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Sierra Leonean Entrepreneurs to Benefit From $50 Million Loan


Young entrepreneurs, and female-led firms in Sierra Leone, Burkina Faso, Guinea, and Gambia have been announced as the prospective beneficiaries of a US$50 million loan guarantee by the African Guarantee Fund (AGF) to Vista Group Holding.

Under the terms of the agreement, AGF will offer a guarantee of $50 million to Vista Group Holding, enabling Vista to extend loans to SMEs in the four West African countries where it operates. The primary targets for these loans include businesses in the green economy, young entrepreneurs, and SMEs led by women.

Yao Kouassi, Managing Director of Vista Group Holding, expressed the significance of the partnership with AGF in their mission to empower SMEs and contribute to financial inclusion across West Africa. He emphasized that this facility would expand their reach and provide crucial financial support to businesses driving economic development in the region.



Particularly noteworthy is the commitment to supporting SMEs founded and led by women, with 20% of the total guaranteed amount allocated to them. The Afawa program will also provide technical assistance to these women-led SMEs, enhancing their access to financing.

Through the risk-sharing mechanism facilitated by AGF, Vista Group can strengthen the financial stability of its four African subsidiaries by mitigating risks associated with SMEs in its loan portfolio. This collaboration aims to unlock the immense potential of SMEs in the region and drive inclusive economic growth through increased access to financing.

Jules Ngankam, Group Chief Executive Officer of AGF, expressed excitement about partnering with Vista Group, a leading player in the West African banking landscape. The collaboration combines expertise and resources to empower SMEs in the region and foster inclusive economic growth.



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The Fresh Produce Shop Nurturing Women in Agriculture Across Sierra Leone


Nyanda Local Market, a bustling enterprise in the heart of Freetown, is more than just a place to buy fresh produce. It’s a testament to the power of women’s empowerment and agricultural innovation, driven by the vision of Madam Bintu Gbaio and her organization, Women in Agriculture and Development Sierra Leone (WIAD-SL).

Born from the desire to provide an outlet for WIAD-SL’s agricultural products and support other outgrowers, Nyanda has become a beacon of success.

Since its inception in 2018, Madam Bintu has partnered with women in Kailahun district, providing them with seeds, technical assistance, and tools, fostering a collaborative share-harvesting model.



Their efforts have yielded impressive results. WIAD-SL boasts a thriving seed bank and has produced over 1,000 50kg bags of rice, with ambitious plans for further growth. Beyond rice, they cultivate vast cassava plantations, processing the harvest into diverse products like Garri, fufu, and cassava flour, all available at Nyanda Local Market.

The impact extends far beyond economic empowerment. Recognizing the importance of education, WIAD-SL implemented adult literacy programs and even sponsored members to pursue primary and secondary education. One member is even preparing for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination, a remarkable achievement.

Nyanda Local Market serves as a sustainable platform for the women’s produce, ensuring fair compensation and inclusivity. It also caters to older women who may not be actively involved in farm work, offering opportunities for all age groups.

A beneficiary expressed gratitude for the initiative, highlighting the acquisition of valuable skills in crop cultivation, especially in growing vegetables that generate income.

Madam Bintu Gabio emphasized that Nyanda Local Market’s registration as an affiliate of WIAD-SL ensures sustainability. The market sells various products produced by the women, supporting those who may no longer engage actively in farm work due to age.

Madam Gabio appealed to the government and other organizations for support, acknowledging the contribution of a few agricultural processing machines provided by the World Bank and SCARDEP. She expressed a commitment to feeding Sierra Leone through their initiative if given the necessary support from the government.

The success of Nyanda Local Market serves as a testament to the transformative impact of empowering women in agriculture, not just economically but also through education and skill development.



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Orange Sierra Leone Becomes First Telecom Company to Acquire ISO 9001:2015 Certification


Orange Sierra Leone has achieved a significant milestone, becoming the first telecommunications company in the country to be certified with the international standard ISO 9001:2015 for quality management systems.

This prestigious recognition signifies Orange’s commitment to delivering exceptional service and continuous improvement, solidifying their position as a leader in the Sierra Leonean telecom industry.

The ISO 9001 standard sets a globally recognized benchmark for quality management systems, empowering organizations to enhance performance, meet stakeholder needs, and demonstrate unwavering dedication to quality. By adhering to its stringent requirements, Orange Sierra Leone has established and implemented robust processes for continual improvement across all aspects of their operations.



