By Hassan Osman Kargbo
The Guild of Newspaper Editors – Sierra Leone (GoNE-SL) has continued its drive to foster strong relationships with key national institutions by engaging Africell, one of the country’s leading telecommunications companies, in a courtesy visit aimed at deepening collaboration and advancing media development.
The engagement, which took place on Friday, October 3, 2025, at Africell’s Wilberforce headquarters in Freetown, brought together senior representatives from both institutions for a productive dialogue on partnership opportunities and the media’s evolving role in the digital era.
Introducing the visiting delegation, GoNE-SL’s Public Relations Officer, Komba Fillie, underscored the significance of the visit, emphasizing that sustained partnerships between the media and corporate institutions are essential to promoting development communication and public awareness. He expressed appreciation to Africell for its consistent openness and readiness to engage with the media sector.
Chairman of the Guild, Thomas Dixon, in his remarks, commended Africell for its longstanding contributions to national development and for maintaining its position as one of Sierra Leone’s most reliable and customer-focused telecommunications providers.
He explained that the visit was part of the Guild’s broader strategy to strengthen collaboration with both public and private sector actors, ensuring that the media continues to play a constructive role in national progress.
Dixon used the occasion to share highlights of the Guild’s new strategic plan, which includes the establishment of a permanent secretariat and the acquisition of a communal printing press. He noted that the cost-recovery printing model would not only help reduce the operational expenses of media houses but also improve efficiency and sustainability across the country’s newspaper industry.
> “We want to create a system where media institutions can thrive independently and focus on quality journalism. The printing press project is central to that vision,” Dixon stated.
He further assured Africell of the Guild’s commitment to professionalism, self-regulation, and responsible reporting — principles that he said are crucial for maintaining public trust in journalism.
Responding on behalf of Africell, Abdul Karim Sesay, the company’s Media Manager, welcomed the editors and expressed delight over the initiative. He reflected on his longstanding relationship with the media and acknowledged the dedication and resilience required to sustain the profession.
Sesay reaffirmed Africell’s continued support for the media industry, noting that the company has a proud history of collaboration with organizations such as the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) and over 70 radio stations nationwide.
He explained that Africell’s current strategic direction focuses on promoting digital transformation, a priority area in which the company is willing to partner with the Guild to empower journalists and improve digital communication.
> “Africell values the media as an essential partner in national development. We are open to exploring innovative ways to strengthen this partnership,” Sesay said.
The meeting concluded with mutual assurances of stronger cooperation and renewed commitment to advancing the shared goals of transparency, professionalism, and growth within Sierra Leone’s media and telecommunications sectors.
Both parties expressed optimism that the engagement marked the beginning of a more dynamic and mutually beneficial partnership between Africell and the country’s community of newspaper editors.
