Sierra Leone Phone Numbers: Complete Format & Validation Guide 2025

Introduction

Sierra Leone uses country code +232 for all international calls. This comprehensive guide covers Sierra Leone phone number formats, validation patterns, operator prefixes (Africell, Orange, QCell), and international dialing procedures.

Master Sierra Leone's 8-digit numbering system regulated by the National Communications Authority (NatCA). Whether you're implementing phone validation, building telecommunications software, or managing international communications from abroad, you'll find authoritative technical specifications, working code examples, and best practices for handling +232 numbers correctly.

Number Formats in Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone uses a structured 8-digit numbering system managed by NatCA (National Communications Authority). All numbers follow the E.164 international standard with country code +232.

Historical Context: Sierra Leone transitioned from a 6-digit to an 8-digit numbering system. The current 8-digit format (excluding country code) was confirmed in ITU communications since at least 2012, with the most recent plan update communicated to the ITU on January 4, 2022. Regulators decommissioned legacy prefixes (21, 23, 24, 32, 42, 52, 40, 50, 55, 44) by May 2019 due to phone scam concerns.

General Number Structure

Identify and validate Sierra Leonean numbers by their service-specific prefixes and fixed 8-digit length (excluding country code).

Key Implementation Note: Sierra Leone's National Significant Number (NSN) is always 8 digits according to ITU-T E.164 specifications.

Implementing Validation with Regular Expressions

Validate Sierra Leonean phone numbers using these tested regex patterns based on official ITU numbering plan data:

// Landline validation (all area codes: 22, 32, 52)
const landlinePattern = /^(22[2-4][2-9]|[35]2[2-9])\d{4}$/;

// Mobile number validation (comprehensive operator coverage)
const mobilePattern = /^(2[15]|3[0-5]|40|44|50|55|66|7[2-9]|88)\d{6}$/;

// Emergency services validation
const emergencyPattern = /^(999|019|112)$/;

// Complete validation function
function validateSierraLeoneNumber(phoneNumber) {
    // Remove spaces, dashes, and country code if present
    const cleaned = phoneNumber.replace(/[\s\-\+]/g, '').replace(/^232/, '');

    return landlinePattern.test(cleaned) ||
           mobilePattern.test(cleaned) ||
           emergencyPattern.test(cleaned);
}

// Test cases with expected results
console.log(validateSierraLeoneNumber('22224429')); // true (Freetown landline)
console.log(validateSierraLeoneNumber('+23230987654')); // true (mobile)
console.log(validateSierraLeoneNumber('999')); // true (emergency)
console.log(validateSierraLeoneNumber('32234567')); // true (Bo/Kenema landline)
console.log(validateSierraLeoneNumber('22123456')); // false (invalid third digit)
console.log(validateSierraLeoneNumber('981234567')); // false (invalid mobile prefix)

Implementation Tips:

• Strip whitespace and formatting characters before validation
• Handle both local format (8 digits) and international format (+232 prefix)
• Emergency numbers (999, 019, 112) don't follow standard 8-digit rules
• Test edge cases like leading zeros in user input

Dialing Procedures: Domestic and International Calls

Domestic Calls Within Sierra Leone

Dial numbers directly using the full 8-digit format. No area code prefix required for any domestic call.

Examples:

• Landline to landline: Dial 22224429 (Freetown) or 32234567 (Bo)
• Mobile to mobile: Dial 30987654 directly
• Landline to mobile: Dial 76123456 (no prefix needed)
• Emergency services: Dial 999 (police/ambulance), 019 (fire/police), or 112 (mobile emergency)

International Calls

Calling Sierra Leone from Abroad

Use the E.164 international format: +232 followed by the 8-digit local number.

Format: +232 YY XXXXXX

Examples:

• From USA: 011 232 30 987654
• From UK: 00 232 76 123456
• From mobile (international): +232 22 224429

Key Point: Remove leading zeros from the local number when adding the country code.

Calling Internationally from Sierra Leone

Use international prefix 00 followed by the destination country code and number.

Format: 00 [Country Code] [Area Code] [Local Number]

Examples:

• To UK: 00 44 20 1234 5678
• To USA: 00 1 212 555 1234
• To Nigeria: 00 234 1 234 5678

Telecom Operators in Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone's mobile market includes four major operators regulated by NatCA. Number portability is not currently available – prefixes indicate the original operator.

Active Mobile Network Operators (2025)

2025 Market Insights:

• Africell leads with best nationwide coverage but offers weaker 4G reception
• Orange achieved 100% 4G-enabled cell sites as of 2023
• QCell offers competitive pricing and sometimes provides free SIM cards
• Number ranges 33–35, 40, 44, 50, 55, 66 represent smaller or legacy operators

SIM Card Registration Requirements (Mandatory)

Effective August 2025: Sierra Leone mandates SIM card registration linked to National ID Numbers (NIN) issued by the National Civil Registration Authority (NCRA). This follows NatCA's directive of July 7, 2025.

