/ By admin / Blog/ • • • • • • • • • • • • • / 0 Comments

Sierra Leone Businesses Urged to Seize Global Opportunities at the Algiers International Fair 2026


As global trade continues to evolve, Sierra Leonean businesses are being strongly encouraged to participate in the upcoming Algiers International Fair 2026, one of Africa’s largest and most influential economic exhibitions.

Scheduled to take place from June 22 to June 27, 2026, at the Palais des Expositions in Algiers, the Fair represents a strategic platform for companies seeking international visibility, partnerships, and expansion into new markets.

Recognized as a major continental event, the Algiers International Fair brings together hundreds of exhibitors and thousands of visitors from across the world, covering sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, energy, services, and technology. The event has consistently demonstrated its capacity to connect African businesses with global investors and partners, reinforcing its role as a hub for trade and innovation.

For Sierra Leone, participation in such a high-level forum offers a unique opportunity to showcase local products, attract foreign investment, and promote the country’s economic potential on the international stage. From agribusiness and fisheries to mining services and emerging startups, Sierra Leonean enterprises stand to benefit significantly from exposure to diverse markets and business networks.

Economic experts emphasize that trade fairs like this are not merely exhibitions but gateways to concrete business deals, partnerships, and knowledge exchange. Companies that participate gain direct access to buyers, distributors, and policymakers, while also learning about global trends and innovations shaping their industries.

In recent editions, the Fair has attracted participants from more than 30 countries, highlighting its growing international appeal and the increasing importance of Africa in global trade dynamics.

Stakeholders in Sierra Leone—including the private sector, chambers of commerce, and government agencies—are therefore called upon to mobilize and support mass participation in the 2026 edition. Such collective engagement will not only enhance individual business prospects but also strengthen Sierra Leone’s economic diplomacy and regional integration.

As Africa moves toward greater economic cooperation under frameworks like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), events like the Algiers International Fair provide a timely and powerful platform for Sierra Leone to position itself competitively.

Now is the time for Sierra Leonean businesses to step forward, connect, and compete on the global stage.



Source link

/ By admin / Blog/ • • • • • • • • • • • • • • / 0 Comments

Orange Money Mastercard Launched, Expanding Global Digital Payment Possibilities in Sierra Leone


Orange Mobile Finance SL. Ltd has officially launched the Orange Money Mastercard virtual card, powered by Zenith Bank Sierra Leone, marking a major milestone in the country’s digital financial services landscape.

The virtual card connects Orange Money wallets to the global Mastercard network, enabling customers to make secure local and international payments with ease and flexibility.

The Orange Money Mastercard allows customers to go beyond traditional transfers by enabling payments for goods and services at Mastercard-accepting merchant points worldwide. It also provides access to online shopping, subscriptions, and other digital services, opening doors to the global digital economy.

Orange Money CEO, DAVID S. MANSARAY, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to inclusive financial innovation:

“The introduction of the Orange Money Mastercard marks a significant step forward in our vision to provide inclusive, accessible, and innovative financial solutions. This product empowers our customers to participate confidently in the global digital economy while enjoying the simplicity and security of Orange Money,” he said.

The CEO/Managing Director of Zenith Bank Sierra Leone, UGOCHUKWU IRECHUKWU, highlighted the importance of the partnership in advancing digital finance:

“We are proud to partner with Orange Money to launch the Orange Money Virtual Mastercard. This collaboration bridges banking and mobile money, enabling safe and convenient online and international payments while improving customer experience and supporting the growth of the digital economy,” he stated.

The product reflects a strategic collaboration with Mastercard to deliver world-class financial solutions tailored to local and international needs.

Mastercard’s Country Head for Ghana, Gambia, Liberia, and Sierra Leone, BOSSMAN AKUFFO KWAPONG, noted:

“We are delighted to collaborate with Orange Mobile Finance in Sierra Leone to drive digital transformation and enable seamless access to payments. Mastercard remains committed to empowering partners and customers through secure and innovative solutions.”

A Game Changer for Digital Payments

The Orange Money Mastercard is linked directly to customers’ wallets, providing real-time access to funds and enabling seamless transactions.

Key features of the Mastercard include secure online payments, global acceptance, enhanced security standards, and convenient access to e-commerce, travel, and subscription platforms.

Driving Financial Inclusion

The card is expected to benefit young people, small business owners, freelancers, and indi-viduals who previously faced limitations accessing international payment platforms. Customers can obtain and manage the virtual card through the Orange Money Maxit App, ensuring a simple and user-friendly experience.

