Chief Executive Officer of Africell Sierra Leone, Shadi Gerjawi, has underscored the critical importance of digital infrastructure in strengthening digital sovereignty and driving sustainable technological growth across West Africa during the 18th Edition of the West Africa Internet Governance Forum (WAIGF 2026) held in Freetown.
The high-level regional forum, officially opened at the Miatta Conference Centre at the Youyi Building, brought together policymakers, regulators, technology experts, youth representatives, development partners and private sector stakeholders from across the region to discuss the future of internet governance, emerging technologies and digital transformation in West Africa.
Speaking on behalf of Sierra Leone’s Mobile Network Operators (MNOs), Gerjawi stressed that digital sovereignty cannot be achieved without strong and reliable physical infrastructure. He noted that telecommunications towers, fibre-optic networks and last-mile connectivity remain the foundation of digital progress and economic competitiveness.
According to him, mobile network operators have invested heavily in expanding and strengthening telecommunications infrastructure across Sierra Leone and the wider West African region. He added that countries with robust digital connectivity are better positioned to compete globally while protecting citizens in an increasingly digital world.
Gerjawi emphasized that extending reliable internet access to underserved and remote communities requires sustained investment, supportive government policies, targeted subsidies and regulatory frameworks that encourage innovation and private sector participation.
He further noted that despite continuous network expansion over recent years, the cost of telecommunications services has declined significantly, making digital services more accessible to ordinary citizens.
Beyond infrastructure, the Africell CEO highlighted the growing responsibility of mobile operators in promoting digital literacy and building local capacity. He explained that telecommunications companies engage millions of people daily and are therefore well positioned to partner with governments, schools and educational institutions to equip young people with the practical digital skills needed to thrive in the modern economy.
Gerjawi also stressed the importance of ensuring secure and trustworthy digital networks, maintaining that user data protection and online safety remain critical priorities, particularly for vulnerable groups.
Looking ahead, he identified mobile money services as one of West Africa’s most successful financial inclusion innovations. He called for stronger regulatory cooperation and continued innovation to expand access to credit, savings and insurance products through digital financial platforms.
While commending Sierra Leone for hosting the forum, Gerjawi praised the country’s leadership role in advancing discussions on internet governance and digital development across the region.
The five-day forum followed the successful hosting of the West Africa School on Internet Governance, held from May 11 to 12, where experts, facilitators and fellows examined issues relating to internet governance, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, digital cooperation, data governance and emerging technologies.
The opening ceremony also featured strategic discussions on regional digital transformation, cybersecurity, innovation and digital inclusion, with government officials reaffirming commitments to stronger collaboration aimed at building a secure, resilient and digitally sovereign West Africa.
WAIGF 2026 is expected to produce key recommendations that will help shape internet governance policies, digital inclusion initiatives and innovation strategies across the West African region.