Registration Requirements per Telecommunications Subscribers Identification and Registration Regulations 2020:

For Citizens:

• Full name, date of birth, residential address, gender, nationality
• Valid ID: National ID card, passport, driver's license, voter registration card, or NASSIT card
• Passport-sized photograph and biometric data (fingerprints, facial image)

For Non-Citizens:

• Valid passport or travel certificate
• Valid visa, residence permit, or work permit from competent Sierra Leonean authority
• Same personal information and biometric data as citizens

For Corporate Entities:

• Business registration certificate or NGO registration
• Contact person details with valid ID
• Affidavit of authority signed by contact person

Self-Registration: Dial *999# (operator-specific codes may vary) or visit an authorized agent with required documents. Complete registration within 24 hours of SIM purchase. Non-compliance results in service deactivation.

Note: Register a maximum of 3 SIM cards per individual. Legal entities can register multiple SIMs for business use.

Regulatory Authority: National Communications Authority (NatCA) – www.natca.gov.sl

Technical Implementation Best Practices

Store Numbers in E.164 Format

Always store phone numbers in E.164 international format for maximum interoperability and consistency across systems.

E.164 Structure for Sierra Leone: +232YXXXXXXX (13 characters including the + sign)

// Convert Sierra Leonean local number to E.164
function toE164(localNumber) {
    // Remove common formatting characters
    let cleaned = localNumber.replace(/[\s\-\(\)]/g, '');

    // Remove leading zeros or country code if present
    cleaned = cleaned.replace(/^0+/, '').replace(/^\+?232/, '');

    // Validate length (should be 8 digits)
    if (!/^\d{8}$/.test(cleaned)) {
        throw new Error('Invalid Sierra Leone number: must be 8 digits');
    }

    return '+232' + cleaned;
}

// Examples with error handling
try {
    console.log(toE164('076123456'));     // +23276123456
    console.log(toE164('030 987 654'));   // +23230987654
    console.log(toE164('+232 22 224429')); // +23222224429
    console.log(toE164('22224429'));      // +23222224429
} catch (error) {
    console.error('Validation error:', error.message);
}

Database Storage Recommendations:

• Use VARCHAR(13) for Sierra Leone E.164 numbers (+232YXXXXXXX)
• Index the full E.164 value for fast lookups
• Store original input separately if you need to preserve user formatting

Build a Robust Validation Pipeline

Implement a complete validation pipeline that handles real-world input variations:

class SierraLeonePhoneValidator {
    constructor() {
        this.landlinePattern = /^(22[2-4][2-9]|[35]2[2-9])\d{4}$/;
        this.mobilePattern = /^(2[15]|3[0-5]|40|44|50|55|66|7[2-9]|88)\d{6}$/;
        this.emergencyPattern = /^(999|019|112)$/;
    }

    // Step 1: Normalize input
    normalize(number) {
        return number.replace(/[\s\-\(\)]/g, '')
                    .replace(/^\+?232/, '')
                    .replace(/^0+/, '');
    }

    // Step 2: Validate format
    validate(number) {
        const cleaned = this.normalize(number);
        return this.landlinePattern.test(cleaned) ||
               this.mobilePattern.test(cleaned) ||
               this.emergencyPattern.test(cleaned);
    }

    // Step 3: Convert to E.164
    toE164(number) {
        const cleaned = this.normalize(number);

        if (!this.validate(number)) {
            throw new Error('Invalid Sierra Leone number format');
        }

        // Emergency numbers don't convert to E.164
        if (this.emergencyPattern.test(cleaned)) {
            return cleaned;
        }

        return '+232' + cleaned;
    }

    // Step 4: Identify operator (useful for analytics)
    identifyOperator(number) {
        const cleaned = this.normalize(number);
        const prefix = cleaned.substring(0, 2);

        const operators = {
            '30': 'Africell', '31': 'Africell', '77': 'Africell',
            '88': 'Africell', '99': 'Africell',
            '72': 'Orange', '73': 'Orange', '74': 'Orange',
            '75': 'Orange', '76': 'Orange', '78': 'Orange', '79': 'Orange',
            '80': 'QCell',
            '21': 'Sierratel', '22': 'Sierratel', '25': 'Sierratel',
            '32': 'Sierratel', '52': 'Sierratel',
            '33': 'Comium', '34': 'Comium',
            '40': 'Datatel', '50': 'Datatel',
            '66': 'Onlime', '35': 'IPTEL', '55': 'AFCOM', '44': 'Intergroup'
        };

        return operators[prefix] || 'Unknown';
    }
}

// Usage example
const validator = new SierraLeonePhoneValidator();

try {
    const testNumbers = [
        ' 076 123 456 ',
        '+232 30 987654',
        '22224429',
        '999'
    ];

    testNumbers.forEach(number => {
        console.log(`Input: ${number}`);
        console.log(`Valid: ${validator.validate(number)}`);
        console.log(`E.164: ${validator.toE164(number)}`);
        console.log(`Operator: ${validator.identifyOperator(number)}`);
        console.log('---');
    });
} catch (error) {
    console.error('Validation error:', error.message);
}