About Orange Money
Orange Mobile Finance SL. Ltd provides secure and reliable mobile financial services, including money transfers, bill payments, and merchant services, serving millions of customers nationwide and promoting financial inclusion.

About Mastercard
Mastercard operates in over 200 countries and territories, enabling secure, simple, and accessible digital payments while empowering individuals, businesses, and economies worldwide.

About Zenith Bank Sierra Leone
Zenith Bank Sierra Leone delivers technology-driven banking services, supporting financial inclusion, SMEs, and digital transactions while bridging traditional banking with modern financial solutions.



Source link

/ By admin / Blog/ • • • • • • • • • • • • • • / 0 Comments

Sea Coach Announces Boat Ticket Fare Increase Citing Rising Fuel Costs


Passengers traveling with Sea Coach Boat Company Ltd will face higher ticket prices starting today, April 8, 2026. Management announced the fare adjustments in a public notice, attributing the price hike to ongoing increases in global fuel prices.

The revised pricing structure impacts both adult and child fares across local and foreign currencies. Under the new schedule, adult tickets purchased in Leones will rise from Le 1,125 to Le 1,200. Fares paid in US Dollars will also see an increase, moving from $45 to $50 per adult.

Families traveling with children will also feel the impact. Tickets for children aged 2 to 9 are increasing from Le 625 to Le 720, while the USD equivalent for child tickets will jump from $25 to $30.

In a statement signed by management on April 2, the Aberdeen-based transport company appealed to passengers for their understanding.

“Sea Coach remains committed to delivering safe, reliable, and high-quality service to all our customers,” the notice read. “We appreciate your continued support and understanding regarding this adjustment.”

The company, located on Sir Samuel Lewis Road in Aberdeen, Freetown, continues to operate its standard routes despite the economic pressures of fuel costs. Passengers seeking further information can contact the company via their official website or customer service lines.



Source link

/ By admin / Blog/ • • • • • • • • • / 0 Comments

How MAPCO’s EU-Funded Project Transformed Rural Finances


The Movement for Assistance and Promotion of Rural Communities (MAPCO), supported by the European Union, on Wednesday, 28 January 2026, held a project closure and official handing over ceremony to mark the successful conclusion of its initiative aimed at strengthening Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) for better governance and development in Sierra Leone.

The event, which took place in Bumpeh, Pejeh and Mongray Kpaka highlighted the transfer of a Revolving Loan Fund and a community Seed Bank to local community-based organizations (CBOs) and the certification of apprenticeship trainees.

Emmanuel Kondeh Marcathy, MAPCO’s Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, addressed attendees, describing the day as a significant milestone for the organization.

During his remarks, Macarthy elaborated on the project’s achievements. The initiative began with a revolving loan of 10,000 Leones in the first year, which increased to 12,000 in the second year. He proudly noted that communities such as Bumbeh Pejeh have benefited significantly, now boasting over 76,000 from the loan scheme. “We urge the beneficiary communities to make the best use of these funds,” he appealed.

Chief Abdulai Swaray, Chairman of the Village Development Committee in Bumbeh, expressed deep gratitude to MAPCO for its transformative impact. “Since MAPCO’s intervention, our dependency situation has changed dramatically.

Lamin Ensah Kaikai, the Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) Officer who represented the local council, welcomed all attendees. He recognized MAPCO as one of the few organizations making tangible contributions to the district. Kaikai emphasized the council’s commitment to combatting unregistered organizations operating in the district to promote positive change swiftly.

He urged community members to effectively utilize the grants and encouraged other organizations to follow MAPCO’s exemplary model in working towards poverty alleviation and self-sufficiency in local communities.

The ceremony culminated in the official handover of the Revolving Loan Fund to the community and the distribution of certificates to apprenticeship trainees, symbolizing the collective efforts of MAPCO, local leadership, and community members towards achieving sustainable development in Sierra Leone.



Source link

/ By admin / Blog/ • • • • • • • • • / 0 Comments

Air Sierra Leone Announces Expansion to New Routes


Air Sierra Leone has announced the launch of new additional routes as part of activities marking its 1st Anniversary of flight operations.

The airline, starting February, will commence direct flights from The Gambia (BJL) to the United Kingdom (LGW), further strengthening connectivity between West Africa and the United Kingdom. In addition, it will also operate a new regional route from Freetown to Banjul, enhancing travel convenience within the sub-region.

This expansion reflects Air Sierra Leone’s commitment to providing reliable, efficient, and accessible air travel while supporting tourism, trade, and cultural exchange across key destinations.



