By Abbas Nazil
Sierra Leone has made a historic leap in its digital and energy transition by launching the country’s first-ever 5G network powered entirely by renewable energy sources.
This transformative milestone is the result of a strategic partnership between Zoodlabs SL, a telecommunications innovator, and CrossBoundary Energy, a leader in renewable energy investments.
The project was unveiled during the Digital Government Summit, where officials emphasized the significant role of sustainable infrastructure in the country’s vision for digital growth.
The newly launched 5G network is a fusion of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, energy storage batteries, and backup generators, creating a hybrid energy solution that achieves 99.9% uptime.
This model significantly reduces reliance on fossil fuels and marks a major breakthrough in ensuring resilient and continuous connectivity, even in areas where grid electricity is unreliable or unavailable.
The system’s energy resilience also minimizes operational disruptions, making the network a dependable pillar of the nation’s growing digital infrastructure.
This network is not just about faster internet; it’s about unlocking a new future for Sierra Leone.
The high-speed, low-latency capabilities of 5G make it possible to scale critical innovations such as telemedicine, remote learning, smart cities, and the Internet of Things (IoT).
Citizens now have improved access to remote healthcare consultations, virtual classrooms, and efficient public service delivery.
These advancements are particularly significant in a country where rural and underserved communities have historically lacked reliable access to such opportunities.
The initiative serves as a replicable model for other African nations seeking to simultaneously advance digital inclusion and renewable energy adoption.
By demonstrating that modern communications infrastructure can be sustainably powered, Sierra Leone is positioning itself as a leader in green technology innovation on the continent.
The success of this 5G network project showcases how environmental responsibility can coexist with rapid technological advancement.
Zoodlabs brings its telecommunications and connectivity expertise, while CrossBoundary Energy ensures the network’s clean energy backbone is robust and scalable.
This partnership supports Sierra Leone’s broader goals for digital transformation and energy sustainability, aligning with government mandates to improve digital infrastructure while reducing carbon emissions.
According to Laurent Jaffart, CEO of Zoodlabs, the project embodies a mission to bridge the digital divide in an environmentally responsible way.
“By combining cutting-edge 5G technology with renewable power, we’re not just improving internet access — we’re helping build a greener, smarter future for Sierra Leone,” he said.
This deployment of a 100% renewable-powered 5G network stands as a beacon of progress for Sierra Leone, offering a sustainable, inclusive path toward technological and economic empowerment.