In a significant development for travelers in Sierra Leone, Ethiopian Airlines has announced the commencement of its operations to Freetown, via Ouagadougou, effective May 31st.
This new route will connect the capital city to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia’s bustling metropolis, with flights scheduled from Addis Ababa on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. Additionally, travelers from Freetown can embark on their journey back to Addis Ababa on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.
Situated at 32 Main Motor Road – Congo Cross, Ethiopian Airlines invites the public to visit their office and explore the myriad of travel opportunities available. Whether it is a leisurely escape or a business venture, their dedicated team is prepared to assist travelers in planning their trips with ease and expertise.
For inquiries and reservations, individuals can reach out to Ethiopian Airlines via phone at +232 33 071 071 or by visiting their official website at www.ethiopianairlines.com. With a wide array of destinations on offer, including Johannesburg, Beirut, Mumbai, Guangzhou, New York, London, Paris, Nairobi, and many more, Ethiopian Airlines opens doors to the world like never before.
Don’t miss this chance to broaden your horizons and embark on unforgettable journeys with Ethiopian Airlines. Book your tickets today and experience the convenience and comfort of traveling with one of Africa’s leading airlines.
Contact Information: Address: 32 Main Motor Road, Congo Cross Phone: +232 33 071 071 Website: www.ethiopianairlines.com
Cryptocurrency exchange Binance announced support for the Sierra Leonean Leone (SLL) on its peer-to-peer (P2P) platform in February 2023.
This addition allows Sierra Leone residents to directly buy and sell cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin (BTC), Tether (USDT), Ethereum (ETH), Binance Coin (BNB), and Binance USD (BUSD) using their local currency.
Through Binance P2P, users can now:
Post trade advertisements: Advertise their desire to buy or sell cryptocurrencies with SLL.
Zero fees: Enjoy zero transaction fees when trading with other users or verified merchants.
Multiple crypto options: Trade directly with other users for various cryptocurrencies beyond just Bitcoin.
Binance is also seeking local P2P merchants in Sierra Leone. These merchants can benefit from:
Exclusive support: Receive dedicated customer support from Binance.
Verified badges: Gain increased trust from potential trading partners through verified badges.
Advanced tools: Utilize advanced trading tools to manage their P2P business effectively.
VIP programs: Enjoy benefits like VIP discounts and zero commissions.
This move by Binance opens up new opportunities for Sierra Leonean residents to participate in the cryptocurrency market using their local currency. It also fosters a more accessible and efficient way to buy and sell crypto within the country.
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.
Betpawa – an African gaming brand is now available in Sierra Leone. Betpawa has come on board with a packed sportsbook offering great odds on all the major football leagues, tennis and basketball matches.
BetPawa’s tagline is bet small, win BIG because you can stake as little as Le0.01 and get a Win Bonus on all bets with three eligible legs or more, up to 1000% for bets on 60.
The brand’s entry into Sierra Leone comes after a notable series of record wins for its customers. In October 2023, betPawa players recorded a historic series of winnings, amassing a staggering Le1.52 Trillion in earnings during a 10-day spell.
The remarkable trend that was witnessed at the time unfolded between Saturday October 21st and Monday October 30th with 27,938 customers having been elevated to millionaire status during the winnings surge.
“Just as we promptly paid out all our customers during the 10-day winning spell in October last year, we assure our customers in Sierra Leone of guaranteed and instant payouts. They can also reach out to us any time through our 24-hour customer support service,” said the betting brand in a statement.
The betting brand is also known across Africa for its sports and community sponsorship projects which include the Locker Room Bonus.
This is a first-of-a-kind reward initiative paid out to football and basketball players for every match their team wins in select leagues across the continent such as the Futsal League in Uganda and Ghana Football League for instance.
It is an incentive paid out to the players through their mobile money wallets as soon as the match they win ends and before they leave the Locker Room, hence its name. A reminder of betPawa’s commitment to instant payouts.
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.
The Bank Governor of Sierra Leone, Dr. Ibrahim Stevens has announced “NLe” as the official abbreviation for the country’s re-dominated currency.
This announcement comes after months of debate following the 2022 re-denomination of the Leone. While the currency itself continues to bear the abbreviation “Le.”, questions arose about how to represent the new, higher-value version. Both “NLe” and “Le” gained traction, leading to uncertainty.
Speaking at the government’s press conference on Tuesday, Stevens declared “NLe” as the official abbreviation for local use, while acknowledging “SLE” as the international code for transactions outside the country.