“Obtaining this certification from an accredited body instills even greater confidence and trust in our commitment to improving the lives of Sierra Leoneans,” said Sekou Amadou Bah, CEO of Orange Sierra Leone. “We strive to provide exceptional and responsible digital solutions aligned with international standards, and this certification underscores our dedication to constantly refining our performance and stakeholder satisfaction, particularly our valued customers.”

Rufina Adjivon Tucker, Project Lead and Program Director at Orange Sierra Leone, echoed this sentiment. “This certification serves as a powerful testament to our unwavering commitment to quality standards and our relentless pursuit of excellence,” she remarked.

Cheikh Diongue Mbaye, Chief Compliance Officer of Orange Sierra Leone, further emphasized the significance of this achievement. “This isn’t merely a test of our integrity; it’s an opportunity to showcase our dedication to upholding the highest standards through compliance with established international norms,” he stated.

By achieving ISO 9001:2015 certification, Orange Sierra Leone has demonstrably committed to exceeding stakeholder expectations, particularly their customers. This certification signifies their dedication to fostering a culture of continuous improvement, ensuring sound quality control processes, and ultimately building trust and satisfaction.

Orange Sierra Leone is a leading telecommunications operator in Sierra Leone, providing mobile and internet services to millions of customers. The company is committed to delivering innovative and reliable solutions that connect people and empower communities. Orange Sierra Leone is part of the Orange Group, a leading global telecommunications operator present in 25 countries across Africa and the Middle East.



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Step-by-Step Guide to Make Freetown Terminal Payments With GTBank Internet Banking


To enhance customer convenience and streamline payment processes, Guarantee Trust Bank Sierra Leone (GTBank SL) has introduced step-by-step instructions for making Freetown Terminal payments through their Internet banking platform.

To initiate the payment process, customers are instructed to visit the official website of GTBank Sierra Leone at https://www.gtb.sl. Once on the website, users are prompted to click on the prominent “Big Green Button” to authenticate their access.

Upon successful authentication, customers are required to enter their unique customer ID and password. After entering the credentials, clicking on the “Green Button” allows users to access the various functionalities available on the platform.



For Freetown Terminal payments specifically, users are guided to click on the “payment & collection” section and then choose the “Freetown Terminal” option. This directs them to a new interface where they are prompted to click on “Make New Payment.”

On the new payment screen, customers are prompted to input essential details for their transaction. This includes the Invoice Number and the Customer Code. Once these details are correctly filled, users are instructed to click the “continue Button” to proceed with the payment.

The final step involves clicking on the “Pay” button to validate the payment. This action confirms the transaction and ensures that the payment is successfully processed through the GTBank Internet banking platform.

GTBank’s initiative to provide step-by-step instructions for Freetown Terminal payments aims to simplify the user experience and facilitate efficient transactions. By offering a user friendly interface and clear guidelines, the bank aims to empower its customers to seamlessly navigate the online banking platform and carry out transactions with confidence.

This move aligns with the broader industry trend of financial institutions leveraging technology to provide secure and accessible banking services. GTBank continues to demonstrate its commitment to customer satisfaction and innovation by implementing features that enhance the overall banking experience for its clientele.

Customers are encouraged to follow these step-by-step instructions to experience a hassle-free process when making Freetown Terminal payments through GTBank’s Internet banking platform. As technology continues to play a pivotal role in the banking sector, GTBank remains at the forefront, adapting and evolving to meet the changing needs of its customers.



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Sierra Leone’s Cocoa Industry Ranks Third in Export Revenue


Cocoa has emerged as a major player in Sierra Leone’s economy, ranking third in export revenue generation, according to a recent government-private sector roundtable.

The event, held on January 18th, brought together key stakeholders to discuss the sustainable development and investment potential of the cocoa sector.

The roundtable, themed “Making Sierra Leone’s Cocoa Sector Investible and Sustainable,” highlighted the crucial role of collaboration in fostering policy changes, government partnerships, and unlocking the industry’s full potential.



The International Finance Corporation (IFC) estimates that cocoa generated over US$22 million in 2018, accounting for 11% of the nation’s total exports. However, a significant gap exists between current exports and the sector’s true potential, with an estimated US$30 million waiting to be tapped.

This promising outlook comes on the heels of the World Economic Forum’s 54th Annual Meeting, where the IFC emphasized the importance of transparency, consistency, and accountability in building trust and fostering investment. The meeting attracted over 100 representatives from various sectors, including governments, international organizations, and businesses.



