The National Investment Board (NIB) and the National Revenue Authority (NRA) have announced a collaborative partnership aimed at simplifying business registration and improving revenue collection processes in Sierra Leone.
The initiative, discussed at a meeting held on February 3, 2025, reflects the government’s commitment to fostering a more attractive investment climate and driving economic growth.
Dr. Edward Hinga Sandy, Executive Director of the NIB, emphasized the significance of the partnership, linking the establishment of the NIB to President Julius Maada Bio’s vision for a stronger investment landscape. He highlighted ongoing government efforts to create a “one-stop shop” for business registration, facilitation, and retention, designed to streamline operations for investors while ensuring compliance with national regulations.
Dr. Sandy stressed the importance of collaboration with the NRA in improving the business environment, noting that a more efficient registration and revenue collection system would attract increased investment, encourage compliance, and generally create a more business-friendly atmosphere.
Echoing this sentiment, Mrs. Jeneba J. Bangura, Commissioner-General of the NRA, pledged the authority’s full support for the joint initiative. She underscored the importance of seamless revenue collection through automation and assured the NIB of the NRA’s commitment to enhancing the efficiency of the process.
To improve access to fuel, particularly in remote areas, NP SL Limited officially inaugurated a new petrol station, Abyei Gas Station, along the Jendema Highway in Sorogbema Chiefdom, Pujehun District.
The facility, owned and financed by Lahai Sandy Koroma, a development-driven native of Sorogbema, adds to his existing petrol stations in Bo City and Zimmi.
The grand opening, held on Saturday, February 1, 2025, was attended by key stakeholders, including traditional leaders, security personnel, representatives from the Drivers Union, the Bike Riders Union (BRU), youth groups, the media, and other community members.
Welcoming the gathering, Chiefdom Speaker Augustin Jah Zoker expressed gratitude for the investment, emphasizing the significance of the station in addressing long-standing fuel shortages in the region. He called on NP to maintain its reputation for quality service, assuring that the community would make good use of the facility.
Representing the CEO, The Sales Manager Ing. Vandy Bockarie praised the people of Sorogbema for their support and acknowledged the Gone community for providing land for the project.
He announced that Gone and Jendema would now be recognized as a city and assured residents that the 45,000-liter capacity station would significantly ease fuel challenges. He further noted that the station would operate daily from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM with standard pricing and professional service.
On behalf of the Mano River Union Division Police, ASP Michael A. Vanboy, the Support Officer, welcomed the development, pledging to provide security for the facility and ensure its protection from criminal activities.
The Town Chief of Gone, Chief Mohamed Keiwei, extended appreciation to Lahai Sandy Koroma and the landholding family for their role in making the project a reality. He assured that the community would safeguard the facility for the benefit of all.
From the transport sector, Drivers Union Chairman William Peal highlighted the previous difficulties in accessing petrol, stating that the new station would greatly ease their burden. Similarly, Bike Riders Union Chairman Lahai Zoker urged the station’s staff to uphold high service standards to maintain NP’s reputation.
The Mamie Queen of Sorogbema Chiefdom, Madam Tata Koroma, expressed gratitude for the investment, noting that women in the chiefdom welcomed such progress. However, she called on Mr. Lahai Sandy Koroma to extend support toward women’s empowerment, as many women in the area continue to face economic hardships.
Youth leader Jonney Rogers also commended the initiative, acknowledging that it has already created job opportunities for young people. He urged that more employment opportunities be provided for the youth in Sorogbema.
The opening of Abyei Gas Station marks a significant step in NP’s continued expansion, ensuring that fuel accessibility will no longer remain a challenge in Sorogbema Chiefdom.
On Monday, January 27, 2025, the First Lady of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Dr. Fatima Maada Bio, officially launched Orange Foundation Sierra Leone’s Orange Digital School Kits initiative.
The event, held at the Ansarul Islamic Primary School for Girls in Kono District her alma mater was a significant step toward enhancing the digital learning experience for young pupils in Sierra Leone.
