and youth employment. He encouraged parliamentarians and stakeholders to engage constructively toward practical solutions capable of improving service delivery nationwide.
In a goodwill message delivered on behalf of the Resident Minister, Mr. Joseph O. Dauda described the Consumer Parliament as timely and impactful, urging operators to respond effectively to consumer concerns while commending Kenema’s role in hosting a nationally significant engagement.
Providing an institutional overview, Madam Madiana Samba, Chairperson of the NatCA Board, highlighted the Authority’s regulatory mandate in protecting consumers, monitoring Quality of Service (QoS), ensuring fair tariffs, promoting digital inclusion, and strengthening accountability mechanisms through initiatives such as the Consumer Parliament.
The Director General of NatCA, Mr. Amara Brewah, reaffirmed the Authority’s commitment to maintaining a balanced regulatory environment that protects consumers while supporting industry sustainability and innovation. He further highlighted ongoing investments in monitoring systems and technological infrastructure under the Government’s Digital Transformation Project aimed at improving oversight and service quality across the country.
Parliamentary discussions also addressed technical and operational concerns, including persistent FM spectrum interference issues, for which the Clerk called for enhanced spectrum monitoring equipment and technical interventions.
Speaking on parliamentary oversight, Hon. Boston Munda emphasized the critical role of Members of Parliament in advocating for improved Quality of Service and utilizing outcomes from the Consumer Parliament as evidence-based accountability tools for constituents.
Representatives from Mobile Network Operators and digital infrastructure providers made significant commitments during the session:
- Africell Sierra Leone, represented by CEO Mr. Shadi, reflected on the company’s 21 years of service in Sierra Leone, highlighting continuous network upgrades while acknowledging operational challenges related to sourcing telecommunications equipment. The company reaffirmed its commitment to reliable and robust service delivery.
- Orange Sierra Leone, represented by Mr. Bundu, outlined the company’s contributions to national digital transformation, including over 650 operational sites nationwide, ongoing 5G trials, and substantial tax contributions to the national economy.
- Qcell Sierra Leone, represented by Mr. E. Williams, emphasized the company’s role in providing affordable communication services since 2019, while noting investments in fiber connectivity and QMoney services to support accelerated national growth.
- Sierratel Managing Director, Mr. Joe Abass Bangura, announced the company’s strategic revival through a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) model in partnership with Africell, with a formal relaunch scheduled for June 2026.
- Zoodlabs representatives highlighted significant advancements in broadband infrastructure, including the expansion of submarine cable capacity from 70GB to 250GB, alongside plans for a second fiber cable aimed at improving internet affordability and Quality of Service nationwide.
Delivering the keynote address, the Minister of Communication, Technology and Innovation, Madam Salima M. Bah, commended the telecommunications sector for investing over Le400 billion in national connectivity infrastructure. She reported that network coverage has expanded to approximately 98% nationwide, with 4G services now reaching nearly 80% of the country. Despite these achievements, the Minister acknowledged persisting challenges relating to affordability, dropped calls, and service reliability.
The Minister further outlined Government’s strategic priorities, including:• Reducing the cost of telecommunications services;• Promoting infrastructure sharing among operators;• Strengthening regulatory compliance and oversight; and• Advancing policy reforms to support a resilient and inclusive digital economy.
Overall, the 7th NatCA Consumer Parliament concluded with a renewed commitment from Government, regulator, operators, and ISPs to strengthen collaboration, improve service quality, expand digital access, and ensure a more transparent, accountable, and consumer-centered telecommunications sector in Sierra Leone.
NatCA…….Connecting the Future
