By Hassan Osman Kargbo
As part of its 20th Anniversary celebrations in Sierra Leone and 25 years of operations in Africa, Africell- Sierra Leone has reinforced its partnership with regional stakeholders through high-profile media engagement sessions held in Bo and Kenema over the weekend.
Described as a “thank you tour,” the engagements brought together media practitioners, traditional leaders, local authorities, and subscribers to celebrate Africell’s contribution to national development, while renewing its commitment to fostering strong media partnerships across the provinces.
Abdul Karim Sesay, Africell’s Media Relations Manager, addressed attendees at both events. He emphasized the company’s gratitude for the continued support of media professionals and reiterated Africell’s pledge to support the media landscape nationwide.
“Since we launched operations in Sierra Leone in 2005, Africell has gone beyond providing telecommunications services,” Sesay said. “We’ve supported internet and electricity access for media institutions in all sixteen districts, making us the only corporate institution with this kind of expansive support for the sector.”
Sesay stressed Africell’s open-door policy for collaboration, especially in public-private partnerships and sponsorship opportunities, aimed at enhancing development and information dissemination at the grassroots level.
As part of the anniversary celebrations, Sesay announced the ongoing Jubilee Jumbo Promotion, which offers exciting rewards to Africell subscribers. By simply recharging with 25 New Leones, customers stand a chance to win prizes such as cash, smartphones, motorbikes, generators, and the grand prize—a fully furnished house at the TAF Salone Micro City, located at John Obey.
In addition to the promotion, Africell is also launching a music competition for local artists. Entrants are expected to compose original songs promoting Africell’s products and services. The winner will walk away with a cash prize of 100,000 New Leones, aimed at empowering the creative sector and promoting local talent.
Local authorities and media veterans in both cities praised Africell’s long-standing investment in development and communication. Henry Powell, Administrator of the Bo City Council, lauded the company’s role in improving infrastructure and beautifying key areas of the city. “Africell has consistently shown up where other companies have been absent,” Powell said.
DJ Slowe, a prominent media entrepreneur and radio station owner in Kenema, spoke of the lasting impact of Africell’s initiatives in the region, recounting the story of a Kenema resident who, after winning one billion old Leones during one of Africell’s early promotions, was able to build a house, becoming a landlord.
He further highlighted Africell’s contribution to the media through the establishment of Afri Radio, along with collaborative programs that have empowered local journalists and broadcasters.
The engagement sessions attracted a wide array of participants, including paramount chiefs, district council officials, media professionals, and subscribers, underlining Africell’s role not just as a telecom provider, but as a strategic development partner throughout Sierra Leone.
As the celebrations continue, Africell reaffirms its mission to innovate, connect, and contribute to the nation’s progress through technology, partnerships, and community investment.
