United Bank for Africa (UBA) celebrated its 15-year milestone in Sierra Leone with the launch of its UBA Legacy Promo at the bank’s head office on Charlotte Street.
The event, held on Friday, marked both the bank’s 75th global anniversary and its significant presence in the country.
Sallieu, Head of Communication, opened the event by highlighting the purpose of the promotion. “This promo is a way for us to thank our customers and celebrate our anniversary by giving back,” he said. The campaign will see 60 customers win various cash prizes, reflecting UBA’s commitment to acknowledging the support and trust of its clientele.
Chief Operating Officer Chiedu Ngene emphasized that the promotion is a key component of the anniversary celebrations. “We believe that celebrating our 15 years in Sierra Leone is best done by giving back to those who have been with us through the years,” he stated. Ngene also noted UBA’s significant contributions to Sierra Leone’s financial sector, including its pioneering role with AI-driven account opening via WhatsApp and being the first in West Africa to install an ATM.
Ngene introduced the bank’s range of account options, such as the UBA Sharp Sharp account, which can be opened with a minimum deposit of Le10. “Having an account is not just a privilege but a responsibility,” he added, encouraging everyone to take advantage of the bank’s accessible services.
The official launch was conducted by Christiana Saio Lamina, Head of Retail Banking, who outlined the promo’s details. “We have established many legacies over the years and are committed to continuing this tradition,” Lamina said. The promo will offer three prize tiers: Le10,000 for twenty winners, Le5,000 for another twenty, and Le2,500 for twenty more. The draws will occur in two phases: one in September and the second in the last week of December.
To participate, customers must deposit Le10,000 to be eligible for the top prize, or as little as Le2,000 for the lower category. Deposits must remain in the account until the draw is completed, with larger deposits increasing the chances of winning.
UBA’s Legacy Promo reflects the bank’s ongoing dedication to enhancing customer engagement and celebrating its long-standing impact on Sierra Leone’s financial landscape.
Orange Sierra Leone launches the 6th edition of the Orange Social Venture Prize (OSVP) in Sierra Leone and 14th edition in Africa and the Middle East to support social innovation and encourage local entrepreneurship.
This will mark the 6th Edition of the OSVP competition in Sierra Leone and 14th edition in Africa and Middle East. The Competition will officially open for submission of applications Monday, March 25th 2024. Applicants from the 17 Orange affiliates in Africa and Middle East including Sierra Leone must apply for both the National and International competition and should submit their applications on or before 26th May 2024 at the website below:
Through this competition, Orange Sierra Leone, as a responsible corporate and social investor, aims to contribute to the human capital development, support local social and environmental innovations, and encourage entrepreneurship in Sierra Leone.
Since 2019, OSVP prize has been awarded to innovative projects in the field of education, healthcare, e-commerce, and agriculture and projects that contribute to achieving sustainable development goals using digital technology. The competition has two stages:
The National Stage
Applications will be submitted from the 25th March – 26th May 2024 for the National and Women’s competition. At the end of this application phase, a national pitch competition will be held in August 2024 to award the National and Women’s category winners. The winners will receive the following prizes:
NLe 200,000 – National Winner
NLe 120,000 – Women’s Winne
The International Stage
The National and Women category winners from each subsidiary in the 17 Orange affiliates in Africa and Middle East will automatically be selected for the international phase. After their evaluation, 10 finalists will be selected. A final jury of African tech influencers will select the top 3 winners of the OSVP International Grand Prize in October/November 2024.
As equal opportunity is a key aspect of Orange policy, an International Women’s Prize will also be awarded for the fifth consecutive year. This prize will be awarded to a woman who offers a technological solution to improve the living conditions of women (women’s independence, job creation or preservation, gender data collection, digital and financial inclusion, etc.).
The winners of the international and women’s competition will receive the following prizes:
Dr. Ibrahim Stevens, the Governor of the Bank of Sierra Leone, has introduced an innovative Agricultural Credit Scheme. This program aims to extend vital financial assistance to credible entrepreneurs within the agricultural sector, facilitating their efforts to expand production and bolster economic progress.
Through the Agricultural Credit Scheme, eligible entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to secure loans of up to $100,000, a substantial sum capable of fostering significant growth and innovation within the agricultural domain. One distinguishing feature of this scheme is its remarkably low-interest rate of 10%, contrasting sharply with the historically burdensome rates that have hindered agribusiness growth in the region, often surpassing 30%.
