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Orange Money and AMJAM Launch KwikMoni Loan Service to Empower Small Businesses in Sierra Leone


Orange Mobile Finance SL Ltd (OMFSL) and AMJAM & Associates Ltd have introduced a groundbreaking financial initiative aimed at boosting small businesses across Sierra Leone.

The KwikMoni Loan Service, officially launched on Monday, offers digital microloans to Orange Money subscribers, agents, and merchants, providing them with quick access to credit.

The launch event, held on 5th May 2025, at the OMFSL head office, drew key stakeholders, including executives from OMFSL, representatives from AMJAM, financial institution delegates, Orange Money partners, and members of the press. The atmosphere was vibrant with optimism as industry leaders highlighted the potential of KwikMoni to transform financial inclusion and support entrepreneurship.



A Digital Solution for Financial Empowerment

KwikMoni is designed as a fast, secure, and entirely digital loan service. It enable users to borrow money directly from AMJAM with funds deposited into their OM wallets. Developed by AMJAM, the service leverages a data-driven scoring model to assess eligibility, offering loan amounts ranging from NLe1,000 to NLe5,000 for agents and merchants, and up to NLe1,000 for subscribers.

Loans are available 24/7, with repayment periods of 7 days for agents and 30 days for merchants and subscribers. The initiative is tailored to meet liquidity challenges faced by small business owners, helping them manage stock, cover short-term expenses, and maintain cash flow.

Voices from the Leadership

During the event, Sekou Amadu Bah, Board Chairman of OMFSL, underscored the strategic importance of KwikMoni:

“We are breaking down barriers that have kept too many out of formal credit systems. KwikMoni is not just a service, it’s an opportunity for growth and financial empowerment.”

David Samba Mansaray, CEO of Orange Mobile Finance SL Ltd, emphasized KwikMoni’s potential to drive economic resilience:

“KwikMoni is more than just a loan, it’s a tool for empowerment. Whether you’re a market woman, taxi driver, or small shop owner, this service grants you immediate access to working capital, helping you grow your business and secure your livelihood.”

Marju Jalloh, CCO of AMJAM, representing the CEO, highlighted the partnership between AMJAM and OMFSL:

“This collaboration showcases the transformative potential of technology. KwikMoni embodies trust, inclusion, and innovative finance values central to our commitment to the community.”

Who Can Benefit from KwikMoni?

KwikMoni is accessible to:

  • Fully registered Orange Money subscribers
  • Orange Money merchants
  • Orange Money agents

Eligibility is based on transaction consistency and usage patterns on the Orange Money platform. To apply, users simply dial:

  • #144*7# for Subscribers
  • #145*9#, select option 12 for Agents
  • #146*9# for Merchants

Empowering the Informal Economy

The introduction of KwikMoni is expected to significantly impact the informal sector, which forms a large part of Sierra Leone’s business landscape. By providing easy and immediate access to credit, the service helps bridge the financing gap that many small enterprises face.

Business owners, including traders, Keke riders, and kiosk operators, no longer need to rely on informal borrowing. The digital nature of KwikMoni means they can secure loans without leaving their workplace—no paperwork, no collateral, and no queues.

Moving Forward

KwikMoni marks the latest in a series of financial innovations from OMFSL and AMJAM, focused on expanding digital financial services to underserved communities. With a growing user base exceeding 2 million, the companies remain committed to fostering economic resilience through accessible and innovative solutions.

For more information, customers are encouraged to contact Orange Money Customer Service, dialling: 111.

This launch marks a pivotal step in Sierra Leone’s journey towards inclusive financial services, offering small businesses a reliable way to access credit and strengthen their economic stability.

 



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Orange Money Launches ‘Kotoku’ Wallet to Empower Small Businesses


Orange Money has officially launched its highly anticipated ‘Kotoku’ initiative.

The launching ceremony was held on Friday, 18th October 2024, at Orange’s office, Rawdon Street in Freetown.

