Sierra Leone’s leading mobile money service providers, Orange Money Sierra Leone, in collaboration with Conex, launched the ‘Pay with Orange Money at Conex Station’ initiative on Friday, August 18th, 2023, at Conex Fueling Station in Brookfields, Freetown.
The event aimed to enhance staff knowledge about the new customer facility and brought together employees from all Conex branches in Freetown.
David Mansaray, CEO of Orange Money Sierra Leone, expressed excitement about partnering with Conex, emphasizing Orange Money’s goal of financial digitization.
He said rheir vision is for Sierra Leone to transition into a cash-light society, reserving physical cash for extreme situations only.
Mansaray recounted a personal experience of needing fuel without physical cash, which inspired the partnership with Conex to address such challenges.
He envisioned extending Conex’s sales hours beyond 9 pm, exclusively accepting Orange Money to minimize night-time cash handling risks.
Avrajit Kar, CEO of Conex, emphasized the partnership’s significance in digitizing Sierra Leone, highlighting the convenience and transparency of using Orange Money for payments at Conex.
Abibatu Baxter, Head of Marketing Partnership and Strategy for Orange Money, detailed how to use the product on both smartphones and local phones. Smartphone users would download the Orange Money App and scan the QR code, while local phone users could dial #144# and select option 4.
The event concluded with the official launch by the CEOs of Orange Money and Conex. A promotion was introduced, offering Orange Money customers a chance to win one hundred liters of fuel for purchases made at Conex stations until the end of August.
In a recent announcement, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Henry Musa Kpaka, expressed his optimism about reducing onion imports to Sierra Leone in the coming years. Kpaka, who concluded his first full week in his role, visited the onion-rich region of Port Loko District and outlined plans to curtail the country’s dependency on imported onions within two and a half years.
The onion belt in Port Loko, boasting over 1,200 hectares of suitable lowland for onion cultivation, holds the key to this ambitious endeavour. The majority of onion cultivation in this area is carried out by smallholder farmers, who possess the necessary skills but face several challenges. Despite these obstacles, the potential benefits associated with the onion value chain are apparent to these farmers.
Minister Kpaka’s pivotal moment of conviction came during a visit to the Pee Cee and Sons Ltd (PCS) mechanized onion production site in Mathen village, Lokomasama Chiefdom. This site has demonstrated that Sierra Leone has the capability to significantly increase domestic onion production and thereby reduce the reliance on imports.
Pee Cee and Sons Ltd (PCS) conducted a pilot project covering 5.6 hectares of mechanized onion production last year, yielding 10 metric tons per hectare, which is below the estimated potential. However, with adjustments to soil pH, they anticipate achieving up to 30 metric tons per hectare.
Pee Cee and Sons Ltd (PCS) has strategically planned to cultivate 75 hectares during the October-December cycle and again in the February-May 2024 cycle. If these plans are executed successfully, an additional 4,500 metric tons of onions could be introduced to the market within the two cycles. To provide context, official trade data indicates that Sierra Leone imported slightly under 1,000 metric tons of onions in the entirety of 2022.
In a noteworthy initiative, Pee Cee and Sons Ltd (PCS) supported 900 smallholder farmers last year by providing inputs, mechanized plowing services, and training in sound agronomic practices for onion cultivation. The future prospects are even brighter, as Pee Cee and Sons Ltd (PCS) aims to dedicate nearly 640 hectares to onion cultivation within the next three years. These promising statistics are indicative of a potential path for Sierra Leone to transition from an onion importer to a net-exporter.
President Bio’s Feed Salone Programme, known for its strategic integration of the private sector to drive agricultural transformation, plays a significant role in this endeavour. The Government is dedicated to supporting private sector actors such as Pee Cee and Sons Ltd (PCS), recognizing that their success contributes to the overall prosperity of the nation.
As Sierra Leone sets its sights on self-sufficiency in onion production, Minister Kpaka’s enthusiasm and the progressive efforts of entities like Pee Cee and Sons Ltd (PCS) provide hope that the nation’s reliance on imported onions could be dramatically reduced within the next two years.
Arecent World Bank Food Security Update has ranked Sierra Leone top in the list of countries to have recorded the highest Price Inflation in West Africa.
The study covers a period of three months starting from March to June 2023.
Awoko Newspaper reported that Sierra Leone is at the apex after Nominal Food Inflation surged to a new peak of 58 percent. The West African nation surpasses its previous peak which was 56 percent.
The new data shows that Sierra Leone is at the top alongside West African neighbours, Ghana.
According to World Bank, the calculations include the use of Consumer Price Index (CPI) and the overall data of the CPI.
Experts have said that the country’s food inflation is affecting the majority of low and middle income earners.
The government acknowledged that the country is undergoing one of its worst economic shocks due to the protracted effect of the Ukraine war and other factors.
