Africell Sierra Leone, in a partnership with Taf Salone, officially launched the highly anticipated Jubilee Jombo Promotion on Wednesday, April 23, 2025.
The event, held at the Taf Salone Micro City in Tokeh, marked a celebratory union of two companies dedicated to transforming lives through innovation, connectivity, and development.
The centerpiece of the promotion is a game-changing reward: one lucky subscriber will win a fully furnished 3-bedroom flat, symbolizing the campaign’s theme of turning loyalty into life-altering opportunity.
In addition to the ultimate grand prize, the promotion also offers a series of exciting daily and weekly prizes including cash, smart phones, mini-generators, and motorcycles (okadas).
To enter, subscribers must simply recharge their phones with a minimum of NLe 25. And for those using Afrimoney the stakes are even higher, recharging via Afrimoney using the *161# code doubles the chances of winning.
Speaking at the launch, Africell Sierra Leone CEO Shadi Gerjawi highlighted the significance of the campaign in relation to Africell’s 20th anniversary in Sierra Leone and 25 years across Africa.
“This is not just the unveiling of a campaign. It is a celebration of history, resilience, and meaningful service,” the CEO said. “We asked ourselves how to say thank you in a way that’s both memorable and meaningful. Jubilee Jombo is our answer, an expression of appreciation to every teacher, trader, student, nurse, and everyday Sierra Leonean who has been with us on this journey.”
He underscored Africell’s mission to offer more than just telecommunications, calling the company a “development partner” dedicated to real impact. Gerjawi reaffirmed the company’s commitment to transparency, stating all draws would be conducted live, with winners announced on radio, television, and social media.
Anita Sey, the General Manager of Taf Salone, expressed optimism about the partnership and its potential to change lives.
“This collaboration is about more than business,” she said. “It’s about empowering people with the hope of owning a home. Taf Salone is on a mission to build one million homes across Africa, and this partnership with Africell aligns perfectly with that goal.”
She emphasized that the Jubilee Jombo promotion brings together two powerful ideas: connectivity and home ownership. “Together, we’re creating spaces where individuals can thrive, and Africell helps connect those dreams to reality.”
Martinson Obeng-Agyei, CEO of Afrimoney, took the opportunity to reflect on the evolution of basic human needs in the digital era. He explained that in addition to food, clothing, and shelter, connectivity has now become a crucial pillar of daily life.
“The internet is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity for education, communication, and commerce,” he said. “By using Afrimoney to recharge, subscribers not only enhance their financial freedom, but they also stand a chance to become landlords. It’s a win-win.”
Obeng-Agyei encouraged participants to take full advantage of the promotion by using Afrimoney for airtime purchases, highlighting how digital tools are helping redefine access and opportunity across Sierra Leone.
The Jubilee Jombo draws will air every weekday, Monday to Friday at 6:30 PM on AYV TV, AfriRadio 105.3 FM, the Africell Facebook page, and several major radio stations across the country.
This major promotion comes as both Africell and Taf Salone celebrate significant milestones. Africell’s 25 years of operations in Africa and Taf Africa Global’s 35-year legacy on the continent.
The Jubilee Jombo campaign reflects a shared commitment to gratitude, growth, and the continued upliftment of Sierra Leonean communities.
In a significant step towards strengthening healthcare delivery in rural Sierra Leone, Orange Sierra Leone has officially turn sod for the construction of a fully-funded health centre in Wai Village, Soro Gbeima Chiefdom, Pujehun District, Southern Province of Sierra Leone.
The symbolic turning of the sod ceremony was held on Wednesday, 16th April 2025, and brought together government officials, local authorities, development partners, and community stakeholders. The project, spearheaded and financed entirely by Orange Sierra Leone, aims to improve access to quality healthcare services for residents of the chiefdom and surrounding communities.
In his welcome address on behalf of the paramount chief of the chiefdom, Augustine Jah Zoker, Chiefdom Speaker, Soro Gbeima Chiefdom, described the initiative as a life-changing investment for the people of Wai and neighboring villages, all of which have long struggled with access to basic healthcare services.
“This health centre will not only serve the residents of Wai Village but also support surrounding communities in the chiefdom,” he stated. “It is a major step toward solving the long-standing health challenges our people have endured.”
He noted that the only existing health centre in Wai was severely under-resourced, lacking both equipment and personnel to effectively cater to the growing population. As a result, residents often had to travel long distances to seek medical attention in larger towns, a situation he described as unacceptable in the modern era. Zoker also acknowledged the strong community loyalty to Orange Sierra Leone, revealing that a majority of residents in the area are already subscribers to the network.
