Guinea and Sierra Leone Strengthen Regional Connectivity with Landmark Fibre Optic Interconnection Agreement
The primary aim of this partnership is to improve cross-border data exchange, reduce internet and transit costs for telecom operators and end users, and enhance the resilience of national networks through infrastructure redundancy.
In a strategic move to enhance regional digital integration, the Guinean Backbone Management Society (SOGEB) and Sierra Leone’s Leoncom have signed an Interconnection Agreement to link their national fibre optic infrastructures. The signing took place in Conakry and follows a broader telecommunications cooperation agreement between the governments of Guinea and Sierra Leone.
The primary aim of this partnership is to improve cross-border data exchange, reduce internet and transit costs for telecom operators and end users, and enhance the resilience of national networks through infrastructure redundancy. The initiative also supports broader goals under regional frameworks like ECOWAS and the African Union, focused on digital market integration and connectivity.
Technically, the interconnection point is located at Pamelap, a key border town between the two nations. The initial transmission capacity has been set at 42.5 Gbps, with plans to scale up to 100 Gbps by 2026. The infrastructure is built on fibre optic cables and uses secure IP/MPLS protocols to ensure fast and reliable communication.
“This agreement marks a key step for Guinea, aligning with the government’s vision of an open and interconnected national backbone. This will benefit operators, businesses and citizens of both countries.”
–Mohamed Kourouma, Director, SOGEB.
“The collaboration with SOGEB will accelerate access to high-speed internet in Sierra Leone, while promoting economic exchanges with Guinea.”
–Foday Rado Yokie, CEO, Leoncom.
“This project is part of the Guinea-Sierra Leone Digital Pact 2024, which aims to integrate digital markets and services.”
–Nouhan Traoré, The Secretary General of Guinea’s Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications and the Digital Economy.
The impact of this agreement is expected to be wide-reaching. For telecom operators such as Orange and MTN , the project is anticipated to lower international data transit costs. For businesses and government institutions, improved latency and network stability will enhance the use of cloud computing and VoIP services. Most importantly, border communities will benefit from better access to digital services such as e-health and e-education.
Looking ahead, the technical deployment phase will begin with the setup of redundant infrastructure to support uninterrupted service. Discussions are also underway to expand the fibre optic network toward Liberia, further boosting regional digital connectivity and economic integration.