Most of the countries affected by food inflation are in Africa, Asia and Latin America. Venezuela ranked top of the list in World Nominal Food Inflation with a score of 414 while Zimbabwe leads in Real Food Inflation with a score of 80.
Sierra Leone scores 58 in Nominal Food Inflation and 13 in Real Food Inflation.
In today’s fast-paced world, convenience is paramount when it comes to financial transactions. We all seek hassle-free methods to meet our monetary needs swiftly and securely. That’s where Ezipay SL Merchant Cash Out comes into play, offering a seamless way to cash out money from your Ezipay SL Wallet through a reliable and trusted merchant.
Before delving into the details of Ezipay SL Merchant Cash Out, it’s important to understand the fundamentals of Ezipay SL. Ezipay SL is a digital wallet that allows users in Sierra Leone to perform various financial transactions using their smartphones. With Ezipay SL Moblie app, individuals can transfer money, conduct purchases, pay bills, and more, all with the touch of a button.
With Ezipay SL Merchant Cash Out, the days of standing in long queues or dealing with the inconvenience of finding an ATM are gone. Instead, individuals can seamlessly cash out money by visiting a merchant who is part of Ezipay SL. The process is straightforward and user-friendly, making it accessible to individuals of all backgrounds.
The benefits of using Ezipay SL Merchant Cash Out are aplenty. Firstly, it eliminates the need to carry physical cash, reducing the risk of loss or theft. Additionally, it saves users precious time by avoiding the need to visit an ATM or bank branch. Moreover, through Ezipay SL Merchant Cash Out, individuals have access to cash whenever and wherever they need it, eliminating any restrictions on financial freedom.
Ezipay SL Merchant Cash Out presents an innovative and user-friendly method for cashing out money from your Ezipay SL Wallet. By partnering with trusted merchants, Ezipay SL ensures a seamless and secure experience for its users. With this convenient feature, individuals can say goodbye to the hassle of visiting ATMs and embrace a hassle-free and efficient financial future. So why wait? Explore Ezipay SL Merchant Cash Out today and experience the ease and convenience it offers.
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One of Sierra Leone’s male models and ex-housemate Salone contestant Alimamy Sall Kamara popularly known as (Almon Sall) has been nominated as best African Fashion Model of the Year 2023 by the African Fashion Desingers Awards.
Almon Sall has represented Sierra Leone on international stages and he is reportedly the first Sierra Leonean model to be nominated for the award and was nominated among different Africans models.
Almon has called on his fans and Sierra Leoneans to support him win the award by voting endlessly for him.
The African Fashion Designer Awards is a fashion exhibition event that showcases Fashion through creative designers by allowing them to display their talent thereby boosting their confidence.
The African Fashion Awards is to raise the profile of African Fashion Creatives in the Global Fashion Industry ensuring that they are featured and considered as serious contributors in the global marketplace.
Air France is indefinitely suspending its flights to and from the country in October this year. This suspension is a blow to the nation’s aspirations of becoming a regional aviation hub. The decision, said to be attributed, to low traffic volume and high fees, poses significant challenges to both the nation’s economy and its prospects for tourism.
Just a few months prior, in March 2023, Sierra Leone celebrated a remarkable achievement – the inauguration of a state-of-the-art terminal at #Freetown International Airport, Lungi. Covering an impressive 14,000 m² area with a striking wavelike roof design, the terminal symbolized the country’s determination to position itself as a pivotal player in West African aviation. With a capacity to handle up to 90,000 passengers per month and accommodate eight widebody jets simultaneously, the new terminal promised a seamless travel experience for passengers and an attractive opportunity for airlines looking to expand in the region. This development led us to anticipate more flights, not fewer.
We were wrong. With the suspension of AirFrance, Sierra Leone is now left with only five major airlines serving the country, namely Turkish Airlines, Brussels Airline, Kenya Airways, ASKY Airlines and Royal Air Maroc. This reduction in air carriers is detrimental to businesses and the nation as a whole, and it is projected to result in a substantial loss of revenue.
Before AirFrance’s suspension, many passengers were already exploring alternative travel options, such as road or boat travel to #Guinea and then flying from Conakry, where airfares might be more competitive. The loss of AirFrance flights will exacerbate this issue and risk further dwindling passenger numbers.
As highlighted by Umaru Fofana (in a Facebook post), Sierra Leone must urgently rethink its tax policies to address the challenges faced by the aviation industry. Presently, passengers pay higher fares to travel to Sierra Leone compared to other destinations in West Africa. This dissuades potential travelers, especially members of the Sierra Leonean Diaspora, who make substantial investments in the country, from coming back home. Umaru’s suggestion to review the tax structure and additional charges at the airport is well-founded and requires immediate attention from the authorities.