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Bank of Sierra Leone Approves Mohamed Alhajie Samoura as Managing Director/CEO of UBA Sierra Leone


United Bank for Africa (UBA) Sierra Leone Limited is pleased to announce the approval of Mohamed Alhajie Samoura by the Central Bank of Sierra Leone as the substantive Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer of UBA Sierra Leone.

The “No Objection” approval was received from the Bank of Sierra Leone on 30th January 2024 following the approval of his nomination by UBA Group Office and the UBA Sierra Leone Board of Directors in December 2023. Having served as the Acting MD/CEO since February last year, Mohamed is the first Sierra Leonean to attain such position in the bank since the bank started it operations in Sierra Leone in 2008.

Mr. Samoura is the 6th MD/CEO of UBA Sierra Leone after his predecessor, Usman Isiaka who is now serving the bank as Deputy MD/CEO of UBA New York.



Since he assumed the seat, Mr Samoura has continued to build on the legacies of his predecessors, he continues to double the figures in revenue, profitability, deposits, account opening and risk assets. He is very passionate about the UBA Brand and has been an exceptional promoter of Sierra Leonean businesses.

Until his appointment as the substantive Managing Director /Chief Executive Officer of UBA Sierra Leone, he was the Executive Director, Business Development in the bank, and Acting MD/CEO UBA Sierra Leone. Mohamed is a seasoned banker with close to two decades of working experience in Sierra Leone banking industry.

Mohamed has several accolades and most recently was named amongst the 100 Most Outstanding Executives in Sierra Leone by the Sierra Ovation Awards. During this short period and under his leadership, UBA Sierra Leone team won the 2023 prestigious Bank of the Year awards from the Banker’s Financial Times UK. Africa Branding Agency celebrating Banking Excellence in Sierra Leone/recognition of UBA Sierra Leone as Top 10 Financial Institutions & Mr. Samoura Top 5 Financial Leaders in Sierra Leone. African Ovation Awards for recognition of outstanding customer service, contribution, and commitment to social and economic development of Sierra Leone. A total of 10 Executive Management staff were awarded 2023 Sierra Leone Leadership Award honouring the Top 100 Emerging Leaders in Sierra Leone 2023. The Salone Times Newspaper one of the leading news agencies in Sierra Leone named him amongst the 10 Most Influential Sierra Leoneans in 2023. The bank also won Climate Positive Bank of the Year awards at the 7thEnvironmental Care Awards organised by Shout Climate Change Africa partnering with Sierra Leone Meteorological Agency and Freetown City Council and many more accolades on records.

He holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in History and Political Science and a master’s degree in business administration and marketing.

Mr Samoura has a wealth of experience and understanding of the country’s corporate and institutional banking landscape.

The appointment of Mr. Samoura as Managing Director is in line with the UBA Group’s strategic focus on domesticating the bank’s governance, products and services to meet the local requirements of the host economy in all its 20 presence countries in Africa and further supporting human capital development across the continent as we expose the local staff to international standards and global best practices.

Operating in twenty African countries and in the United Kingdom, the United States of America, France and the United Arab Emirates, United Bank for Africa provides retail, commercial and institutional banking services, leading financial inclusion and implementing cutting edge technology. UBA is one of the largest employers in the financial sector on the African continent, with over 30,000 employees group wide and serving over 37 million customers globally. UBA Sierra Leone currently has over 400,000 customers with the strong vision to be the undisputed leading and dominant financial services institution in the banking sector in Sierra Leone.



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Sierra Leonean Digital Osusu App, MiKashBoks Introduces Innovative Personal Savings Feature


MiKashBoks, the pioneering “Osusu Na Yu Phone” fintech app founded by Sierra Leonean tech entrepreneur Salton Massally, proudly announces the launch of its personal savings feature, now available to customers in Sierra Leone.

Expanding its commitment to financial empowerment, MiKashBoks enables users to effortlessly transfer funds from their mobile money to their Personal “Mi Cashbox” wallets. This new feature allows users to grow their savings and earn interest securely, enhancing their financial stability and independence.

Key Benefits of Individual Savings Feature:

1. Secure Growth: Safely increase savings with a dedicated “Mi Cashbox” wallet.
2. Set goals and track your progress
3. Earn Interest: Benefit from earning interest on saved funds, contributing to financial growth.
4. Ease of Use: Transfer funds seamlessly from your mobile money to your Individual “Mi Cashbox” accounts.
5. Access to your money when you need it – no need to queue in a bank!



Since its August 2023 inception, MiKashBoks has grown rapidly, adding 1500 customers in its first 90 days.

