By Hassan Osman Kargbo
Afrimoney has officially launched its Tap-to-Pay cards in Freetown, marking another milestone in Sierra Leone’s growing digital financial services sector. The launch event, held at the New Brookfields Hotel, brought together media practitioners, editors, and key stakeholders from across the country.
Speaking at the ceremony, Africell Sierra Leone Chief Executive Officer, Shadi Gerjawi, emphasized the company’s commitment to strengthening its relationship with the media and expanding its outreach. He noted that while Africell has made significant progress in engaging media institutions, there is still room for improvement.
“We believe we are about 75 percent there in building strong partnerships with media houses, but our ambition is to reach 100 percent. We want to work with all newspapers, radio stations, and media platforms across the country,” Gerjawi said. He added that Africell remains committed to supporting businesses and ensuring that its services contribute meaningfully to economic growth.
Mr. Gerjawi also commended media professionals for their continued support over the years, describing them as critical partners in telling Africell’s story and promoting its innovations.
Delivering his remarks, the Chief Executive Officer of Afrimoney, Mr. Martison Obeng-Agyei highlighted the transformative role of mobile financial services in Sierra Leone. He explained that Afrimoney, since its establishment in 2014, has evolved significantly to meet the growing demands of customers through innovation and technology.
“Mobile financial services have removed many of the traditional barriers associated with banking. Today, customers can access their money anytime, send and receive funds, pay bills, and carry out transactions without the limitations of physical banking,” Martison Obeng-Agyei stated.
He noted that Afrimoney currently offers a wide range of services, including payment of utility bills, school fees, money transfers, and access to salary advances. According to him, the salary advance service allows users to access up to 30 percent of their monthly earnings before payday, providing financial flexibility without the need for borrowing from informal sources.
Martison Obeng-Agyei further revealed that Afrimoney has built an extensive network of over 11,000 agents nationwide, ensuring accessibility even in remote areas. He added that partnerships with institutions, businesses, and government agencies have strengthened trust in the platform.
Introducing the Tap-to-Pay card, Mr Martison described it as an extension of the Afrimoney wallet, designed to enhance convenience and security. He explained that the card allows users to make payments without handing over their mobile phones, while also enabling better tracking and control of spending.
“With Tap-to-Pay, customers can load money onto the card and use it for transactions anywhere. It is particularly useful for businesses, families, and individuals who want a safer and more convenient way to manage payments,” he said.
Also speaking at the event, Africell’s Head of Marketing, Abdul Karim Sesay, underscored the importance of innovation in driving financial inclusion. He noted that the introduction of the Tap-to-Pay card reflects Africell’s commitment to providing practical solutions that meet the everyday needs of customers.
“This innovation is about convenience, accessibility, and giving people more control over how they use their money. We are proud to lead this transformation and will continue to introduce solutions that improve lives,” Sesay stated.
The launch of the Tap-to-Pay card is expected to further deepen financial inclusion and accelerate the adoption of cashless transactions across Sierra Leone.