Speaking on the milestone, Group Chief Operating Officer at XE Jet Limited (Technical Partner to Air Sierra Leone), Sukhjinder Mann, reaffirmed the airline’s dedication to continuous growth, customer satisfaction, and regional integration as the airline celebrates one year of successful operations.

“We are extremely grateful to the governments of the United Kingdom and The Gambia for believing in our vision, understanding our business model and commitment to increasing connectivity between Africa and the European markets.

“This new route will allow all year connectivity between the key cities of Banjul and London and will quicken travel time between these 2 key city pairs. The connection between Freetown and Banjul will further boost the connectivity in the West Africa region.

“Within a year of launching flight operations, Air Sierra Leone is now firmly embedded on the global aviation stage and we will look to further increasing our network in the coming months.”

Passengers travelling to The Gambia can look forward to seamless connections, improved travel options, and the warm hospitality Air Sierra Leone is known for.



Source link

/ By admin / Blog/ • • • • • • • • • • / 0 Comments

RCBank Meets New Minimum Capital Threshold Ahead of 2027 Deadline


Rokel Commercial Bank (RCBank) has posted a substantial increase in the bank’s share capital, which rose by 200 percent from Le91.4 billion to Le274.4 billion (old Leones).

This growth was supported by a profit before tax of Le192.8 billion and a profit after tax of Le143.9 billion, indicating improved profitability and balance sheet strength, according to its 2024 financial statements released by the Bank of Sierra Leone.

In 2024, the Bank of Sierra Leone introduced a revised minimum capital requirement of Le274,455,866 billion (old Leones) for commercial banks, to be met by the end of 2027. RCBank became the first commercial bank to meet this new threshold in the same year the policy was announced, placing it ahead of the regulatory timeline.



The bank has also signaled intentions to expand beyond Sierra Leone. In November 2024, a delegation led by Managing Director Dr. Walton Ekundayo Gilpin visited Liberia to assess the feasibility of establishing operations there. During the visit, the team held engagements with senior Liberian officials, including the Governor of the Central Bank of Liberia and the Minister of Finance, while reviewing market conditions and potential strategic partnerships.

According to the bank, the Liberia engagement forms part of a broader long-term strategy aimed at expanding RCBank’s footprint within the ECOWAS sub-region.

Management believes that regional expansion could contribute to asset growth, diversify revenue streams, and strengthen Sierra Leone’s presence in the West African financial sector.

As RCBank prepares to hold its Fifty-Second Annual General Meeting on Tuesday, January 20, the 2024 results point to a year of consolidation and forward planning.

With strengthened capital, early compliance with regulatory requirements, and exploratory steps toward regional expansion, the bank enters the next phase of its operations with a reinforced financial position.



Source link

/ By admin / Blog/ • • • • • • • • • • • / 0 Comments

RCBank Scoops 192. 8 Billion Profit, Records Le275.4 Billion Share Capital


The Bank of Sierra Leone had released the 2024 Financial statements of Rokel Commercial Bank and the figures show an unprecedented growth amidst growing competition and external shocks in financial markets

The biggest achievement for the bank is the massive leap from Le91.4 Billion (old Leones) to Le274.4 Billion (old Leones) indicating a 200% increase in share capital. This massive increase has come on the back of a Le192.8 Billion profit before tax and a Le143.9 Billion (old Leones) Profit after tax.

Whilst loans and advances grew by 33%, customer deposits grew by a significant 13% (Le3.3 Billion) from 2.9 Billion in 2023. Whilst shareholder equity also increased by 33% (951.5 Billion), loans and advances amounted to Le702.2 Billion.



As the Bank gears up to its Fifty-Second Annual General Meeting on Tuesday 20th January, it is clear that the steady nature that has characterized its growth trajectory over the last couple of years has been premised on focused leadership. It could be recalled that in 2024 when the bank of Sierra Leone set a minimum capital requirement of Le274, 455, 866 Billion for all commercial banks by the end of 2027, the Rokel Commercial Bank was the first to meet that threshold the same year (2024).

In more recent times, the bank had set it eyes on subregional expansion. A high-powered delegation led by the Managing Director, Dr Walton Ekundayo Gilpin departed Sierra Leone for sister Republic of Liberia in November last year. Their mission; to research and evaluate opportunities for establishing a banking presence in Liberia.

The team analyzed market data, met with key Liberian officials (including the Governor of the Central Bank and Minister of Finance), and engaged potential partners. Part of RCBank’s long-term vision for regional expansion and to position Sierra Leone as a key financial player in ECOWAS.

