By Forum staff writer
Africell Sierra Leone has launched a nationwide toll free radio call in service aimed at removing financial barriers to public participation in broadcast media while strengthening communication disaster response and national security systems. The initiative was officially unveiled on Friday February 13 2026 at the company’s headquarters in Wilberforce Freetown.
Under the new service Africell subscribers can call into participating radio programmes free of charge. The company said the move addresses long standing challenges faced by listeners especially those in low income and remote communities whose participation in live radio discussions has often been limited by the cost of airtime.
Speaking at the launch Africell Media Relations Manager Abdul Karim Sesay said access to radio should not depend on a person’s ability to buy credit. He described the free call in platform as a step toward democratising public debate and improving the flow of information on governance security and public health. He added that Africell already supports media institutions across all 16 districts with connectivity round the clock electricity and financial assistance and emphasised that the company does not interfere with editorial independence.
Africell Chief Executive Officer Shadi Al-Gerjawi said the service was initially designed for about 40 radio stations but has now been extended to all stations nationwide. He explained that Africell will provide the required technical infrastructure including dedicated ports to ensure smooth integration with radio programming. According to him the initiative places social impact above operational cost and is expected to enhance education security and early warning systems through wider public access to radio.
Radio station managers present at the event welcomed the development. Brigitte Dalton-Sesay, General Manager of Radio Fry Fry, described radio as the most reliable and accessible medium for connecting communities across Sierra Leone. She noted that electricity remains one of the biggest operational costs for radio stations and praised Africell’s long standing support through infrastructure tower access and secure technology services which now reach more than 110 media outlets nationwide. She described the free call in service as a major boost to community engagement and public service broadcasting.
Representatives from national agencies also highlighted the service’s importance for disaster management and security. John Vandy Rogers, General Manager of the National Disaster Management Agency, said radio plays a vital role in identifying risks and mobilising responses. He referenced the nationwide toll free hotline 1199 developed in partnership with Africell as a key reporting tool and noted that removing cost barriers will strengthen early warning systems especially in hard to reach communities.
Francis Langumba Keili, Chief of Staff at the Office of National Security, said cost free communication from communities will enhance people centred security by enabling faster reporting and more coordinated responses. Meanwhile Alhaji Manika Kamara, President of the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists, described the initiative as a game changer for democratic participation and urged broadcasters to design programmes that fully utilise the new platform.
At the close of the event Africell signed memoranda of understanding with Kalleone Radio and Radio Tonya to provide round the clock electricity support. The company also announced Africell Super Thursday a QR code based promotion aimed at boosting print media circulation and advertising engagement.
Officials said the free radio call in service is expected to significantly increase listener participation strengthen community reporting and enhance the role of radio in public communication disaster response and democratic governance across Sierra Leone.
