By Martin Malamah-Thomas
Broadband expansion can help in improving the economy of Sierra Leone by providing some of the benefits I mentioned earlier, such as:
Connecting to the information economy. Broadband can enable Sierra Leoneans to access online education, telework, telehealth, e-government, and other digital services that can improve their quality of life and economic opportunities.
Supporting the internet of things (IoT). Broadband can facilitate the use of smart devices, sensors, and applications that can enhance productivity, efficiency, and innovation in various sectors such as agriculture, energy, transportation, and health.
Boosting electronic commerce. Broadband can allow businesses and consumers in Sierra Leone to buy and sell goods and services online, expanding their market reach, reducing transaction costs, and increasing competition.
Leveraging big data. Broadband can enable the collection, analysis, and sharing of large amounts of data that can provide valuable insights for decision making, problem solving, and research.
Enhancing the visual experience. Broadband can support high-quality video streaming, gaming, virtual reality, and other forms of immersive and interactive media that can enrich the entertainment and cultural experience of users.
However, broadband expansion in Sierra Leone also faces some challenges or costs, such as:
Low access and affordability. According to the World Bank, only about 16% of the population had access to the internet in 2019. The cost of broadband services is also high compared to other countries in the region.
Poor infrastructure and regulation. The country lacks adequate infrastructure such as fiber optic cables, towers, and power supply to support broadband services. The regulatory environment is also weak and fragmented, affecting the quality and reliability of broadband services.
Limited adoption and skills. Many people in Sierra Leone lack the awareness, motivation, or skills to use broadband services effectively. There is also a need for more local content and applications that are relevant and useful for the users.
These are some of the ways that broadband expansion can help or hinder the economy of Sierra Leone. Of course, there may be other factors that are also important or have potential for impact. I hope this helps you get some understanding of this issue. 😊