MiKashBoks recently obtained its financial services licence from the Bank of Sierra Leone and has also stated its commitment to supporting financial literacy in the country.

“The introduction of ‘Mi Cashbox’ for personal savings is a game-changer in our mission to enhance financial empowerment in Sierra Leone. This feature allows our users to grow their savings securely and offers the added benefit of earning interest, contributing to their financial wellness. We remain committed to innovating in ways that support and expand financial inclusion, providing our users with robust tools to build their financial futures.” – Salton Massally, Founder, MiKashBoks

For Sierra Leone residents, you can Download MiKashBoks on the Google Play Store. For non-smartphone users, save and receive payouts using the SMS/USSD shortcode *352#.



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NP (SL) Limited Commissions New Aberdeen Road Fuel Station in Freetown


Sierra Leone’s leading  fuel distribution Company NP (SL) Limited  has Commissioned the NP Aberdeen Road Fuel Station on Monday 29th January, 2024.

The commissioning is geared towards expanding NP’s brand and market volume throughout Sierra Leone. The Company is focused on boosting partnerships with reputable individuals to enhance the supply of quality petroleum products to the general public.



A statement from NP’s Chief Executive Officer Kobi Walker, said many who are plying the Aberdeen Road  would not have thought that the new station is big enough to accommodate all the station modern equipment. He expressed appreciation working with one of their trusted Partners Hassan Sow, for selecting Np as a reliable Partner,

“We want to send a message that it is possible for Sierra Leoneans to do business with Sierra Leoneans. We want to send a message that the only people who will nake this country are Sierra Leoneans. We want to send a message that when you empower the nation, your are empowering individuals,” he said.

Speaking on the benefits of the Partnership,  he revealed that their Partner, Hassan Sow has today created employment for at least 20 People and there is a guarantee that a minimum of 100 people will survive from this investment.

The CEO further expressed appreciation to all those who helped to make the Project a success assuring every liters bought from the said station will benefit Sierra Leoneans.

General Manager of Np, Saidu Mansaray emphasized that they are in a period where  only actions can speak. He pointed out that he believes they can realize their actions based on the testimonies they will be getting from customers accessing their petroleum Products. He assured that most of the things that are present in the new facilities, NP will replicate them across all Np stations including its strategic partners

Climaxing the event was the cutting of the tape by the CEO of NP-SL Ltd, Kobi Walker and the Proprietor, Hassan Sowe marking the official commissioning of the NP Aberdeen Road Fuel Station

NP enjoys over 60% market shares, arguably the most capitalized institution in Sierra Leone with an investment of over $30m to rehabilitate the finest and most sophisticated terminal in this part of the world.

The company has forged strategic Alliances and Partnerships with over 200 retail outlets all over the country as they currently supply over 80% of Ministries, Department and Agencies.

NP can boast of being the preferred supplier to virtually all the diplomatic missions in Sierra Leone and as if that is not enough NP is also on the trajectory of becoming the first company that will automate and digitize sales as they move towards cashless transactions and solutions.



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RCBank Honored with National Education Champions Award for Outstanding Contributions to Sierra Leone’s Education and Development


Rokel Commercial Bank, standing as the leading commercial bank in the nation, is swiftly gaining early recognition in 2024 for its substantial contributions to education and the overall development of Sierra Leone.

The bank’s remarkable efforts in supporting education and community development have not gone unnoticed, marking a commendable start to the year.

The Bank was awarded for its eminent contributions to the educational sector over the past five years on the 27th January, 2024 during the National Education Champions Awards – Dinner & Awards Night at the Hotel Cabenda Signal Hill Freetown by the Mamie Mariama Justice Ganawah Education Foundation.



Additionally, the Foundation presented a plaque award of Significant Contributor in the Education Sector to the Managing Director & CEO of RCBank, which was received by the Head of Public Relations Unit (Aruna Dumbuya) on behalf of the MD.

The keynote speaker, Mr. Alhaji Allieu Sesay is an accomplished Policy Analyst, Economic Management Specialist, Tax & Customs Expert, Macroeconomist, and Econometrician with over twenty-five (25) years of professional experience in research, policy analysis, public policy, management, economic and public financial strategist.

Mr. Sesay recognized the good work of the foundation and commended Mr. Justice Ganawah for thriving on the ideologies of his mother. Mr. Sesay noted the importance of education and encouraged all to support the philanthropic work of the foundation; as the foundation’s concept is in line with the achievement of quality and sustainable education and meeting Universal Global Objectives for poverty reduction and sustainable development in education.