Dr. Fatima Maada Bio, alongside Orange Sierra Leone CEO Sekou Amadou Bah, ceremoniously handed over a comprehensive set of digital school kits to the school. This donation aims to foster technological literacy and equip pupils with critical skills to thrive in a digital era.
The ceremony, hosted in the school hall, attracted high-profile attendees, including the Mayor of Koidu City, Komba Mathew Sam; Orange Sierra Leone General Secretary Danetta Younge; Head of Orange Digital Centre Finnah Mariama Stevens; as well as school authorities, community stakeholders, and local residents.
The donated digital kits comprised cutting-edge tools such as tablets, Raspberry Pi devices, laptops, Bluetooth speakers, projectors, screens, headsets, extension cables, power banks, and solar panels. These resources are tailored to enhance digital literacy, providing students with access to a tech-driven education.
In her remarks, Finnah Mariama Stevens emphasized the need for technological tools to drive innovation and bridge the digital divide. “From Freetown to Bo, Kenema, Kailahun, Pujehun, and now Kono, the Orange Foundation is ensuring that every child in Sierra Leone has access to the technological tools essential for today’s world,” she said.
She underscored Orange Sierra Leone’s commitment to the government’s human capital development agenda and its focus on empowering young girls through access to digital resources.
Addressing the gathering, Sekou Amadou Bah, CEO of Orange Sierra Leone underscored the transformative potential of the Digital School Kits in promoting education and empowering pupils through technology.
“These kits are electronic libraries designed to provide educational content to schools with limited or no internet access,” he noted “Currently, 16 countries, including Sierra Leone, have benefited from this program, with 1,400 schools and 500,000 pupils gaining access to digital education tools.”
Over the past three years, Orange Sierra Leone has donated 35 Digital School Kits, impacting over 10,000 pupils nationwide. The initiative also offers schools the opportunity to participate in the prestigious Wiki Challenge, an international competition organized by Orange Group. Last year, a Sierra Leonean school, Dele Preparatory School, won a €5,000 prize for their article on “Krio Print Dress.”
Bah urged pupils and teachers to handle the equipment with care and fully utilize them to enhance learning. “With technology, we can expand our horizons and enable new ways of easy learning. These tools are not just about access but about empowering young minds to explore and innovate,” he stated.
He reaffirmed Orange Sierra Leone’s commitment to supporting the government’s human capital development agenda through initiatives that align with President Julius Maada Bio’s vision for the country.
His Worship, Mayor Komba Mathew Sam, expressed his gratitude to Orange Sierra Leone for selecting the Ansarul Islamic Primary School for Girls as a beneficiary of the initiative. He praised Orange Sierra Leone for bringing such innovative resources to his district and urged the school to utilize the digital kits to their fullest potential.
Reflecting on his own educational journey, Mayor Sam stated, “During my school days, I did not have the privilege of learning about computers until my college years. These young girls are fortunate to have this opportunity at such an early stage, and I hope they make the most of it.”
Headmistress Zainab Bah also commended the Orange Foundation for their generosity and expressed appreciation to Dr. Fatima Maada Bio for gracing the event. “We are committed to making the most of these resources to enhance our pupils’ learning experience and ensure their sustainability,” she assured.
In her keynote address, Dr. Fatima Maada Bio commended Orange Foundation Sierra Leone for its commitment to empowering education and emphasized the importance of equipping pupils with the skills necessary to thrive in the digital age. The initiative underscores the collaborative efforts to bridge the digital divide and promote educational development across the nation.
The First Lady of Sierra Leone, Dr. Fatima Maada Bio, expressed deep gratitude to her former school, crediting it for shaping her into the woman she is today. Dr. Bio highlighted the importance of technology in modern education, emphasizing that the digital kits would provide the pupils access to the tools needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving, tech-driven world.
Dr. Bio encouraged the pupils to aspire beyond societal expectations, urging them to embrace science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) courses to position themselves as leaders in Sierra Leone and beyond. She underscored the importance of breaking barriers, discouraging early marriages, and striving for careers in leadership and innovation.