Network Infrastructure and Coverage Considerations

Current Infrastructure Status (2025):

• Sierra Leone participates in the ACE (Africa Coast to Europe) submarine cable system
• The government's National Digital Transformation Project aims to expand internet access
• 4G/LTE coverage is concentrated in urban areas (Freetown, Bo, Kenema)
• Rural areas rely primarily on 2G/3G networks
• Operators announced 5G trials but haven't deployed commercially yet

Implementation Recommendations:

• Design for intermittent connectivity in rural areas
• Implement SMS fallback for areas with limited data coverage
• Use lightweight protocols for rural deployments
• Test your application on 2G networks for rural compatibility

Regulatory Compliance and NatCA Requirements

The National Communications Authority (NatCA), formerly NATCOM, regulates Sierra Leone's telecommunications sector under the National Communications Authority Act 2022.

NatCA Responsibilities

• Number allocation and management: Assign and manage all telephone number ranges
• Technical standards compliance: Enforce ITU-T E.164 and other international standards
• Consumer protection: Handle complaints and ensure service quality
• Type approval: Regulate telecommunications equipment certification
• Licensing: Issue and manage operator licenses

Key Regulations

National Communications Authority Act 2022 modernized the regulatory framework to cover:

• Data and mobile money services
• Cybersecurity requirements
• Universal access obligations
• Cable landing stations and terrestrial fiber
• 4G, 4G+, and 5G network deployment
• Data protection and electronic transactions

Data Protection Requirements for Phone Number Storage

Sierra Leone currently has no comprehensive data protection legislation (Data Protection Africa). However, telecommunications data is regulated under:

Telecommunications Subscribers Identification and Registration Regulations 2020:

Mandatory Requirements:

• Security: Prevent corruption, loss, or unauthorized disclosure of subscriber information
• Confidentiality: Hold subscriber data on a strictly confidential basis; restrict access to authorized personnel only
• Storage: Maintain subscriber registers in electronic format; retain deactivated records for a minimum of 3 years
• Cross-border transfers: Obtain prior NatCA approval with written justification before transferring data internationally
• Breach notification: Notify NatCA immediately for any data breach

Penalties for Non-Compliance:

• Data breach: Le 5,000,000 fine per affected subscriber and/or 6 months imprisonment
• Unauthorized access denial: Le 200,000 per day
• Providing false data to NatCA: Le 20,000,000 per submission

Cybersecurity and Crime Act 2021 and National Communications Authority Act 2022 provide additional cybersecurity and personal data protection provisions.

Best Practices:

• Encrypt phone numbers at rest and in transit
• Implement role-based access controls
• Maintain audit logs for all data access
• Apply GDPR standards if your international app serves EU users alongside Sierra Leonean users

Official Resources:

• NatCA Website: www.natca.gov.sl
• Regulations: Download National Communications Authority Act 2022
• Email NatCA at abah@natcom.gov.sl for numbering plan inquiries

Compliance Checklist for Developers:

• ✅ Store numbers in ITU-T E.164 format
• ✅ Validate against current numbering plan patterns
• ✅ Handle all active operator prefixes
• ✅ Implement proper international dialing formats
• ✅ Respect emergency service number formats
• ✅ Stay updated on new number range allocations

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Invalid Number Format Errors

Problem: Number validation fails unexpectedly

Solutions:

1. Verify the operator prefix: Check against the current operator table above
2. Confirm 8-digit length: Sierra Leone uses exactly 8 digits (excluding country code)
3. Remove leading zeros: Local format should not have leading zeros when converting to E.164
4. Check for typos: Third digit of landlines must be 2-4, fourth digit must be 2-9
5. Validate emergency numbers separately: 999, 019, and 112 don't follow standard 8-digit rules

// Debug helper function
function debugNumberValidation(number) {
    const cleaned = number.replace(/[\s\-\(\)\+]/g, '').replace(/^232/, '');
    console.log('Original:', number);
    console.log('Cleaned:', cleaned);
    console.log('Length:', cleaned.length);
    console.log('First 2 digits:', cleaned.substring(0, 2));
    console.log('Is 8 digits?', /^\d{8}$/.test(cleaned));
}

