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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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



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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A Game Changer for Digital Payments

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

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

Driving Financial Inclusion

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

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

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

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



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Sierra Leone Urged to Tap Dimension Stone Industry as Global Market Climbs US$7.02 Billion by 2026


Stakeholders in Sierra Leone’s extractive sector have called for greater attention to the country’s dimension stone resources, amid projections that the global market will rise from about US$5.74 billion in 2023 to US$7.02 billion by 2026.

Long-term estimates suggest the industry could reach US$20 billion, driven by increasing demand for construction and modern infrastructure.

Dimension stones, which include natural rocks such as granite, marble, limestone, and sandstone cut into blocks or slabs, are widely used in roads, ports, railways, and housing projects.



Despite their durability and strong market value, the materials remain significantly underutilised in Sierra Leone when compared with diamonds, gold, and bauxite.

These issues were highlighted during a Civic Engagement Forum convened by the African Centre for Climate Change on “Strengthening Accountability and Transparency in Sierra Leone’s Extractive Sector: Empowering Civil Society to Leverage Public Contract Disclosures for Monitoring and Illicit Financial Flows (IFFs) Reduction.”

The event focused on the economic potential of dimension stones and the need for stronger governance in the sector.

Speaking at the forum, Engineer Hadji Dabo, Director General of the National Minerals Agency (NMA), said the dimension stone industry holds significant promise but faces serious challenges. He pointed to child labour, unsafe artisanal mining, gender inequality, and widespread non-compliance as ongoing concerns.

“Many companies secure quarry licenses but later exploit dimension stones illegally,” Dabo warned, noting that weak oversight has led to revenue losses and environmental damage.

He recalled previous government bans on timber harvesting and stone extraction but said these measures failed to ensure long-term regulatory control. “The seriousness of the issue has compelled the government to establish an institution dedicated to supervising extraction and exportation to enhance transparency,” he said.

Dr. Charles G. Ofori, Policy Lead for Climate Change and Energy Transition at the Africa Centre for Energy Policy (ACEP), urged Sierra Leone not to overlook minerals classified as “small” or of lower commercial value.

“With accurate data we can calculate royalties, reduce leakages, and strengthen accountability. If Sierra Leone takes dimension-stone extraction seriously, it could contribute significantly to GDP,” he stressed.

Participants concluded the discussions with calls for stronger regulatory frameworks, accessible data, and effective taxation. They agreed that if managed responsibly, dimension stones could become a key driver of Sierra Leone’s economic growth and an important addition to the country’s broader extractive portfolio.



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Rokel Commercial Bank’s MD Dr. Walton Gilpin to Represent Sierra Leone, Speak at Global Reputation Forum & Fintech Awards


Dr. Gilpin, the astute Managing Director & CEO of Rokel Commercial Bank, has been nominated as one of the Top five (5) Financial Leaders in Sierra Leone. He is set to represent the country at the prestigious Global Reputational Forum & Reputation Fintech Awards hosted by Reputation Poll International on December 8th & 9th, 2023, at the Marriott County Hall in London. Additionally, he’ll serve as a speaker at this esteemed event.

Reputation Poll International Limited, renowned for listing the world’s 100 most reputable individuals and bank CEOs, is organizing this event in collaboration with WINTRADE and Go Global Trade, chaired by Lord J.D Waverley. The 2023 Global Reputation Forum aims to recognize the remarkable growth, integration, and reforms within Africa’s banking and financial sector.

The event is designed to acknowledge rapid expansion, integration, accelerated growth, and reforms of Africa’s banking and financial sector. The event will honor and celebrate outstanding Banks and Fintech Institutions that are moving Africa’s rapidly transforming finance sector. Expectations: 1. The forum is expected to bring together Executives from leading banks (Bank of England, HSVC, Europe Exim Bank ect) investors, Chairs, Technology and Innovation Top Executives. 2. Exclusive meeting with The Parliamentary Co-Chair of the U.K Trade and Investment including other Executive VIP Delegates.



The 2023 Global Reputation Summit will also feature a broad range of discussions and debates by top facilitators from Africa and Europe bringing theoretical & practical experiences to guide on how various sectors can work together to build credible reputation, branding strategies for accelerated growth; providing Banks, Fintechs, Global brands, individuals and organizations with the awesome opportunity to learn winning branding strategies that will help to build their reputation and maintain dominance in their markets.

These accolades reflect Rokel Commercial Bank’s commitment to leveraging cutting-edge strategies in technology and innovation, positioning itself as a key player in Africa’s innovative landscape.

RCB – The Bank of Choice!!!



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QNET Celebrates 25 Years With Epic Global Event, Product Launches And a Green Commitment


QNET, the global wellness and lifestyle-focused direct-selling company celebrated its 25th anniversary with a spectacular double convention in Penang, Malaysia. The milestone event brought together a staggering 20,000 attendees from over 20 countries, including Sierra Leone, for two back-to-back conventions in September.

In line with the company’s commitment to promoting a healthy lifestyle and reducing its environmental impact, QNET launched two standout products at the anniversary conventions.

1) Homepure Nova with Pi-Plus Cartridge – An enhanced version of the company’s bestselling HomePure Nova 9-stage water filtration system, which promises improved hydration and fortified antioxidant benefits in your drinking water.



2) Bernhard H Mayer OMNI Watch Collection – A new range of Swiss timepieces crafted with eco- friendly materials certified by LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), proving luxury and sustainability can go hand in hand.

The five-day conventions provided a valuable platform for QNET’s customers and distributors to deepen their product knowledge, engage with experts, and experience dynamic product demonstrations.

Attendees also benefited from business-building training sessions, learning opportunities from accomplished distributors, and insights into industry knowledge. The events were further enlivened by guest appearances from Bollywood celebrities and performances by international entertainers.

Demonstrating its commitment to sustainability, QNET implemented several eco-conscious initiatives during the conventions to reduce carbon footprint. From partnering with environmentally responsible vendors for booth constructions, eliminating single-use plastics, minimising printed materials through digital alternatives like QR Codes, to distributing purchases in reusable bags made from eco-friendly materials, every facet of the event embodied sustainability.

QNET’s venue of choice, the Setia SPICE Convention Centre in Penang is the world’s first hybrid solar-powered convention centre and is also Green Building Index certified. The centre has also implemented initiatives such as bottling drinking water in-house, waste segregation, and rainwater harvesting to support its net zero goals.

In a further step towards environmental stewardship, QNET has pledged to plant 2,500 trees in Malaysia, to offset the event’s carbon footprint.

“We are immensely proud of the empowering ecosystem we’ve nurtured, grounded in our core philosophy of RYTHM—Raise Yourself To Help Mankind. As we commemorate this significant milestone, we also cast our eyes forward to a future filled with promise and potential. With our commitment to innovation, sustainability, and global community building, QNET is poised to not only adapt but thrive in the dynamic landscape of wellness and lifestyle, offering unparalleled opportunities for entrepreneurship and personal development to individuals around the world. Here’s to the next chapter of impacting lives positively and promoting holistic wellness, as we continue this remarkable journey together,” stated Malou Caluza, CEO of QNET.

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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