Africell Sierra Leone has once again demonstrated its commitment to youth empowerment and national pride by providing crucial financial support to the country’s U16 Basketball Team ahead of the FIBA U16 AfroBasket 2025 Tournament in Kigali, Rwanda.
The tournament, running from September 2nd to 14, 2025, will bring together twelve national teams from across the continent, with the top two finalists earning qualification to the FIBA U17 Basketball World Cup 2026 in Türkiye.
President of the Sierra Leone Basketball Federation, Ali Hijazi, expressed gratitude to Africell, noting that the company matched funds raised through a nationwide public campaign to ensure Sierra Leone’s participation.
“From the very beginning, Africell has been instrumental providing equipment, financial resources, and now once again stepping in to make sure these young athletes represent our country on the continental stage. Their support is truly inspiring for both the team and Sierra Leone as a whole,” Hijazi said.
Africell’s Media Relations Manager, Abdul Karim Sesay, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to sports development as part of its wider corporate social responsibility.
“Supporting sports is not only about competition. It serves as a source of motivation, a symbol of patriotism, and a beacon of hope for these young boys who see basketball as their pathway to success,” Sesay stated.
The Sierra Leone U16 team heads to Kigali with momentum, having recently won gold at the qualifiers in Guinea. Their participation marks another proud moment for the nation, as the green, white, and blue continues to fly high in continental basketball.
The partnership between Africell and the Sierra Leone Basketball Federation underscores how strategic corporate investment can drive youth development, foster talent, and build a sustainable future for sports in the country.