The initiative aim to support and empower small businesses across Sierra Leone, and the launching was met with excitement, especially from market women who sang in unison, “Kotoku na wan word oh, oh yah, Kotoku na wan word oh, oh yah,” reflecting their enthusiasm for this new mobile money solution.



The ‘Kotoku’ product, named after the Krio word for “pocket,” is a mobile money service designed to enhance financial transactions for small business owners, particularly in the informal sector. It provides a secure, accessible, and user-friendly platform for traders to save, send, and receive money. This will help them better manage their finances, conduct payments, and grow their businesses.

In his remarks, Joseph Saffa Tengbeh, Head of Marketing, Strategy, and Partnership at Orange Money, explained that ‘Kotoku’ is tailored for small and medium-scale businesses. He noted that in the past, when customers wanted to pay via Orange Money, traders would often ask for payments to be made to their personal numbers, leading to additional costs, such as cash-out fees.

The ‘Kotoku’ initiative addresses these issues by creating a separate business wallet for traders, allowing them to manage both personal and business transactions on the same number. “With ‘Kotoku,’ business owners now have a designated business wallet. This system not only makes their transactions more professional but also eliminates the need for additional cash-out fees and even offers commissions on payments received,” Tengbeh stated.

He added that ‘Kotoku’ is not just for business owners but also caters to Keke riders, bike riders, taxi drivers, and other small-scale entrepreneurs.
He encouraged small business owners to enroll in ‘Kotoku’ by dialing #144810# or registering with Orange Money field sales agents, who are providing free enrollment services. One of the key benefits of the initiative is that businesses do not need formal registration to qualify for the service, a departure from the previous merchant system.

Additionally, Tengbeh highlighted that ‘Kotoku’ users will not need separate passwords for their business wallet, as it will operate with the same credentials as their personal wallet.

He further emphasized the advantages of the initiative, noting that business owners who use ‘Kotoku’ will receive commissions on payments made through their wallet, enjoy free cash-outs, and be able to transfer funds to other ‘Kotoku’ wallets without incurring any charges. Traders using ‘Kotoku’ are also eligible for loans of up to NLE 5,000.

David Mansaray, Chief Executive Officer of Orange Money, stressed the significance of ‘Kotoku’ in empowering small businesses. “Small businesses are the backbone of Sierra Leone’s economy. With ‘Kotoku,’ we are ensuring that these businesses, many run by women, have access to modern financial services that will support their growth and sustainability,” Mansaray said.

Mansaray noted that ‘Kotoku’ is part of Orange Money’s broader strategy to empower businesses in a country where many small-scale traders lack access to formal banking services. He highlighted that ‘Kotoku’ users will benefit from commissions on transactions and assured business owners that payments made into their ‘Kotoku’ wallets are secure, with no possibility of payment reversals, unlike regular Orange Money accounts.

“Kotoku is built for Sierra Leone, and our goal is to help small business owners earn more and grow their enterprises. Join ‘Kotoku’ today, and remember, Orange Money is here to stay today, tomorrow, and forever. Orange Money Kotoku ‘tay go’,” Mansaray concluded.

The Chief Commercial Officer at Orange Sierra Leone, Haffie Haffner, described the launch as historic, marking the first time such an initiative has been introduced in Sierra Leone.

She commended the Orange Money team for their efforts in empowering small businesses and urged business owners to take full advantage of the opportunities presented by ‘Kotoku.’

Matty Kanu, Chairlady of the Vegetable Sellers Association, expressed her excitement about the potential benefits of ‘Kotoku.’ “This is the kind of support we need to grow our businesses. With ‘Kotoku,’ we can now save money, make payments to suppliers without leaving our shops, and even apply for loans without incurring extra charges,” she said.

She encouraged all small business owners to enroll in the ‘Kotoku’ wallet initiative, which she described as a significant boost to their enterprises.