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Justice Ganawah – of the Foundation commented on the focus, mission and vision of the foundation, stating that their work is geared towards achieving quality and sustainable education for the less privileged and hardworking students in Sierra Leone.

‘Hence Mamie Mariama Justice Ganawah Education Foundation (MaMJGEF) is here for the less privileged and hard-working students to acquire high-quality education and to ensure high standards in the educational system in Sierra Leone, he stated’. He apprised that their vision is to eradicate illiteracy in Sierra Leone by creating an educational platform that ensures the highest standards of an inclusive system.

Commenting on the background and purpose of the foundation, Mr. Ganawah stated that the foundation is built on the legacy of the late Mamie Mariama Ganawah of blessed memory, who was someone that had passion for high-quality education.

The Mamie Mariama Justice Ganawah Education Foundation (MaMJGEF) is raising awareness among members to take active roles in improving the nationwide problem of access to quality education and its importance in the country. The foundation’s purpose is to work with a mission of informing vulnerable communities about literacy issues in the country.

The impressive honor awarded by The Mamie Mariama Justice Ganawah Education Foundation (MaMJGEF) reflects the Bank’s outstanding performance and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) services to the people of Sierra Leone.

Dr. Gilpin’s Humanitarian Foundation (GEED) maintains similar ideologies and creeds to that of The Mamie Mariama Justice Ganawah Education Foundation (MaMJGEF) to consider the underprivileged and destitute.

RCBank – The Bank of choice!!!!!



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QNET Wins 3 Awards at 2023 Marcomm Awards


QNET’s insightful YouTube video showcasing the impact of its financial literacy programme, Fingreen, has been honoured with three prestigious gold award at the 2023 MarCom Awards. Titled “FinGreen: Seeding Financial Literacy for a Brighter Future,” the video shines a light on QNET’s FinGreen initiative, a peer-to-peer educational program designed to improve financial understanding in underprivileged communities.

The video opens with a striking statistic: only one in three adults worldwide possess financial literacy. It then elaborates on how FinGreen contributes to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals by addressing inequality and promoting decent work and economic growth opportunities.

“FinGreen is tailored for women and youth in emerging economies, “says Malou Caluza, CEO of QNET. “Historically, women have had limited access to financial services compared to men. Although mobile banking and payment platforms have recently improved accessibility, many still lack the essential knowledge for making informed financial decisions.”



According to experts at the International Federation of Accountants, individuals who lack financial literacy are more vulnerable to fraud, less likely to save their money, more likely to have a large amount of debt, and are at a higher risk of bankruptcy.

Ms. Abass Bushira, a young woman leading an agricultural venture testified: “The FinGreen training felt like it was designed with me in mind. The curriculum covered topics such as budgeting, investment strategies, debt management, banking, financial planning and others.”

Launched initially in Turkey and Nigeria in 2022, and expanded to Ghana in 2023, FinGreen primarily targets women and youth in developing regions. The FinGreen programme partners with local experts to assess and identify underserved communities that could most benefit from greater education and inclusion. In Ghana, more than one thousand young people and women were trained in the cities of Accra and Ho.

According to Michael Andoh, a student of the Accra Technical University, “I have learnt how to achieve personal financial discipline and how to carefully prepare a simple budget for my personal expenses.”

Caluza believes the MarCom award underscores the video’s success in communicating FinGreen’s mission of individual empowerment for community upliftment.

The MarCom Awards is a premier international creative competition. FinGreen: Seeding Financial Literacy for a Brighter Future was one of 6,500 entries from more than 47 countries submitted this year. The video clinched a gold trophy for outstanding achievement.

Encouraged by FinGreen’s success in Nigeria, Ghana, and Turkey with more than 3200 people empowered, QNET will soon expand the programme to Morocco. Readers can view the winning video here or learn more about FinGreen here.

About QNET

QNET is a prominent lifestyle and wellness company that uses a direct selling business model to offer a wide selection of exclusive products that enable individuals to embrace a healthier, more balanced life. Established in 1998, QNET marks 25 years of making an impact around the world through its product offerings and e-commerce-powered business model, in 2023.

QNET proudly holds memberships in the Direct Selling Association in several countries, the Hong Kong Health Food Association, the Health Supplements Industry Association of Singapore, and more. QNET is also active in several global sports sponsorships including in its role as the official direct selling partner of the Manchester City Football Club and the Confederation of African Football (CAF), underscoring its commitment to excellence and global reach.

To learn more about QNET and its mission of RYTHM – Raise Yourself To Help Mankind, please visit www.qnet.net.



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