The exorbitant cost of air travel also hampers Sierra Leone’s potential as a tourism destination. Revisiting the country’s economic and tourist policies is crucial to avoid short-sighted decisions that may result in significant long-term consequences. The present high costs deter international tourists from exploring Sierra Leone’s natural beauty and rich cultural heritage.
The suspension of Air France flights should serve as a wake-up call for Sierra Leone. While the opening of the state-of-the-art terminal marked a significant milestone, sustaining and expanding the aviation sector requires a comprehensive and strategic approach. Collaborating with airlines, revising tax policies, and enhancing promotional efforts to attract tourists are essential steps for #SierraLeone to fulfill its ambitions of becoming a thriving aviation hub and tourist destination in West Africa. Through proactive measures, we can rise above the current challenges and showcase our country. Let’s seize this opportunity and reform.
In a strategic move towards enhancing financial inclusivity in Sierra Leone, Rokel Commercial Bank has taken further steps in its digital expansion efforts.
The bank recently unveiled three new kiosks as part of its Agency Banking initiative, strategically placed at Mile 91, Rutile, and Lunsar.
Emile Sannah, Supervisor of the Rokel SimKorpor Unit, highlighted that this development was a key component of the bank’s vision to foster accessibility and streamline financial processes in Sierra Leone.
This forward-looking strategy also aims to introduce seamless paperless transactions, thus alleviating the financial burden previously endured by customers who had to travel considerable distances to access the bank’s facilities.
Leveraging state-of-the-art technology, Rokel Commercial Bank has effectively empowered more than 200 digital banking agents across the nation. These agents are now equipped to execute a wide array of financial transactions, mirroring the services traditionally provided by the bank’s main branches and outlets spread throughout the country.
Distinguished individuals who graced the launch event praised the management of Rokel Commercial Bank for its swift responsiveness to the concerns of the community.
Prior to this digital expansion, residents faced significant challenges in accessing their funds, often requiring arduous journeys to neighboring towns, resulting in substantial financial implications.
Emile Sannah emphasized the stringent background checks conducted on agents, coupled with the signing of legal agreements, ensuring the utmost security of funds.
Notably, the introduced services boast robust security features, including two-factor authentication and end-to-end encryption, providing customers with peace of mind while engaging in their financial transactions.
Rokel Commercial Bank (RCBank) has refuted a video shared widely on social media implicating the bank in fraud.
According to video, the bank was depicted to be engaged in fraud after one of the speakers in the video said there were missing notes with the bank’s wrappers.
The speaker said the monies were collected from the bank.
But a press release from RCBank refuted the allegation citing that it is a mere ploy to smear the image of the bank and its staff.
“We have carefully analysed the video and it is considered that the contents were not only fictitious but we’re a brazen attempt to discredit the work of our dedicated and highly trained professional cashiers,” the bank’s management said.
They added that the intent of the video is to bring down the reputation of bank’s management by “individuals with ulterior motives”.
This is second time in less than two months such video surfed the web with the first implicating ECOBANK. RCBank said the move on ECOBANK is synonymous to the one targeting their bank.
“Apparently, as if the instructions given in the first instance weren’t clear, they decided to correct their first mistake by recording another video in their determined campaign to drag the good image of the Rokel Commercial Bank into the mud,” they said.
The management of the bank said they will be working with the Sierra Leone Police to investigate the video and bring to book those responsible.
They urge the public to disregard the video while branding it to be “mischievous, corrosive and a faceless attempt” to reduce the bank’s credibility.
In a recent interview, Mrs. Kezia Salankole, the Head of Simkorpor at Rokel Commercial Bank, discussed the remarkable achievements of her department as they celebrated their five-year journey of success.
The commemoration marked not only a significant milestone for the bank but also for Sierra Leone as a whole.
During the interview, Mrs. Salankole emphasized how RCBank’s Simkorpor department has transformed the digital landscape and brought unprecedented convenience to Sierra Leoneans for their financial transactions.
“By leveraging cutting-edge technologies, the bank has empowered people to perform secure and seamless transactions from the comfort of their own homes or wherever they may be,” she said.
A standout accomplishment that Mrs. Salankole proudly shared was the expansion of the RCBank Simkorpor department, which can now boast of over 200 agency banking locations spread throughout the country. “This achievement is a testament to RCBank’s dedication to serving the needs of its customers and bringing innovative solutions closer to them,” she noted.
Mrs. Salankole acknowledged that customer orientation played a pivotal role in their success.
RCBank’s customer-centric approach ensures that every decision made by the bank is geared towards enhancing customer satisfaction. This dedication to customer service has been the driving force behind the success of their flagship program, the Simkorpor Service, which was initiated by their Managing Director, Dr. Gilpin.
Reflecting on the impact of the Simkorpor Service, Mrs. Salankole explained that it has become the bank’s digital icon, enabling customers to conduct various transactions, such as paying for goods and services, handling third-party services, and paying bills from anywhere they are located.
