Connectivity Cost Reduction
A Game-Changer for Internet Sustainability
As one of Giga’s early adopters, Sierra Leone has made strong progress by completing its school connectivity mapping an important milestone demonstrating the country’s progress. Building on this foundation, the government has set an ambitious goal of connecting 5,000 schools. While funding remains a challenge, this ambition underscores the continued urgency of closing the digital divide. To advance this effort, Giga supported the development of a project proposal to the Islamic Development Bank, successfully mobilizing USD 5 million for school connectivity.
Once connected, sustainability can also remain a challenge. Giga supports governments in improving market access and competition for school connectivity. In Sierra Leone, internet costs for schools have been significantly reduced over the past four years—from USD 12,000 down to USD 1,500 per school per year. This positive impact has particularly benefited schools on the outskirts of Freetown.
Jasper Sembie, Chief Operating Officer of the Directorate of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) at the Office of the President, reflected on the evolution of this journey.
“With the Giga connectivity project, we’ve seen a significant reduction in the cost of the internet. Because of the procurement process, project management, and the scale at which we’re connecting these schools, vendors were forced to reduce their prices. And with the introduction of low-orbit satellite internet, which we’re using mostly for this project, we’ve seen a big drop in costs. That has been a game changer.”
This cost reduction has allowed hundreds of schools to access internet, opening up digital learning opportunities for thousands of students. For learners like Mohamed Turay, Headboy of Lorenzo Gorvi Memorial Secondary School in Freetown, the impact is deeply personal and transformative.
I’ve been able to broaden my knowledge through research and online learning. We got the inspiration to work on a digital school learning project, and we’ve also learned about agri-tech and smart farming through the internet. Using what we learned in class, coming to the hub, and applying artificial intelligence has really expanded our knowledge. Now I can say I’m truly a student of the 21st century. We’re taking this bold, innovative step to show the world that even the most underrated places have the power to shape how the world moves.
Sierra Leone shows how strategic procurement, policy reform and market innovation can significantly reduce connectivity costs and make digital learning sustainable at scale.
For Rudolf Schwenk, UNICEF Representative in Sierra Leone, this progress represents more than just improved connectivity—it’s a cornerstone for national development and human capital growth.
“It’s critical for developing human capital that children have access to digital learning, devices, and safe, relevant content. That’s why it’s so encouraging that the government now has an ambitious digital agenda, aiming to ensure that every child can access the internet. The Giga project is truly catalytic; we’re seeing the beginning of a real transformation in digital learning. We’ve been privileged to be part of this effort and to partner with the government, Giga, and the private sector to show what can be achieved through collaboration. Digital learning is essential for children to build 21st-century skills, find employment, and strengthen the country’s human capital. Through Giga’s involvement, we can launch a digital transformation in schools, giving every child the opportunity to learn safely and meaningfully online.”
The results in Sierra Leone underscore how strategic collaboration and policy innovation can turn financial barriers into stepping stones. By making connectivity sustainable and affordable, Sierra Leone is not only transforming classrooms. It is nurturing a generation equipped for the digital future.
As the country’s journey continues, its story offers an inspiring example to others: when technology, policy, and partnership converge, even the most remote schools can become engines of innovation and opportunity.
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