The decision to launch this proactive initiative underscores the Bank of Sierra Leone’s dedication to nurturing an enabling environment for agricultural advancement and economic diversification. By providing accessible credit to entrepreneurs with viable agricultural enterprises, the scheme aims to tackle persistent financing barriers that have stifled the sector’s potential.
Dr. Ibrahim Stevens, in elucidating the rationale behind the Agricultural Credit Scheme, emphasized agriculture’s pivotal role in propelling socio-economic advancement and alleviating poverty in Sierra Leone. He highlighted the necessity for innovative financial tools tailored to the unique requirements of agribusinesses, acknowledging their capacity to foster employment, enhance food security, and invigorate rural development.
The unveiling of the Agricultural Credit Scheme has been met with enthusiasm from diverse stakeholders, including farmers, agribusiness proprietors, and policymakers. Many perceive this initiative as a transformative endeavor capable of unlocking Sierra Leone’s agricultural sector’s untapped potential, positioning it as a primary catalyst for sustainable economic growth and prosperity.
As the scheme is implemented, focus will shift towards evaluating its execution and influence, with stakeholders eagerly anticipating the transformative impacts it is poised to deliver across Sierra Leone’s agricultural landscape.
betPawa emphasised its ambition to help make betting friendly at an event announcing its arrival in Sierra Leone, marking the 12th country the brand is entering in Africa.
Representatives greeted members of the press and public at Lor Restaurant in Freetown on Wednesday March 6. Speakers included Mchezo Managing Director Ntoudi Mouyelo, betPawa Chief Brand Officer Spencer Okach and Sierra Leone Franchisee Thomas Nsongka (LionBets & Fastwins Ltd).
In addition to expressing their excitement at being welcomed to the Sierra Leone scene, they discussed betPawa’s customer focus and determination to champion responsible gambling.
Mr. Mouyelo said: “We’re thrilled to be live in Sierra Leone and appreciate the warm welcome. Everything we do is driven by our mission to make betting friendly, and we relish the opportunity to win the trust of sports fans and casino players throughout the country as we have in 11 other African countries.”
Mchezo Managing Director Ntoudi Mouyelo during the launch of betPawa Sierra Leone that was held at the Lor Restaurant. Mchezo is the owner of the betPawa betting brand.
Attending the event on behalf of the government, Minister of Youth Affairs Mohamed Bangura said: “Sierra Leone warmly welcomes betPawa to our nation, and we look forward to collaborating with a compliant and responsible gaming brand that will not only spur economic growth but also support the development of sports in our country.”
He added: “betPawa’s presence in Sierra Leone aligns with our government’s commitment to job creation. We anticipate that this partnership will contribute significantly to our goal of generating 100,000 jobs, further empowering our youth and fostering economic prosperity.”
betPawa has demonstrated its commitment to corporate social responsibility across Africa through various initiatives, including sport development, sponsorship and healthcare. As it expands into Sierra Leone, it pledges to continue these efforts and potentially broaden their impact even further, promising to contribute positively to the local community.
Mr. Nsongka said: “Today we launch a friendly, entertaining and customer-focused gaming brand. As a representative of the brand locally, I assure you of our unwavering commitment to compliance with all regulatory requirements, as is required of a responsible corporate citizenry.”
Lionbets Director Winifred Boyah during the launch event. Lionbets is the franchise holder for the betPawa brand in Sierra Leone.
Key pillars of betPawa’s mission to make betting friendly include 24/7 customer support, instant payouts, low stakes and the prospect of life-changing wins with a 1000% Win Bonus. This is underpinned by partnerships with proven mobile money payment operators like Orange.
The brand attracted headlines throughout Africa last October when 27,938 customers became millionaires within 10 days. Between the 21st and 30th, Le1.52 Trillion was paid out in total.
About betPawa
betPawa is a mobile sports betting brand owned by Mchezo Limited. It operates across 12 countries in Africa, with over 10 million users. betPawa is on a mission to make betting friendly by providing 24-hour customer support, a user-friendly platform, the lowest minimum stakes and guaranteed & instant payments.
About LionBets & Fastwins Ltd
LionBet & Fastwins Ltd is a leading betting and gaming company with a presence spanning multiple countries such as Sierra Leone, Cameroon, Guinea, Angola, Gambia, Senegal, and Ivory Coast. We specialize in collaborating with premier betting brands to deliver exceptional gaming experiences to our esteemed clientele. Our dedicated team, fueled by industry expertise and a drive for innovation, ensures the provision of top-tier services and products to meet the diverse needs of our customers.