Routing and Connection Problems

Problem: Calls fail to connect or route incorrectly

Solutions:

1. Verify international format: Use +232 for calls from abroad, not 00232
2. Check operator network status: Rural areas may have limited coverage
3. Confirm emergency number availability: Mobile phones support 112, 999, and 019
4. Test with E.164 format: Always use full international format for API calls
5. Validate special service numbers: Some shortcodes may not work from international numbers

Network Status Monitoring:

• Check operator websites for service status updates
• Test on multiple networks when possible (Africell, Orange, QCell)
• Rural deployments should include SMS fallback options

Data Quality Issues

Problem: Inconsistent number formats in your database

Solutions:

1. Standardize on input: Convert all numbers to E.164 immediately upon receipt
2. Add validation at entry: Reject invalid formats before storage
3. Implement data migration: Clean existing data to E.164 format
4. Use database constraints: Add CHECK constraints to enforce format rules

Future Developments in Sierra Leone Telecommunications

Current Initiatives (2025):

• 5G Network Trials: Major operators are testing 5G in Freetown
• Rural Coverage Expansion: Government programs extend 4G to underserved areas
• Digital Transformation Project: Nationwide initiative improves internet access and digital literacy
• Number Portability: NatCA is considering this feature, but hasn't implemented it yet
• eSIM Adoption: Orange and Africell are exploring eSIM deployment

Stay Updated:

• Monitor NatCA announcements for numbering plan changes
• Subscribe to operator updates for new prefixes or service changes
• Review ITU-T updates for Sierra Leone numbering plan modifications
• Join telecommunications developer communities for real-time updates

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is Sierra Leone's country code?

Sierra Leone's international dialing code is +232. To call Sierra Leone from abroad, dial your exit code (011 from USA, 00 from UK/Europe), then 232, followed by the 8-digit local number. Mobile format: +232 YY XXXXXX where YY is the operator prefix.

How many digits are Sierra Leone phone numbers?

Sierra Leone phone numbers are exactly 8 digits long (excluding the +232 country code). This includes both landline and mobile numbers. Emergency numbers (999, 019, 112) are exceptions with 3 digits.

Does Sierra Leone have number portability?

No, number portability is not currently available in Sierra Leone. Your phone number prefix identifies your original mobile operator and cannot be transferred.

Which Sierra Leone mobile operator has the best coverage?

Africell has the most extensive nationwide coverage. Orange Sierra Leone offers the best 4G/LTE quality with 100% of cell sites 4G-enabled as of 2023. Coverage varies by region – urban areas have strong 4G, while rural areas may be limited to 2G/3G.

What are the emergency numbers in Sierra Leone?

• 999 – Police and ambulance
• 112 – Police (works from mobile phones)
• 019 – Fire and police

All emergency numbers work from any phone, including mobile phones without SIM cards or credit.

How do I validate a Sierra Leone phone number?

Use regex patterns for the 8-digit format: ^(22[2-4][2-9]|[35]2[2-9])\d{4}$ for landlines and ^(2[15]|3[0-5]|40|44|50|55|66|7[2-9]|88)\d{6}$ for mobiles. Always convert to E.164 format (+232YXXXXXXX) for storage. See the validation code examples above.

Do Sierra Leone phone numbers start with 0?

No. Sierra Leone's local numbers don't use a trunk prefix (0). Dial all 8 digits directly for domestic calls. If you see a number written as 076123456, remove the leading 0 when converting to E.164 format: +23276123456.

Conclusion

You now have comprehensive knowledge of Sierra Leone's phone number system – from validation patterns and operator prefixes to regulatory compliance and international dialing procedures.

Quick Reference Summary:

• Country code: +232
• Number length: 8 digits (NSN)
• Format: Store in E.164 (+232YXXXXXXX)
• Regulator: National Communications Authority (NatCA)
• Emergency: 999, 112, 019
• Major operators: Africell, Orange, QCell, Sierratel

Next Steps:

1. Implement the validation functions provided in your application
2. Convert existing phone data to E.164 format
3. Monitor NatCA for numbering plan updates
4. Test your implementation across different operator networks

Check NatCA's official updates and ITU-T documentation regularly to stay informed about Sierra Leone's evolving telecommunications landscape. The sector continues to modernize with 4G expansion, digital transformation initiatives, and potential 5G deployment on the horizon.

Need help with phone number validation for other countries? Explore our related guides:

• Liberia phone numbers and country code +231
• Guinea phone numbers and country code +224
• E.164 international phone number format guide
• Complete country codes and international dialing directory