She urged the school to make effective use of the digital kits, emphasizing the importance of embracing technology in an increasingly digital world. “Today, let us celebrate Orange. I want all the pupils here to stand up and say, ‘Thank you, Orange.’ We promise to make good use of this facility and this opportunity.
She also expressed her gratitude to Orange Sierra Leone for the digital school kits, praising their efforts to empower girls across the country. “May God bless Orange Sierra Leone, elevate them, and help them grow from strength to strength,” she concluded.
The event concluded with the formal handover of the Digital School Kits to the school administration, symbolizing a new chapter in the pupils’ education journey. This initiative is expected to inspire a brighter future through the integration of technology into learning, paving the way for innovation and progress in Sierra Leone.
Young entrepreneurs in Sierra Leone are set to sharpen their digital skills with the launch of the ‘Sierra Leone: Empowering Youth through Digital Technologies’ (READY Salone) project by the International Trade Centre (ITC).
Funded by the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) and implemented over four years, the READY Salone project will support youth, young entrepreneurs, business support organizations, tech hubs and policymakers to harness opportunities in the digital economy. The initiative places a strong emphasis on young women and persons with disabilities.
The launch event will be attended by key government officials, including Hon. Dr. David Moinina Sengeh, Chief Minister; Hon. Ms. Haja Salimatu Bah, Minister of Communication, Technology and Innovation; Hon. Mr. Mohamed Orman Bangura, Minister of Youth Affairs; and Hon. Mr. Ibrahim Alpha Sesay, Minister of Trade and Industry. Over 100 youth and key stakeholders from the business and tech communities are also expected to participate.
To mark the project launch, there will be a signing of a memorandum of understanding by ITC Executive Director, Ms. Pamela Coke-Hamilton; the Chief Minister of Sierra Leone, Hon. Dr. David Moinina Sengeh; and KOICA Nigeria, Deputy Country Director, Mr. Baik Ki-Hyun.
Four interventions underpin the READY Salone project: enhancing digital literacy among youth; boosting entrepreneurial competitiveness through upskilling; strengthening tech-focused business support services; and developing inclusive national digital strategies. More information about the project can be found in its flyer here.
Through the project, 3,000 youth and 250 micro, small and medium-sized enterprises will gain access to digital skills and business opportunities.
The Ministry of Youth Affairs and the Ministry of Communications, Technology and Innovation are the main government partners for READY Salone.
Interested youth and young entrepreneurs may express their interest in the project by completing this form.
About the International Trade Centre
ITC is the joint agency of the World Trade Organization and the United Nations. ITC assists small and medium-sized enterprises in developing and transition economies to become more competitive in global markets, thereby contributing to sustainable economic development within the frameworks of the Aid-for-Trade agenda and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.
A while ago, I was swiping through WhatsApp statuses on my phone, and I came across a particular status that read, “Sierra Leoneans are paid in Leones but made to pay for goods and services in the equivalent of the dollar. There’s a huge structural disconnect! This is wartime!” This status epitomizes the palpable frustration marinating among many Sierra Leoneans.
A dangling economic dilemma has emerged, crippling low-income earners in their struggle to make ends meet. While many citizens are paid in the LEONE currency, they are often required to pay for goods and services in US dollars or its equivalent. This structural abnormality has persisted for too long, and the government has yet to address it. This situation has far-reaching implications for the country’s economy and the daily lives of its people.
The depreciation of the Leone has been a persistent issue, worsened by inflation and economic mismanagement. Banks and other financial institutions have allowed certain goods and services to be paid for in foreign currencies, primarily the US dollar. This move has further weakened the local currency and created a dependency on foreign currencies for essential transactions. In an attempt to address these structural issues, the Government of Sierra Leone introduced new legal tenders and redenomination of the Leones, along with the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST). Despite these measures, the Leone currency has continued to lose value, and the government has had to resort to allowing the use of foreign currencies for certain transactions.