Committed to fostering the growth and prosperity of the betting industry in West Africa, LionBet & Fastwins Ltd achieves this through strategic partnerships and unmatched service delivery, solidifying our position as a market leader. Operating under the regulatory oversight of the National Tourism Authority in Sierra Leone, we uphold the highest standards of integrity and professionalism to create a secure and enjoyable betting environment for all.
The Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), an institution dedicated to combating financial crime, has initiated an investigation, in collaboration with key stakeholders, into the suspected unlawful activities of Super Advertis.
This entity has been using various mobile money platforms in Sierra Leone to accumulate deposits from the public, falsely presenting itself as an investment opportunity.
Super Advertis stands accused of engaging in unlicensed and unregulated financial services, particularly utilizing mobile money agents to amass supposed investment funds.
This alleged scam, resembling a “PONZI SCHEME,” operates by reimbursing existing investors from contributions made by new investors, rather than generating legitimate profits from a lawful business. Investors are misled into believing that profits stem from genuine business operations, while they actually originate from new investors’ deposits.
Major mobile money service providers, including Orangemoney and Afrimoney, have implemented measures to limit access to the third-party accounts utilized by the suspected fraudsters. They are actively collaborating with relevant authorities in the ongoing investigations.
The FIU issues a cautionary advisory to the public, urging vigilance when encountering individuals or entities offering investment opportunities. It emphasizes the importance of conducting thorough due diligence, ensuring complete satisfaction regarding the legitimacy of any business before engaging in financial investments.
Safeguarding the public’s interests and preserving the integrity of financial systems remain paramount for the FIU. The unit assures the public of further updates as the investigation progresses.
Individuals are encouraged to promptly report any suspected dubious financial activities to the FIU or relevant authorities, contributing to efforts in combating fraudulent financial schemes.
Africell, Sierra Leone’s premier mobile network provider, unveiled its advanced 5G network on Thursday, October 26, 2023. The event, which attracted high-ranking government representatives, industry leaders, and media personnel, was held at the Sea View Lounge, New City Hall, Freetown.
Prominent figures present included Chief Minister, Dr. David Moinina Sengeh, Ministers Chernor Bah and Hon. Salima Bah, Ambassador Joe Blell, Chairman of the NatCa Board, and Mr. Amara Brewah, Director-General of the National Telecommunications Authority (NaTCA).
Shadi Gerjawi, Africell’s CEO, shared the company’s transformative journey from its 2G roots through its 4G era, and now to the groundbreaking 5G technology. He emphasized that 5G, being 100 times faster than 4G, plays a pivotal role in closing the digital gap, thereby enhancing lives.
As part of the event, Africell also showcased a new multi-functional mobile application, accessible via a QR code. The app provides various services, ranging from bill payments for utilities and services like EDSA, WAEC, DSTV, and Mercury, to facilitating financial transactions and complimentary SMS services for users.
Reiterating Africell’s broader vision, Gerjawi said, “Africell’s mission goes beyond being a telecommunications provider; it demonstrates our commitment to being a responsible corporate citizen.” He lauded Africell’s ongoing efforts in sectors like education, health, and youth empowerment.
He also extended heartfelt gratitude to the Sierra Leonean government, especially to Minister Salima Bah, Ambassador Joe Blell, and Director-General Amara Brewah for their unwavering faith in Africell’s mission.
In his remarks, NaTCA’s Director-General, Mr. Brewah, celebrated the arrival of 5G in the nation as a monumental step towards embracing a digitized future. He stressed the invaluable partnership between telecommunications giants and NaTCA, highlighting the anticipated advancements in internet quality, economic growth, education, healthcare, and governance.
Mr. Brewah also addressed the impending tariff hikes, reassuring that the enhanced quality of internet service would provide value proportionate to the costs.
Africell’s 5G network signifies Sierra Leone’s steadfast march towards a technologically advanced and interconnected tomorrow.
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
In a strategic move to provide top-notch digital Banking services its current and Potential Customers , Rokel Commercial Bank has launched Seven new E-Banking Products and Services [ E-Banking Baskit] on Friday 1st September at the D’ Bim D Bam Hall, Wellington Street Freetown.