“Let me proudly inform Orange Sierra Leone that most of our people here are using your services. With this remarkable support to our community, we assure you that we will continue to support your brand. You are not just a company to us anymore you are a trusted partner in our development journey.”
Sheikh Hussein Feika, speaking on behalf of his elder brother Sheikh Feika Salim, Chief of Staff in the Office of the First Lady, expressed deep appreciation to Orange Sierra Leone for its commitment to enhancing healthcare in the chiefdom.
Feika revealed that his brother, Sheikh Feika Salim, had played a vital role in advocating for the project on behalf of the community through the Office of the First Lady. He noted that the successful lobbying effort resulted in the selection of Wai Village for the construction of the facility.
“For years, the people of Wai Village and neighboring communities have struggled with access to proper healthcare,” Feika said. “Pregnant women, in particular, face great risks, as they are often forced to travel over 100 miles to Pujehun Township to access better-equipped medical facilities. Sadly, many are forced to give birth along the highway, putting both mothers and newborns at serious risk.”
Feika emphasized that the construction of the health centre would be a transformational development for the area, improving health outcomes and saving lives, especially for vulnerable women and children.
Despite the joyous occasion, he mentioned that the community was mourning the recent loss of a beloved resident Ign. Munda Emmanuel Rogers, which slightly overshadowed the celebration. However, due to the significance of the project for the future of the village, the event proceeded as planned.
He concluded by noting that the new health centre when completed will bring relief to thousands of residents in Wai and surrounding villages who have long faced challenges in accessing timely and quality healthcare.
On his part, Sekou Amadou Bah, Chief Executive Officer of Orange Sierra Leone, emphasized that the project is more than just the construction of a building it is a commitment to hope, dignity, and a healthier future.
“Today, we are not only building walls. We are building hope. We are building dignity. We are building a healthier future for every man, woman, and child of this region,” Mr. Bah declared. “At Orange Sierra Leone, we believe true development is about impact supporting communities, empowering individuals, and transforming lives.”
Bah noted that Orange’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) framework rests on three core pillars: health, education, and culture. He highlighted that this health centre stands as a living testament to the company’s promise to make healthcare a right for all, not a privilege for a few.
CEO further stressed that a truly healthy community must also be educated and culturally enriched. “That is why, across the country, we are investing in schools, supporting digital learning, and promoting Sierra Leone’s rich cultural heritage,” he added.
The construction of the Wai Village Health Centre is the result of a collaborative vision supported by the Office of the First Lady, the Ministry of Health, and local leadership. Bah extended appreciation to all stakeholders involved in bringing the project to life, including planners, architects, and the future medical personnel who will serve the facility.
“To the people of Wai Town, this is your project. This is your future. Orange is here not only as a company but as a partner investing in your health, your learning, and your legacy,” Bah concluded.
In his keynote address, Dr. Charles Senessie, Deputy Minister I of Health and Sanitation, lauded Orange Sierra Leone for their support to rural healthcare through the turning of the sod for the construction of a new health centre in Wai Village, Soro Gbeima Chiefdom, fully funded by the company which he described the project as a vital step in complementing the government’s efforts to improve healthcare delivery across the country.
“Government alone cannot do everything,” he said. “We rely on partnerships with the private sector, and Orange is demonstrating a commendable commitment to national development.”
Dr. Senessie explained that the Ministry of Health has adopted a comprehensive, life-saving approach to healthcare that addresses the needs of individuals from pregnancy to old age, instead of focusing on isolated issues.
He emphasized that improving access to health facilities remains a top priority, and the construction of the health centre in Wai Village is aligned with that goal. He also revealed that the Ministry is pursuing an overall strategy to improve quality of life, which is anchored on four key pillars: infrastructure, human resources, medication, and laboratory services.
“Orange Sierra Leone is helping us address one of those key pillars infrastructures,” he noted. “And this will also help complement the other areas such as laboratory services and availability of medication.” Highlighting the impact of improved health infrastructure, Dr. Senessie shared that Sierra Leone has recorded a significant drop in maternal mortality rates.
“In 2014, our maternal mortality rate stood at nearly 1,000 deaths per 100,000 live births. Today, I’m pleased to say we’ve reduced that figure to about 354 per 100,000. That is a major achievement,” he said.
He concluded by stating that the construction of the new health centre in Wai Village will further contribute to reducing maternal and child mortality in the region and enhance access to quality healthcare for surrounding communities.
The project marks a critical milestone in Orange Sierra Leone’s ongoing efforts to bridge healthcare gaps and uplift underserved communities across the country. The event ended with the officially turning of the sod by key dignitaries present.
