Africell Sierra Leone and the Institute of Public Administration and Management (IPAM), University of Sierra Leone, have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen digital education, enhance connectivity, and empower students with practical skills for the job market.
The signing ceremony took place on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at the Freetown City Council Auditorium, and was attended by Professor Aiah Lebbie, Vice Chancellor and Principal of the University of Sierra Leone; Professor Ezekiel Kalvin Duramany-Lakkoh, Deputy Vice Chancellor of IPAM; senior administrative staff; Lecturers; faculty members; and a large number of IPAM students.
The MoU establishes a strategic partnership between Africell and IPAM focused on education, innovation, and empowerment through digital transformation. It aims to bridge the gap between academia and industry by creating opportunities for students to gain both academic and professional experience within a technology-driven framework.
In his statement, Africell’s Chief Operating Officer, Malek El Koussa, described the partnership as a milestone that reflects Africell’s commitment to education and national development.
“This MoU marks the beginning of a long-term collaboration focused on education, innovation, and empowerment,” he said. “At Africell, we believe connectivity is not just about technology; it is about creating opportunities and empowering people to learn, grow, and achieve their full potential. Through this partnership, we are taking another bold step in building a more connected and informed Sierra Leone.”
El Koussa disclosed that Africell, through its Impact Foundation, will establish a state-of-the-art E-Learning Center on the IPAM campus to serve as a modern digital hub for students and lecturers. The center will provide access to advanced learning resources, virtual classrooms, and research tools to support academic growth.
He further explained that Africell will introduce a Closed User Group (CUG) system offering affordable, customized voice and data plans for students and lecturers. The initiative will ensure continuous academic connectivity and collaboration both on and off campus.
Additionally, Africell will open a customer service office on campus to provide instant assistance with SIM registration, Afrimoney services, and data support. The agreement also includes an internship program through which IPAM students will help manage SIM distribution and related services. This component, according to El Koussa, will give students hands-on experience in marketing, customer relations, and digital operations.
“We want this partnership to also serve as a learning opportunity,” he emphasized. “When the private sector and academia work hand in hand, real transformation happens. To the students of IPAM, this is your opportunity, make the most of it.”
Delivering remarks at the signing, Professor Ezekiel Kalvin Duramany-Lakkoh, Deputy Vice Chancellor of IPAM, commended Africell for its continued investment in education and described the initiative as a step toward building a digitally empowered student community.
He explained that the newly introduced connectivity scheme under the CUG is designed to be affordable and sustainable, providing students with reliable access to online classrooms and campus networks.
“IPAM is leading the way in digital transformation within higher education. This scheme will connect our students to better systems and structures that support learning and communication,” he said.
Professor Duramany-Lakkoh also revealed that “IPAM Online”, an academic digital platform which was also formally launched would integrate with the new Africell-supported system. He invited students with digital and ICT skills to apply for internship roles to help operate the system, noting that successful applicants would undergo training by Africell before deployment.
“We will select a limited number of students for the first phase, and I encourage those interested to start submitting their applications immediately,” he added.
The partnership between Africell and IPAM represents one of the most significant collaborations between a private telecommunications company and a public tertiary institution in Sierra Leone. It aligns with national efforts to enhance digital literacy, expand access to online education, and prepare young people for an increasingly technology-driven job market.
The agreement officially takes effect immediately, with implementation of the e-learning center and internship program expected to begin anytime soon.