In his Presentation of the New E Banking Products and Services to the audience, Victor Kanu , Officer in Charge RCBank E-Banking Product and services revealed that over the years they have worked tremendously to see how they can match and surpass what their competitors are doing. He acknowledged that the current trend of Global Banking is digital and they are working hard to adopt the status quo. The seven new products and E-Banking services he listed are Prepaid Card, Classic Visa Card Proprietary /Local Card , Cardless transaction on ATM, ATM Terminals, Remittances Money gram, Western Union, RIA, POS Terminal.
He described RCBank Visa Prepaid Card as reloadable and the cardholder can either be an account holder or non account holder and denominated in Leones. He added that this will give great opportunity to reach out to all the people that are currently excluded from the financial system in Sierra Leone. Speaking on the importance of RCBank Debit Visa Classic Card, he pointed out that the card is directly linked to a customer’s account of the bank , transaction on the card impact the customer account directly. He further confirmed that the card can be used both local and International on any VISA enable terminal [ATM, POS,and Web/ Online]. He affirmed that the card is powered by VISA, a global card scheme in which the bank has a principal License membership.
Richard A.F Ashcroft, the Agency Banking Officer at RCBank, shared remarkable success stories and testimonials from Simkorpor in his Presentation.
He mentioned notable instances of their Ekorpor successes where payments were made to 26,000 recipients to NACSA, ECSL [UNDP] 91000[present], Save the Children 15,000, AFENET 25,000 and NETIPS 10,000 in a short period, many of whom did not have accounts with RCBank. While transaction limits are currently set at Le15,000 per transaction, Ashcroft expressed the bank’s commitment to further develop the service.
Managing Director of RCBank, Dr, Ekundayo Gilpin described the various E-banking products and services as a sum total of RCBank ambitious digitalization programme that has invariably transitioned into fast, reliable, modern, safe and efficient banking services. He recalled that sometimes back when they expressed their ambition to go digital, some people were casting aspersions. He pointed out that many people were calling the Bank they took up in 2017 Provocative names, but because he got a team of likeminded people which are the shareholders, and dedicated staff who work in the institution they were able to change the narrative. He further revealed that now is the time to show the world that Sierra Leoneans can emerge as people of Substance who can equal and surpass any other bank in this in the aspect of digitization. Addressing the issue of safety and security for customers data and finance, he acknowledged that in terms of digitization and Online Processing there is potential for fraud. He referenced the recent data Breach of the British Metropolitan Service as a manifestation of potential fraud. He allays the fear of the audience that they have put together solution s to protect their customers’ cash with one of best standards globally.
The Board Chairman of RCBank described the occasion as tremendous and not only for the Bank but for Sierra Leone. He acknowledged that it has not been an Easy Journey but he believes that a journey of a thousand mile begins with a first step. He affirmed that despite reaching their goals with a thousand mile, they would like to go beyond the said thousand miles. He confirmed that the board of the bank is in a strategic direction, and commends the management and staff that actualize their plans and strategies. He acknowledges that they can have the best of ideas and strategies but the people that implement them are the ones that mainly deserve applaud. He affirms the board commitment to always support management.
Representing the Acting Bank Governor, Mr. Jarret, Director of Banking and Supervision at the Bank of Sierra Leone congratulated the Chairman, Managing Director and the Board and Management of RCBANK. He pointed out that from the speech of the Managing Director, he was able to see all what RCBank has to offer and map out the path the Bank has journeyed since the time Barclays Bank left the shores of Freetown and was transformed to RCBank, to the present day. He described the apt speech of the Managing Director, Dr. Gilpin as a chronology of achievements.
Launching the RCBank E-Banking Products and Services [ E-Banking Baskit], the Deputy Minister of Finance, Madam Jeneba Bangura herself as now a potential customer of RCBank. She justified that her decision to serve as a potential customer of RCBank is as a result of the significant strides the Bank is making in Sierra Leone.
“I’m really really impressed, this is my second event. We were here about three weeks ago where I joined you 5 years of digital financial service with Simkorpor and I am here again to launch services and Products.RCBank you guys are leading. As I stand through both presentations, not only did I know that you guys are providing all these services but I am impressed that you have done within the shortest possible time and your efforts is exactly into what this government is trying to do which is innovation and digital transformation ” she stated.
She pointed out that digitization is very important especially when it comes to providing services for customers whether in the Banking sector, or revenue collection. she affirmed that it is important because it saves money , time and provide security and provides accountability for customers.
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.