Compounding this problem is the massive promotion and demand for the use of dollars over the Leone in most transactions, especially for paying house rents and the like. This situation has stifled the financial growth of many struggling households, preventing them from affording quality lifestyles. The Leone has a lower value compared to the dollar. Currently, the Xe Currency Converter values 100 USD at 2,275,991.7 New Leones, while Western Union values 100 USD at 2378.00 New Leones. These exchange rates could pass for official transactions. However, the black market values 100 USD at about 2400.00 New Leones thereabout.
The dilemma for those who are paid in Leones and required to spend in dollars is akin to testing deep waters with both feet. It is too risky and demotivating for low-income earners, particularly public sector workers. They barely survive by the skin of their teeth daily. The dollar has repeatedly shown a higher value over the Leone, giving those who earn in dollars greater purchasing power, unlike Leone earners who are caught in an economic struggle.
This structural pandemonium has become evident as the government has overlooked or underestimated the burden many Sierra Leoneans carry by not unifying a single exchange rate to trade on and monitor the prices of goods and services. A colleague exclaimed that “there is hardly an official rate set by our central bank, including an interbank rate (for banks to lend to one another), a rate for import and export, a rate for international money transfer companies, and a black market rate.”
With this expression of the obvious, every right-thinking Sierra Leonean, whether at home or abroad, should be concerned. To be clear, no right-thinking Sierra Leonean is asking the government to provide their daily bread but to create an enabling environment where citizens can be economically capable of handling their bills without being robbed by the dollarising syndrome.
Welcome to 2025, and wishing you a LEONE spending year!
Air Sierra Leone, a proud symbol of Sierra Leone’s resurgence, is excited to announce the launch of its scheduled Freetown-Lagos route.
Beginning January 22, 2025, this service will operate three times a week: Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, connecting Freetown to Lagos and establishing a critical link within the West African region.
The launch of the Freetown-Lagos route marks the first milestone in Air Sierra Leone’s ambitious regional route plan, which aims to enhance connectivity across the West African coast. This development underscores the airline’s commitment to fostering economic growth, strengthening regional ties, and creating seamless travel opportunities for its customers.
Speaking about this milestone, Edgard D.Lacle, General Manager of Air Sierra Leone, said: “The launch of our Freetown-Lagos route is a significant step forward in our mission to establish Air Sierra Leone as a bridge connecting Sierra Leone with the rest of Africa.
“This route not only symbolizes progress for our airline industry but also for Sierra Leone as we work to promote trade, tourism, and cultural exchange in the region. We are proud to offer our customers a reliable and comfortable travel experience, setting the standard for excellence in West African aviation.”
Passengers on the Freetown-Lagos route can expect world-class service, convenience, and a safe journey aboard Air Sierra Leone’s modern fleet. As the airline looks to expand its network, this new route exemplifies its dedication to becoming “Your Gateway to West Africa” and positioning Sierra Leone as a key hub in the region.
For bookings and more information, visit www.flysierraleone.com.
About Air Sierra Leone
Air Sierra Leone is a fresh, dynamic airline poised to redefine air travel within West Africa and beyond. Focusing on innovation, customer service, and reliability, we aim to provide an elevated travel experience for both leisure and business travellers.
Our brand embodies the spirit of Sierra Leone, bold, ambitious, and forward-looking. Our vision is to be recognized as West Africa’s premier airline, known for excellence in service, operational efficiency, and delivering memorable travel experiences.
Committed to enhancing access to affordable, high-quality petroleum products across the country, the National Petroleum (NP) Sierra Leone Limited has commissioned a new filling station in Kamakwie, the district headquarters of Karene District.
The commissioning event, which attracted dignitaries from different sectors, took place on Saturday, January 11, 2025.
In his welcome address, the Regent Chief, Pa Alimami Camira Malay-Conteh, reaffirmed his commitment to working with the National Petroleum Sierra Leone Limited to ensure common understanding between the people and the company.
“When this work started, I didn’t think I would still be the regent chief today. However, I knew that it was going to be a development that will help to solve the fuel crisis in Kamakwie. As the regent chief, I will make sure I cement a great understanding between NP Sierra Leone and our people,” Pa Alimami Camira Malay-Conteh said.
