29 Jan Interview with Hon. Sekou M. Kromah, Minister of Posts and Telecommunications, Liberia
How would you assess the current state of Liberia’s digital infrastructure, and what is your vision for building a more connected and inclusive digital future?
Liberia’s telecommunications landscape is built on three pillars: the Ministry of Post and Telecommunications, which sets policy; the Liberia Telecommunications Authority, which regulates the sector; and the Liberia Telecommunications Corporation, the state-owned operator. Alongside these, major private players such as Orange and Lonestar MTN contribute significantly to national connectivity.
We have made meaningful progress – particularly with the landing of the Africa Coast to Europe (ACE) submarine cable in Portugal and the expansion of mobile networks – but the sector is still at an early stage compared to regional peers. Our biggest challenges remain broadband penetration and access to reliable power, which are fundamental to the next phase of digital growth.
Looking ahead, Liberia is participating in the Western Africa Regional Digital Integration Project to strengthen cross-border connectivity with Sierra Leone, Guinea-Bissau, and Côte d’Ivoire. While the initial focus was on the ACE cable, we are now considering the Medusa cable to expand bandwidth, especially in underserved rural areas, boost economic activity, and provide essential redundancy. This initiative represents a major step forward for Liberia’s telecom sector.
With the rapid expansion of mobile services and e-governance across Africa, how is Liberia positioning itself to harness technology for public service delivery and socio-economic development?
Our goal is to build an inclusive digital ecosystem where every Liberian – whether in Monrovia or remote communities – can access affordable, secure internet. We are digitizing government services through the national e-Gov platform (www.eliberia.gov.lr), which brings ministries and agencies onto a unified system to improve efficiency and citizen engagement.
At the same time, we are modernizing postal services and rolling out a national digital address system. This will enhance public service delivery in critical sectors such as healthcare, security, and administration. By embracing technology, Liberia is positioning itself to improve service delivery and drive socio-economic development across the country.
What regulatory or policy reforms is your Ministry implementing to encourage innovation, competition, and private sector investment in Liberia’s telecom and ICT sectors?
We are advancing key reforms under our National ICT Policy, which is currently being updated to reflect global best practices and Liberia’s long-term development goals. The policy aims to integrate public and private sector services while providing clear incentives for investment.
Additionally, the Cybercrime Bill, now before the Senate, will help secure our digital ecosystem and combat cyber threats. The Data Protection Bill, currently under review in the House of Representatives, will safeguard personal information, regulate data usage, and promote online safety. Together, these reforms will create a more secure, competitive, and innovation-friendly environment for ICT investment in Liberia.
In what ways is Liberia engaging with regional partners to promote digital integration across West Africa, particularly around cross-border connectivity and cybersecurity?
Liberia is actively engaging through the ECOWAS framework to strengthen cross-border connectivity and regional data exchange. We recently launched a free-roaming initiative with Sierra Leone, Côte d’Ivoire, and Ghana, allowing citizens to make calls and use mobile services across borders at no additional cost. The agreement will be formally signed in Guinea this October.
We have also established the Liberia Internet Exchange Point to keep local internet traffic within the country, improving speed and reducing costs. In parallel, we are working with ECOWAS to develop regional ICT policies, strategies, and regulatory frameworks that support deeper integration. Liberia is also collaborating with Smart Africa to align our national policies with regional and international best practices, particularly in areas such as cybersecurity and data protection.
How is your Ministry working to bridge the digital divide and equip youth with the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving tech environment?
Our priority is expanding digital infrastructure in rural communities through community internet hubs and the extension of fiber networks, supported by partnerships with donors. By increasing access, residents can use essential digital services, connect to banks and government platforms, and participate more fully in economic and social development.
Considering Liberia’s deep ties with the United States and its global diaspora, how can international partnerships help accelerate the country’s digital transformation and innovation ecosystem?
Liberia has strong ties with the United States and its diaspora, and we are working to deepen this relationship by attracting U.S. investment in key digital infrastructure – including data centers, e-learning platforms, cloud technology, and cybersecurity systems. We are also exploring knowledge-transfer partnerships with U.S. universities through U-learning and specialized training programs in emerging fields such as AI and cybersecurity. These efforts, supported by public-private partnerships and international donor engagement, will strengthen Liberia’s digital ecosystem and deliver quick-impact projects.
What is your final message for USA TODAY’s influential readers about choosing Liberia as their next business and investment destination?
We encourage partners and the Liberian diaspora to invest in our growing telecommunications sector and digital infrastructure. With regional cooperation strengthening and a government committed to innovation, we aim to strengthen capacity and build a robust, innovative digital ecosystem.