“This has facilitated financial inclusiveness, increased access to finance, and reduced costs for individuals, contributing to the growth of Sierra Leone’s economy,” she said.
While celebrating their achievements, Mrs. Salankole acknowledged the challenges they faced in promoting digital services, particularly in overcoming resistance from individuals not yet accustomed to using such technologies. However, RCBank’s dedicated marketing teams have been actively raising awareness among the masses, making strides to bridge the digital divide and encourage the adoption of their services.
Regarding security measures, Mrs. Salankole assured customers that the Sim Korpor Service incorporates robust security features. Transactions are protected by two-factor authentication and encrypted end-to-end to ensure maximum safety. However, she also emphasized the importance for customers to protect their phones with passwords and remain vigilant about their device security.
As RCBank continues to expand its digital footprint, the Simkorpor department’s success is a testament to the bank’s commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction. With over 200 agency banking locations nationwide, RCBank is poised to further drive financial inclusion and economic growth in Sierra Leone.
In its strive to become a green friendly Bank, RCBank celebrated its 4th anniversary of their Tree Planting Project at Petifu Kangalop, Masiaka on 27th July, 2023.
RCBank Limited is committed towards protecting and preserving the environment. The theme for this year’s celebration which attracted hundreds of guests and Community residents is: “Plant more trees, keep your environment pollution-free.”
The Chief Executive Officer /Founder of Shout Climate Change Africa (SCCA) Finnex John Asibor, recognizes RCBank Sierra Leone as one of the corporate institutions that have made conscious efforts to protect the environment.
Speaking on the rationale behind the Tree Planting Project, Managing Director Dr. Ekundayo Gilpin states “Because of the increase human pressure on the natural resources that includes mining, charcoal burning, firewood, illicit logging etc, that are harmful to the environment which leave the country to susceptible drought and excessive heat, I thought of this soundly and contacted my team members to embark on tree planting project that will alleviate the susceptible risk to the environment. We leased the land and partnered with Keeping Hope Alive (KHA) for the cleaning, maintenance, monitoring the health of trees and ensuring a friendly environment and for KHA to also advise us on key matters pertaining to the health and maintenance of the trees.
The tree planting project and arrangements initially started in early weeks of June, 2019 and because of the arrangements to get dignitaries, the first tree planting exercise commenced on the 5th of July 2019 after the clearing, cleaning and erection of our signpost and billboards.
The first tree planting exercise was colorful, memorable and remarkable with the presence of several dignitaries, and today we are thinking of them for their great contribution towards the success of this project, though most people that were present at that time are also here with us. However, there will also come a time when, some other people will remember us for our own contributions”
He further revealed that following the successful launch of the tree planting project in 2019, management discussed and agreed that the second phase should be “stop and plan a tree” that will encourage commuters to alight and walk to the site and plant a seedling, and that was schedule for a week, starting 22nd January 2020 till Friday 25th January, 2020. As this was seen as the first anniversary, the program was also a success to the drive and objectives of the bank.
He added that they have plans to construct a Botanical Garden at the site that will showcase wildlife, rare species and a better knowledge of the world at large. He called on Sierra Leoneans to be united like the Pine Trees in North America. He described the trees to be very tall with roots about 2ft down with interconnected roots underground that make them resistant to wind, storms, flood because they connect orderly. Pine Trees are easily recognized by most people, and very successful in maintaining solid and valuable stands.
Madam Lovetta Yatta Juana representing the Environmental Protection Agency Congratulates RCBank together with keeping Hope Alive for this great initiative. She emphasized the importance of the Tree Planting Project to Climate Change. She confirmed that Sierra Leone is a party to the Paris agreement that requires the members to make efforts to reduce the greenhouse gas in the country.
Representative of all the 14 commercial Bank’s in the country, Madam Shola Taylor Pierce, Congratulates RCBank on behalf of all the13 Managing Directors. She encapsulates that “The Message today is thank RCBank because they have placed a very good seed on the ground. 4 years ago I was here and the tree I planted is now taller than me. The power of a seed is what our MD spoke about – the Pine Tree, tall as it is; its roots never go deep down because the roots are intertwined. Together everyone achieving much and; that is what Sierra Leone Association of Commercial Bank is all about, headed by your very own MD Dr. Walton E. Gilpin”
Mrs. Jajua, Head of RCBank Marketing Unit, thanked the Invitees, security forces, Keeping Hope Alive Community, Residents and Staff of RCBank . She acknowledged that without their efforts the Project will not be successful.
The tree planting project would be a positive way of making the right impact in this area for people living in this community, that will not only benefit the people of this vicinity, but also those that are using this route and those coming to visit the site. The project is also parts of RCBank efforts to protect our planet and commitment to reduce the Carbon Foot print in the Environment.
