Date of Issue: 20th January 2025
Country: Republic of Sierra Leone
Name of Project: Sierra Leone Digital Transformation Project
Consulting Services: For Recruitment of a Consulting Firm to conduct a feasibility study for a second submarine cable in Sierra Leone. Reference No: SL-MOF-470203-CS-CQS
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- Introduction
The Government of Sierra Leone (GoSL) has committed to transforming its economy based on a more inclusive and human-centric digital growth and development approach. A high-level vision for the digital economy is articulated in the new National Digital Development Policy (NDDP), which was approved by the Cabinet in December 2021 setting the GoSL’s vision to transform Sierra Leone into an inclusive digital economy and society and to leverage digital technology to support the GoSL to deliver on its national development plan effectively and efficiently. The Sierra Leone Digital Transformation Project (SLDTP) aims to expand access to broadband internet, increase digital skills, and improve government capacity to deliver public services digitally. The project will support the development of a strong enabling environment for the nation’s digital transformation and digital development agenda as articulated in the National Digital Development Strategy.
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- Objectives
Sierra Leone has seen gradual growth in its digital sector over recent years, driven by various factors such as increased internet penetration, government initiatives, and a growing interest in technology and entrepreneurship. According to ITU, internet penetration in Sierra Leone has increased from 18% in 2020 to 21.2% in 20231. However, the reliance of the country on a single submarine cable poses significant risks to its national connectivity. There is only one submarine cable landing station which was funded by the World Bank's West African Regional Communications Infrastructure Program (WARCIP) 2in 2010 through the Africa Coast to Europe (ACE) consortium. The Consortium is coming to an end of its design life in the next 2-3 years.
In March 2024 a breakage of three subsea cables off the west coast of Africa, including the ACE cable, led to widespread internet disruptions in Sierra Leone. The damage triggered outages and connectivity issues for mobile operators and internet service providers. In this context, the major MNOs (i.e. Orange, Africell, QCell, Metro, Leonecom, Zoodlabs) in the country are exploring options on the formulation of a Consortium to land a second Sub-Sea cable in Sierra Leone, to have a branch out of 2Africa submarine cable (owned by Meta).
Against this backdrop, the Government of Sierra Leone is seeking to conduct a study to evaluate the various options for landing a second submarine cable in Sierra Leone. Beyond choosing the cable, the study will involve a comprehensive analysis of the policy and regulatory framework to ensure open access and affordability.
The objective of this proposed Technical Assistance (TA) is to support the Government of Sierra Leone to identify and evaluate options for the landing of a second submarine cable in order for the Government to make an informed decision on the choice of cable. The proposed activities under this broader objective include:
- Identification and Evaluation of Options: Assess potential market options for the landing of a second submarine cable, providing comparative analysis of identified options.
- Regulatory Assessment: Identify any necessary amendments or new policies required to support the project initiative.
- Demand Analysis: Analyze current and projected demand for internet bandwidth, data usage, and services in Sierra Leone.
- Technical Feasibility Study: Evaluate technical requirements, including infrastructure, terrestrial backhaul, and network integration needs for cable landing.
- Environmental and Social Impact: Conduct an environmental impact assessment with specific objectives to guide the study.
- Cost-Benefit Analysis: Evaluate the costs associated with deploying and maintaining a second submarine cable, including potential revenue streams.
- Risk Assessment: Identify risks and challenges, such as regulatory hurdles, environmental concerns, and technical limitations.
Ultimately, the study aims to provide valuable insights and recommendations for the successful deployment of a second submarine cable in Sierra Leone, helping to improve connectivity, resilience, and competitiveness in the digital economy.
The Project Coordination Unit of the Sierra Leone Digital Transformation Project now invites eligible consulting firms (“Consultants”) to indicate their interest in providing the Services. Interested Consultants should provide information demonstrating that they have the required qualifications and relevant experience to perform the Services. The shortlisting criteria are core business and years in business, relevant experience, and technical and managerial capability of the firm. Key Experts will not be evaluated at the shortlisting stage.
The attention of interested Consultants is drawn to Section III of the World Bank’s Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers July 2016 Revised November 2017, August 2018, November 2020, September 2023, and National Public Procurement Act 2016, setting forth the World Bank’s policy on conflict of interest.
Consultants may associate with other firms to enhance their qualifications but should indicate clearly whether the association is in the form of a joint venture and/or a sub-consultancy. In the case of a joint venture, all the partners in the joint venture shall be jointly and severally liable for the entire contract, if selected.
A Consultant will be selected in accordance with the Quality and Cost Base Selection (QCBS) method set out in the Procurement Regulations.
Further information and detailed Terms of Reference can be obtained at the link below: https://mocti.gov.sl/tor-for-recruitment-of-a-consulting-firm-to-conduct-a-feasibility-study-for-a-second-submarine-cable-in-sierra-leone/
Expressions of interest must be delivered in a written form to the address below by e-mail on or before 3rd February 2025 at 12:00 GMT.
Project Coordination Unit
Sierra Leone Digital Transformation Project
Attn: The Project Coordinator
8th Floor,
Youyi Building
E-mail: procurement@sldtp.moic.gov.sl CC: coordinator@sldtp.mocti.gov.sl
Please indicate clearly the Name of the Assignment in the email subject heading and attachment as only electronic submission will be considered.