Speaking at the momentous occasion that was warmly welcomed by residents of Kamakwie, Steven S. Lewis, the Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist of the Karene District Council, said the “state-of-the-art” filling station is a milestone development that will not only ease the movement of people and goods but also minimize the fuel crisis in Kamakwie and its environs.
Alusine Kamara, the Chairman of the Karene District Bike Riders’ Union, expressed delight in the latest development undertaken by the National Petroleum Sierra Leone Limited, emphasizing that it will curtail black-market dealings in times of fuel shortage in the country.
However, Kamara said there is a need for gas station attendants to uphold professionalism and avoid nepotism while attending to people, especially during situations that pose challenging moments for bike riders, as well as the general public.
Representing the Chief Executive Officer of the National Petroleum Sierra Leone Limited, Ing. Vandy Bockarie, the Sales Manager, said, “Fuel is the blood of every country’s economy. Its shortage impedes access to electricity, transportation, and hinders movement.”
Bockarie added that NP Sierra Leone has built an ultramodern filling station in Kamakwie to end the fuel crisis in the town and its environs.
“The CEO asked me to inform you that the long-term fuel crisis in this town and other places around has ended henceforth. That is why we have built the first ultramodern filling station in Karene District. It is one of its kind,” Ing. Vandy Bockarie said.
He further assured the residents of Kamakwie that there will be fair dealings between NP Sierra Leone Limited and its customers, noting that customers will be prioritized and respected since the company depends on them for its success.
The grand unveiling of the 54 thousand litres filling station climaxed a transformative moment in Kamakwie. Such nationwide interventions by the National Petroleum Sierra Leone Limited underscore its unwavering contributions to the petroleum sector and significantly promote socio-economic development in the country.
As Sierra Leone ushers in 2025, the Senior Staff Association (SSA) of Rokel Commercial Bank has delivered a heartfelt New Year message, extending appreciation and hope for the year ahead.
In their statement, the SSA commended the exemplary leadership of the bank’s Managing Director, Dr. Walton Gilpin COOR, whose visionary guidance has elevated Rokel Commercial Bank to a prominent position within Sierra Leone’s banking sector. They highlighted his dynamic approach as instrumental in achieving remarkable milestones over the past year.
The SSA also expressed gratitude to the Board of Directors, management, staff, and the bank’s loyal customers for their unwavering support and dedication, which have collectively contributed to the institution’s success.
Looking forward to 2025, the association emphasized its commitment to fostering growth, collaboration, and continued excellence within the bank and the broader financial sector.
Concluding the message, the SSA wished everyone a prosperous and successful New Year filled with opportunities and achievements.
HAPPY New Year to all from the Senior Staff Association of Rokel Commercial Bank!
Orange Sierra Leone has unveiled Max it, a groundbreaking super-app designed to simplify daily life by integrating telecom, financial services, and e-commerce in one platform. Accessible to all, regardless of their mobile operator, Max it uses Orange Money as a payment base making it an inclusive tool for diverse users.
Following the success of its My Orange and Orange Money apps, which serve over 22 million daily users, Orange has developed Max it to meet the evolving needs of customers in Africa and the Middle East. The app provides a seamless interface for managing mobile or fixed lines, conducting financial transactions such as money transfers and savings, and accessing marketplace services like online shopping, digital entertainment, and ticketing for events or transportation.
Developed by Orange teams in Africa, Max it is tailored to the region’s unique needs and is initially available in 13 countries: Cameroon, Senegal, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Botswana etc. Plans are underway to expand to 17 more countries across Africa and the Middle East. Orange predicts that Max it will reach 45 million active users by 2025, with smartphone penetration in the region projected to hit 61% within the same time frame.
Designed to be user-friendly and available in multiple languages, Max it incorporates local features to ensure broader accessibility. This aligns with Orange’s vision of fostering inclusion and promoting digital adoption across the continent.
The app will be continuously updated with additional features and services, leveraging local and international partnerships to enhance its offerings.