The ‘Kotoku’ initiative is part of Orange Money’s ongoing commitment to leveraging technology to drive economic development and improve the quality of life for Sierra Leoneans. With the majority of the population dependent on small-scale businesses, ‘Kotoku’ offers an innovative solution to the financial challenges entrepreneurs face in accessing reliable services, ultimately empowering them to grow and thrive.



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Orange Money Launches ‘Kotoku’ Wallet to Empower Small Businesses


Orange Money has officially launched its highly anticipated ‘Kotoku’ initiative.

The launching ceremony was held on Friday, 18th October 2024, at Orange’s office, Rawdon Street in Freetown.

The initiative aim to support and empower small businesses across Sierra Leone, and the launching was met with excitement, especially from market women who sang in unison, “Kotoku na wan word oh, oh yah, Kotoku na wan word oh, oh yah,” reflecting their enthusiasm for this new mobile money solution.



The ‘Kotoku’ product, named after the Krio word for “pocket,” is a mobile money service designed to enhance financial transactions for small business owners, particularly in the informal sector. It provides a secure, accessible, and user-friendly platform for traders to save, send, and receive money. This will help them better manage their finances, conduct payments, and grow their businesses.

In his remarks, Joseph Saffa Tengbeh, Head of Marketing, Strategy, and Partnership at Orange Money, explained that ‘Kotoku’ is tailored for small and medium-scale businesses. He noted that in the past, when customers wanted to pay via Orange Money, traders would often ask for payments to be made to their personal numbers, leading to additional costs, such as cash-out fees.

The ‘Kotoku’ initiative addresses these issues by creating a separate business wallet for traders, allowing them to manage both personal and business transactions on the same number. “With ‘Kotoku,’ business owners now have a designated business wallet. This system not only makes their transactions more professional but also eliminates the need for additional cash-out fees and even offers commissions on payments received,” Tengbeh stated.

He added that ‘Kotoku’ is not just for business owners but also caters to Keke riders, bike riders, taxi drivers, and other small-scale entrepreneurs.
He encouraged small business owners to enroll in ‘Kotoku’ by dialing #144810# or registering with Orange Money field sales agents, who are providing free enrollment services. One of the key benefits of the initiative is that businesses do not need formal registration to qualify for the service, a departure from the previous merchant system.

Additionally, Tengbeh highlighted that ‘Kotoku’ users will not need separate passwords for their business wallet, as it will operate with the same credentials as their personal wallet.

He further emphasized the advantages of the initiative, noting that business owners who use ‘Kotoku’ will receive commissions on payments made through their wallet, enjoy free cash-outs, and be able to transfer funds to other ‘Kotoku’ wallets without incurring any charges. Traders using ‘Kotoku’ are also eligible for loans of up to NLE 5,000.

David Mansaray, Chief Executive Officer of Orange Money, stressed the significance of ‘Kotoku’ in empowering small businesses. “Small businesses are the backbone of Sierra Leone’s economy. With ‘Kotoku,’ we are ensuring that these businesses, many run by women, have access to modern financial services that will support their growth and sustainability,” Mansaray said.

Mansaray noted that ‘Kotoku’ is part of Orange Money’s broader strategy to empower businesses in a country where many small-scale traders lack access to formal banking services. He highlighted that ‘Kotoku’ users will benefit from commissions on transactions and assured business owners that payments made into their ‘Kotoku’ wallets are secure, with no possibility of payment reversals, unlike regular Orange Money accounts.

“Kotoku is built for Sierra Leone, and our goal is to help small business owners earn more and grow their enterprises. Join ‘Kotoku’ today, and remember, Orange Money is here to stay today, tomorrow, and forever. Orange Money Kotoku ‘tay go’,” Mansaray concluded.

The Chief Commercial Officer at Orange Sierra Leone, Haffie Haffner, described the launch as historic, marking the first time such an initiative has been introduced in Sierra Leone.

She commended the Orange Money team for their efforts in empowering small businesses and urged business owners to take full advantage of the opportunities presented by ‘Kotoku.’