That move signifies RCBank’s ambition to export its innovative banking services beyond Sierra Leone.It aligns with Sierra Leone’s national vision for local institutions to expand across West Africa. Ideally, a successful entry would boost RCBank’s assets and profits, and enhance Sierra Leone’s regional financial standing.



Source link

/ By admin / Blog/ • • • • • • • • • • / 0 Comments

Sierra Leonean Leone Ends 2025 as Second Weakest Currency in Africa


The Sierra Leonean Leone has concluded the year as the second weakest currency on the African continent, trading at nearly 21,000 to the United States dollar, according to year-end financial data released this week.

In a ranking of the ten African countries with the weakest currencies at the close of 2025, Sierra Leone placed second only to São Tomé & Príncipe. According to data cited from the Forbes Calculator, the Leone ended the year trading at 20,970 per US dollar.

This valuation places the Leone in a significantly more precarious position than regional peers.While São Tomé & Príncipe’s Dobra traded at 22,282 to the dollar, the gap between Sierra Leone and the third-ranked country, Guinea, is stark. The Guinean Franc ended the year trading at 8,741 to the dollar—less than half the exchange rate of the Leone.



For nations like Sierra Leone, such a depressed exchange rate frequently exacerbates daily hardships for citizens. The report notes that weak currencies tend to “increase inflation, deepen poverty, discourage investment, and impair a state’s ability to withstand shocks.”

While the report highlighted specific crises in South Sudan and Ethiopia regarding rapid depreciation and oil export reliance, the absolute value of the Leone against the dollar remains among the lowest on the continent. This devaluation makes imports significantly more expensive, hampering local businesses that struggle to plan or grow when operating costs fluctuate wildly.

The data reveals a challenging financial landscape for several East and West African nations. Following Sierra Leone, the top five weakest currencies were rounded out by the Guinean Franc, the Malagasy Ariary, and the Ugandan Shilling.

Top 5 Weakest African Currencies (End of 2025):

São Tomé & Príncipe Dobra: 22,282 per USD

Sierra Leonean Leone: 20,970 per USD

Guinean Franc: 8,741 per USD

Malagasy Ariary: 4,577 per USD

Ugandan Shilling: 3,610 per USD

As the country moves into 2026, the data suggests that stabilizing the Leone will be critical to restoring investor confidence and curbing inflationary pressures that affect the average Sierra Leonean household.



Source link

/ By admin / Blog/ • • • • • • • • • • / 0 Comments

Afrikonet.sl – The Fastest and Most Secure Online Marketplace in Sierra Leone


In today’s world, buying and selling online is one of the fastest ways to do business. But in Sierra Leone, many people still face challenges when it comes to shopping or selling online. That is why Afrikonet.sl was created — to make online buying and selling easy, fast, and secure for everyone.

Breaking the Barriers of Online Business in Sierra Leone

For many years, business owners and customers have faced problems such as:



Lack of trust between buyers and sellers
Limited or unreliable payment methods
Late deliveries and fake products
Few platforms where vendors can showcase their goods to a wider audience

Afrikonet.sl was launched to solve these issues. Since its launch in May this year, over 2,000 people have already joined the platform. This shows how ready Sierra Leoneans are for a reliable online marketplace.

Safe and Flexible Payment Options

Afrikonet.sl provides a simple and secure payment system that works for everyone. Buyers can pay using:

Orange Money
Afrimoney
Debit Card
Payment on Delivery

This flexibility gives both vendors and customers confidence in every transaction.

A Local Team You Can Trust

Afrikonet.sl is not just a website — it has a physical office and a dedicated team of marketers in Sierra Leone. The local presence means vendors and buyers can get real support whenever they need it. The marketing team helps vendors set up their stores, promote their products, and reach more customers.

A Golden Opportunity for Young People

In this digital age, young people have the chance to make money from the comfort of their homes. Afrikonet.sl gives Sierra Leonean youth a simple way to open an online store, list their products, and start earning. Whether you sell clothes, gadgets, food, or local crafts, Afrikonet.sl helps you grow your business fast.

Why Choose Afrikonet.sl

Fast and secure online transactions
Multiple payment options
Local presence and support team

👥 Trusted by 500+ users since launch
🚀 Great opportunity for young entrepreneurs

Join Afrikonet.sl Today

If you are a vendor who wants to grow your business or a buyer searching for trusted products, Afrikonet.sl is the solution.

Visit www.afrikonet.sl to open your store today and start making money online.



Source link