Speaking about the launch, Christel Heydemann, CEO of Orange, said: “Max it embodies Orange’s innovative spirit in Africa and the Middle East. By integrating diverse services, we reinforce our role as a multi-service operator and demonstrate our commitment to delivering the best of digital technology to our customers.”
Jérôme Hénique, CEO of Orange Africa and the Middle East, added: “Through collaboration with stakeholders, Max it offers an efficient and inclusive platform for managing phone plans, finances, and purchases. This is a significant step toward driving digital transformation and fostering opportunities for growth on the continent.”
Orange’s Max it sets a new benchmark for super-apps in Africa and the Middle East, offering a dynamic solution that bridges the gap between connectivity and daily needs while contributing to the region’s digital evolution.
On Monday, December 9, 2024, Rokel Commercial Bank officially launched its partnership with Vult by Metro Cable, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at transforming financial inclusion in Sierra Leone.
The ceremony, attended by senior management teams from Rokel Commercial Bank and Vult, marked a significant step in advancing digital banking solutions and expanding access to financial services across the country.
Providing insight into Vult’s operations and its role in promoting digital financial inclusion, Abdul Salam Kallon, Head of Compliance at Vult, explained that the Metro e-wallet is a payment platform under the Bank of Sierra Leone’s Sandbox Program. He noted that the initiative integrates Vult with digital wallets, offering users access to wallet services, cards, and payment systems for various needs.
He highlighted that the Vult app is available for download on Google Play Store, allowing users to sign up easily using their phone numbers and email addresses. “Since it operates online, the platform is equipped with strict security features to ensure user safety,” he said.
Kallon emphasized the platform’s versatility, stating that Vult enables users to receive money locally and internationally, conduct cross-border transactions, and make payments for goods across international borders. “It functions much like opening a bank account, and our cards can be used at Rokel Commercial Bank ATMs and POS machines both within and outside Sierra Leone,” he explained.
He concluded by reiterating that the primary goal of the partnership with Rokel Commercial Bank is to enhance financial inclusion and make digital financial services more accessible.
Vult’s Chief Operating Officer, Pierre Johnson, provided updates on the platform’s progress and achievements. He noted that within just six months of operation, the app has been downloaded by 200,000 users, with 13,000 active accounts and 2,500 cards issued.
Johnson also mentioned the establishment of over 30 merchant locations in Freetown, Bo, and Makeni, reflecting the platform’s growing reach. Additionally, he disclosed a partnership with Mastercard and Money-Me to facilitate seamless transfers to mobile money accounts.
Dr. Walton Gilpin, Managing Director and CEO of Rokel Commercial Bank, highlighted the transformative impact of the partnership in advancing digital banking and financial inclusion.
“We have been working on this initiative for some time, and our partnership with Vult has significantly widened our reach and improved financial accessibility,” he said. Dr. Gilpin added that digital banking has enhanced transaction speed and efficiency, while also supporting macroeconomic growth.
He noted that the platform allows users to access quality materials and services digitally, contributing to greater convenience. “This partnership expands product possibilities, and our goal is to position Sierra Leone as a hub for excellent digital banking services,” Dr. Gilpin emphasized.
David Pakima, Founder and CEO of Vult, expressed gratitude to Rokel Commercial Bank’s management, particularly Dr. Gilpin, for supporting the initiative from its inception.
Pakima explained that Vult originated from the success of their metro cable project, which made Freetown one of the most connected cities in Africa. “We realized that many users lacked access to premium versions of various platforms, and this inspired us to develop Vult to empower communities and enhance their digital experiences,” he said.
He described Rokel as the ideal partner, noting that their shared vision has driven the initiative forward. “Rokel brings the right appetite, and Vult contributes the intensity to make this partnership successful,” Pakima remarked.
He revealed that Vult has been the most downloaded app in the region on Google Play for the past three months and announced plans to expand into three new markets next year. “This partnership will enable thousands of unbanked Vult users to open accounts with Rokel Commercial Bank,” he added.
Pakima concluded by thanking the teams at Rokel and Vult for their collective efforts in ensuring the initiative’s success. “Together, we are providing seamless access to digital financial inclusion,” he said.