Matty Kanu, Chairlady of the Vegetable Sellers Association, expressed her excitement about the potential benefits of ‘Kotoku.’ “This is the kind of support we need to grow our businesses. With ‘Kotoku,’ we can now save money, make payments to suppliers without leaving our shops, and even apply for loans without incurring extra charges,” she said.

She encouraged all small business owners to enroll in the ‘Kotoku’ wallet initiative, which she described as a significant boost to their enterprises.

The ‘Kotoku’ initiative is part of Orange Money’s ongoing commitment to leveraging technology to drive economic development and improve the quality of life for Sierra Leoneans. With the majority of the population dependent on small-scale businesses, ‘Kotoku’ offers an innovative solution to the financial challenges entrepreneurs face in accessing reliable services, ultimately empowering them to grow and thrive.



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Sierra Leoneans Express Concern Over Rejection of Five-Cent Coin by Bus Drivers, Businesses


Sierra Leoneans are voicing their concerns and demanding clarification on the functionality of the Sierra Leone 5 cent coin, commonly referred to as “five block.” Many citizens are experiencing difficulties as business establishments, including drivers and merchants, are increasingly refusing to accept these coins, asserting that they are impractical for transactions within the country.

In an interview conducted by Sieraloaded, citizens shared their frustrations and sought answers from the authorities. Susan Wright, a student at FBC University in Sierra Leone, expressed concern about drivers and their apprentices consistently rejecting the five-cent coins. She urged the Sierra Leone Bank Governor to provide an explanation regarding the significance of these coins and where they are intended to be used in the country.

On the other hand, Abu Sesay, a businessman operating in the central business district of Freetown, contested the claims made by customers. He argued that customers themselves are refusing to accept coins as change, leading to a situation where many business owners, in turn, are reluctant to collect these coins from their patrons.



This growing issue appears to be a two-sided problem, with both customers and businesses contributing to the reluctance surrounding the acceptance of five-cent coins. As a result, a considerable number of citizens find themselves grappling with a limited usability of these coins in everyday transactions.

The plea from citizens, especially students like Susan Wright, highlights the urgency for an official explanation from the Sierra Leone Bank Governor. Addressing the concerns raised by the public and providing guidance on the appropriate use of the five-cent coins could help alleviate the prevailing confusion and foster a smoother circulation of these coins in the economy.

The situation emphasizes the need for effective communication between monetary authorities and the public to ensure a harmonious flow of currency in daily transactions. As the discussions around the functionality of the five-cent coin continue, it remains to be seen how the authorities will respond to the citizens’ demands and work towards resolving the challenges surrounding the acceptance of these coins in Sierra Leone.



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NRA Monitors ECR Usage For GST-Registered Businesses in Freetown


The National Revenue Authority (NRA) has rolled out a substantial three-month initiative for monitoring Electronic Cash Registers (ECRs) in GST registered businesses within Freetown.

This extensive effort is geared towards improving compliance and precision in ECR receipt issuance, thereby enhancing the accuracy of GST returns.

The key objectives of this monitoring initiative encompass:



  • Identifying businesses that may not be complying with ECR machine usage.
  • Estimating the average number of periodic receipts issued by GST-registered businesses.
  • Observing voluntary ECR receipt issuance to customers by businesses.
  • Verifying the presence and operational status of ECR machines in various business premises.
  • Addressing challenges associated with ECR machine use from a business perspective.

In pursuit of these goals, the NRA will deploy its personnel to all GST registered businesses within the Municipality. Their primary task will be to gather data on the effective utilization of electronic cash registers by local businesses. The NRA extends an invitation to all business entities to collaborate and facilitate this critical endeavor by welcoming NRA staff during this period.

This comprehensive monitoring initiative highlights the NRA’s dedication to bolstering tax compliance and promoting precise financial reporting within Freetown’s business community.

The official notice reads below:



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