Renewable energy powers 5G rollout in Sierra Leone

Zoodlabs, a telecommunications company based in Sierra Leone, has announced that it is using renewable energy to support the deployment of one of the country’s first 5G data networks

The announcement was made during the Digital Government Summit held in Freetown.

As part of this initiative, CrossBoundary Energy is providing clean energy infrastructure for the initial rollout, which includes a mix of solar photovoltaic (PV) panels, battery storage, and generator backup systems. These solutions are designed to deliver 99.9% uptime while simultaneously cutting down on emissions from fossil fuels. CrossBoundary Energy is also financing five of the towers to accelerate deployment.

Oliver Benham, director of operations for telecom solutions at CrossBoundary Energy, explained, “Our solution is designed to maximize uptime whilst increasing renewable energy penetration and minimising diesel generator usage. The effect is that telecom operators like Zoodlabs have a reliable, affordable, and cleaner way of powering their network that does not rely on utility energy supply or fossil fuels.”

The introduction of 5G technology is set to dramatically improve data speeds, reduce latency, and enhance device connectivity across Sierra Leone. With broadband penetration currently at just 20.7%, this wireless rollout will bypass the need for traditional cable infrastructure, helping bridge the digital divide for individuals and enterprises in the capital city.

David Kapkima, CEO at Zoodlabs, noted, “5G is not just about faster phones—it’s a foundational technology for smart cities, autonomous vehicles, remote healthcare, and businesses that rely on IoT. CrossBoundary Energy’s specialised knowledge in solar energy solutions has enabled Zoodlabs to power this infrastructure sustainably.”

The first 5G towers have already been installed in Freetown, and Zoodlabs plans to extend the network’s reach across the rest of Sierra Leone in future phases.