…UADF’s CEO assures stakeholders
Chief Executive Officer of the Universal Access Development Fund (UADF), Marie Momoh, has assured stakeholders that her institution is making frantic efforts to align its activities with the government’s agenda.
CEO Momoh was speaking at a three-day end-of-year retreat that drew the participation of representatives from mobile network operators (MNOs), internet service providers (ISPs), Ministry of Communications, Technology and Innovation (MoCTI), National Communications Authority (NatCA), among others.
Themed “strengthening teamwork and impact for rural connectivity and digital development”, the retreat showcased UADF’s willingness to unite efforts so as to bridge digital divide in the country.
Established by the National Telecommunications Act of 2006, UADF has a mandate to promote universal access to telecommunications services in Sierra Leone.
Established by the National Telecommunications Act of 2006, UADF has a mandate to promote universal access to telecommunications services in Sierra Leone.
“Since we started in 2018, we have heightened teamwork and collaboration so as to ensure that we provide digital services to underserved and unserved communities in Sierra Leone,” CEO Momoh told her audience.
She noted that whatever planning they do, they always do so with inputs from their stakeholders.
“We have achieved so much with the strongest support from stakeholders and teamwork,” she observed.
MoCTI’s Permanent Secretary, Stevenson Kamanda, said UADF aimed to bridge digital divide in underserved and unserved communities across Sierra Leone.
“In previous years, UADF had a proven track record of managing the universal access development funds. Today, we are discussing partnerships and collaborations that will help to further provide connectivity to underserved and unserved communities. This is the right way to go,” he stated.
He said when UADF united its efforts, there was no limit to what it could achieve.
Deputy Chairman, Parliamentary Oversight Committee on Communication, Technology and Innovation, Hon. Mohamed Kanneh, expressed delight over the work that UADF has been doing.
“The leadership that I have observed at UADF is one that is willing to work with all sectors to enhance UADF’s operations. UADF’s work has been appreciated by people that were once in underserved and unserved communities,” he noted.
NaTCA’s Director of Regulatory Administration, Smart Kokofele, underscored the critical role that UADF plays in rural connectivity.
“UADF plays a pivotal role in advancing our shared mission of promoting universal access to communication technologies across Sierra Leone. This mandate, enshrined in the NatCA Act 2022, underscores the importance of our collaboration in bridging the digital divide and ensuring that every citizen, regardless of their location, has access to essential communication services,” he stated.
He noted that over the past year, there was significant progress in expanding network coverage to several rural and underserved areas, providing thousands of individuals with access to reliable communication services.
“These efforts have not only enhanced connectivity but have also empowered communities by facilitating access to information, education, and economic opportunities,” he said.
He continued by saying that by exploring innovative financing models, such as public-private partnerships and leveraging international donor support, the necessary financial resources could be achieved to expand UADF’s initiatives.
“Establishing community telecentres equipped with internet access and digital literacy programs can empower our rural communities, fostering digital inclusion and economic development,” he told his audience.