Koidu Holdings Limited has submitted a preliminary report to the Ministry of Mines and Mineral Resources detailing the impacts of the recent industrial strike in Kono District, which has now dragged on for nearly five weeks and is estimated to have cost the company between $6 million and $8 million in production losses.
The Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources, Julius Mattai, confirmed receipt of the report while speaking at a press briefing in Freetown, and further expressed concern over the significant disruption to operations at the company’s diamond mine.
The strike, which gained public attention following support from First Lady Fatima Bio and employees, was reportedly triggered by disagreements over wages and salary increments, pointing to a broader industrial dispute and financial standoff between workers and management.
“The company is deeply worried about the production losses incurred. This disruption affects not just their operations but also national export figures and economic output.” the Minister stated.
Reportedly, Koidu Holdings is one of Sierra Leone’s flagship mining operations, contributes roughly 12% of the country’s total export value, with a workforce of approximately 1,000 employees, mostly nationals. At one point, the sector’s export contribution had dropped drastically from 8.8% to 2.3%, highlighting the volatility of the industry.
Minister Mattai explained that, despite the ongoing strike, the company has managed to maintain some operations under what is known as “Care and Maintenance” mode, a scaled-down system designed to preserve machinery and critical systems until full production resumes.
“They realized that if most national staff return to work, they can still manage some level of production without completely shutting down,” he noted.
The minister also pointed to provisions in the revised Mines and Minerals Act, which allows licensed mining companies a 100-day notification period in the event of a strike or technical emergency. This legal window enables companies to engage relevant authorities while taking precautionary or corrective action.
However, Mattia clarified that while the Ministry of Mines focuses on health, safety, and technical operations, labor-related grievances fall under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Labour and Social Security.
“There’s a clear distinction in roles. When it comes to industrial actions triggered by salary disputes or working conditions, it’s the Ministry of Labour that takes the lead,” he emphasized.
The situation remains under review as stakeholders, including Koidu Holdings, government officials, and labor representatives, continue discussions aimed at resolving the standoff and restoring full operations
The Bank of Sierra Leone has announced an extension of the deadline for all financial institutions and fintech companies to fully integrate into the National Payments Switch.
In a press release issued on April 10, the bank stated that the new deadline is now set for June 30, 2025, extending the original date of March 31, 2025.
This extension is aimed at accommodating financial institutions and fintechs that were not ready to complete their integration by the initial deadline. All institutions are now required to route all domestic transactions through the National Switch to enhance the efficiency and security of payments in Sierra Leone.
The Bank of Sierra Leone has formally instructed all financial institutions and fintechs that have not yet joined the National Switch to engage with the National Switch Department to ensure complete integration into the system.
Additionally, the bank has confirmed that all existing bilateral arrangements between financial institutions and fintechs will remain permissible during the extended period from March 31 to June 30, 2025. By the end of this period, the Bank of Sierra Leone expects all institutions to be fully integrated into the National Payments Switch.
Sierra Leone’s exports to the USA will confront a 10% tariff, but specific products affected aren’t listed. Be that as it may, considering Sierra Leone’s export profile, likely impacted products may include:
Rutile and other minerals.
Agricultural Products: Exports like cocoa, coffee, and other agricultural commodities might also face the 10% tariff. Other products : The country also exports other products like titanium ore, aluminum ore, and fish, but these might not be specifically destined for the US market.
Exports to the USA account for a moderately small portion of its GDP. According to the available data, in 2024, Sierra Leone’s total exports were valued at $1.54 billion, with the majority going to countries like China, South Korea, and the Netherlands.
As for GDP, Sierra Leone’s economy is valued at $7.41 billion in 2024, with a GDP per capita of $856.
IMPACT
A 10% US tariff on Sierra Leone’s exports would likely have a negative impact on the country’s GDP. Sierra Leone’s economy relies heavily on exports, particularly in the mining and agricultural sectors.
An increase in tariffs would make Sierra Leone’s exports more expensive for US consumers, potentially leading to a decrease in demand and subsequently, a decline in exports.
This decrease in exports would likely have a ripple effect on Sierra Leone’s economy, impacting various sectors, including employment, investment, and government revenue. As a result, the country’s GDP could contract, exacerbating poverty and inequality.
Trade Imbalance: Sierra Leone has a trade deficit with the US, which means it imports more from the US than it exports. A 10% tariff on Sierra Leone’s exports to the US could worsen this imbalance, potentially hurting Sierra Leone’s economy.
Key Trade Figures :
US Exports to Sierra Leone: $109.67 million US Imports from Sierra Leone*: $29.61 million So, as of 2024, the trade balance is $80.06million in favor of the US.
– Trade composition : Sierra Leone’s exports to the US are mainly raw materials like diamonds, iron ore, and cocoa beans. These products might become more expensive for US consumers due to the tariff, potentially reducing demand and affecting Sierra Leone’s export revenue.
– Economic impact: The tariff could lead to higher prices for Sierra Leonean goods in the US market, making them less competitive. This might result in reduced exports, lower government revenue, and a potential decline in GDP.
With Sierra Leone’s current GDP at $7.41 billion, let’s recalculate the impact of a 10% tariff on its exports to the US.
Sierra Leone’s Trade with the US
– Export Value : Sierra Leone’s exports to the US are valued at $27 million. – Tariff Rate: A 10% tariff would increase the cost of these exports by $2.7 million.
Impact on GDP – Tariff Cost as a Percentage of GDP*: The $2.7 million tariff cost would be equivalent to about 0.036% of Sierra Leone’s GDP ($7.41 billion).
It’s worth noticing that Sierra Leone is not alone in facing US tariffs . Numerous African countries are subject to varying tariff rates, ranging from 10% to as high as 93% in the case of Madagascar. However, the impact of these tariffs can be particularly severe for smaller economies like Sierra Leone, which depend heavily on international trade to drive growth and development.
Any slowdown in China would matter more to Sierra Leone. The share of Sierra Leone’s exports going to China is triple that going to the US. It does not look likely that US taxes will cause a very high amount of pain to China, or to its trading partners.
Top Export Partners : – China: 18.3% of Sierra Leone’s global exports, with a value of $1.03 billion in 2023 – India: 96.5 million – Belgium: 72.5 million
Sierra Leone should be worried because taxes are inflationary, and they might prompt the US Federal Reserve to raise interest rates, or cut interest rates.
In conclusion, whereas the 10% USA tax might have a negative impact on Sierra Leone’s GDP, the extent of this impact will depend on various factors, including trade agreements and diversification efforts. Sierra Leone must diversify our exports, the trouble is President Bio doesn’t understand the ECONOMY.
The International Finance Corporation (IFC) has committed $12 million to support the development of Sierra Leone’s first commercial-scale onion farming operation, in partnership with Pee Cee Holding Ltd. (PCH).
The investment is expected to transform the country’s agricultural landscape, boost local food production, and reduce dependence on imported onions.
The funding will go to Pee Cee Agriculture (PCA), the agribusiness subsidiary of PCH, to establish a fully irrigated and mechanized 500-hectare farm. The facility will produce over 40,000 tons of onions annually, alongside other essential crops such as maize and potatoes. Designed to operate year-round, the project integrates precision irrigation technology, modern machinery, and advanced storage systems to reduce post-harvest losses and enhance supply chain efficiency.
“This investment is a game-changer for Sierra Leone’s agricultural sector,” said Mahesh Nandwani, CEO of PCH. “With IFC’s support, we are proving that high-quality, large-scale food production is achievable within the country—building a model for food security, job creation, and long-term sustainability.”
The project comes at a critical time for Sierra Leone, where the majority of onions and several key staples are still imported. By strengthening domestic production, the initiative aims to make food more accessible and affordable, while also offering employment and skills training opportunities, particularly for rural women.
Beyond funding, IFC has played a significant role in developing PCA’s model over the past four years. The partnership included technical advisory support to improve operational efficiency, environmental performance, and risk mitigation. Pilot programs led by IFC demonstrated dramatic improvements, with onion yields increasing tenfold compared to national averages.
“Investing in sustainable agriculture is essential for building economic resilience and reducing reliance on imports,” said Dahlia Khalifa, IFC Regional Director for Central Africa and Anglophone West Africa. “This partnership with PCH sets a new standard for commercial farming in Sierra Leone and across the region.”
PCH, which started as Pee Cee & Sons and has grown into one of Sierra Leone’s most prominent consumer goods companies, is leveraging its extensive distribution network to ensure local market access for the farm’s output. Through its subsidiaries, including Milla Group and Jolaks Manufacturing, PCH has already demonstrated its capacity for industrial innovation and market leadership.
This venture into agriculture represents a strategic expansion for the group, with a strong focus on climate-smart farming, food system resilience, and community impact. It also aligns with IFC’s broader goals of fostering inclusive private sector development across Africa.
With construction underway and a strong foundation already in place, the PCA project is expected to serve as a blueprint for future agri-investments in West Africa, delivering long-term value to farmers, consumers, and the wider economy.