Dr. Stevens clarified that the government intends to retain “Le” on the notes for historical purposes, emphasizing its cultural significance. However, to avoid confusion in international transactions, “SLE” will serve as the official code for international bodies and markets.
The introduction of “NLe” specifically for local use aims to distinguish the new currency from its predecessor and prevent ambiguity within the domestic financial system.
“The correct abbreviation for the new currency is NLe, The international code is SLe, to be used for only international transactions.”
“The abbreviation ‘Le.’ still stands on our money’. Government is seeking an amendment of the Bank Act to retain the ‘Le’ for historical purposes and approve the ‘NLe’ for the new currency.” the Bank Governor said.
Sierra Leone Brewery Limited (SLBL) has issued a public statement on February 16th, 2024, to counter recent misinformation spreading across social media platforms. The statement refutes claims of job vacancies coupled with free accommodation, emphasizing that the circulating post is entirely false and holds no affiliation with SLBL.
The misleading post, which has gained traction on various social media platforms, falsely promotes job openings at SLBL, promising free accommodation. SLBL categorically denies any association with such claims, asserting that current job vacancies do not include complimentary accommodation packages as indicated in the viral post.
SLBL asserts that authentic job vacancies and related announcements are exclusively disseminated through the company’s official channels and platforms, such as the official SLBL website and verified Facebook page. Any recruitment process initiated outside of these official channels is deemed fraudulent and should be approached with skepticism.
Transparency and integrity are fundamental to SLBL’s operations, particularly in its recruitment practices. The company is committed to upholding these principles and ensuring that all prospective employees have access to accurate and reliable information regarding job opportunities. SLBL emphasizes the importance of individuals exercising caution and discernment when seeking employment with the company, urging them to rely solely on information provided through official channels.
In response to the deceptive social media post, SLBL calls upon the cooperation of the general public in combating misinformation. The company encourages individuals to promptly report any suspicious or misleading information pertaining to job vacancies at SLBL. By working together to identify and address false claims, SLBL aims to safeguard the interests of both job seekers and the integrity of its recruitment processes.
This proactive response underscores SLBL’s commitment to maintaining transparency, authenticity, and trustworthiness in all aspects of its operations. By swiftly addressing misinformation and clarifying the facts, SLBL reaffirms its dedication to fostering a fair and equitable recruitment environment for all prospective employees.
As the public remains vigilant against deceptive practices, SLBL stands firm in its commitment to providing genuine employment opportunities while safeguarding individuals from fraudulent schemes. With the continued support and cooperation of the community, SLBL remains steadfast in its mission to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and integrity in the brewing industry.
On February 14th, 2024, Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB) Sierra Leone painted its Offices orange with a vibrant celebration of Valentine’s Day, themed “Boku Boku Love.” The festivities climaxed with a grand finale at the Head Office in Freetown, marking a day filled with camaraderie, appreciation, and joy among staff members.
The anticipation for the event began a week prior, as employees were encouraged to add a touch of orange to their attire, symbolizing the “Orange love” they share for one another. But the celebration didn’t stop there; GTBank Sierra Leone went above and beyond to make this Valentine’s Day truly special for its staff.
Leading up to February 14th, branches were organized into batches, with each batch participating in a unique Valentine’s Day activity. Staff members from each branch had the opportunity to randomly select a colleague’s name, who would then become their designated Valentine for the occasion. This initiative fostered a sense of connection and camaraderie among coworkers, as they became “Valentine couples” for the duration of the celebration.
Throughout the week, these Valentine couples were encouraged to indulge in acts of kindness and appreciation, whether it be treating each other to lunch or exchanging flowers as tokens of affection. Additionally, each branch came together to select their “best couple,” who would represent them in the bank wide “best couple” competition.
The highlight of the celebration was the exchange of Valentine’s gifts during a grand finale and town hall meeting at the Bank’s Head Office. Staff members exchanged heartfelt tokens of appreciation, spreading love and positivity throughout the organization.
In addition to the Valentine’s Day festivities, GTBank Sierra Leone also took the opportunity to recognize the dedication and commitment of its long-serving staff members. Certificates for Long Service Awards were presented, honoring individuals for their years of service and contribution to the bank’s success.
Sharing his thoughts during the occasion, the Bank CEO/Managing Director, Mr. Ade Adebiyi touted the Bank for its commitment to employee empowerment. He noted that GTBank continues to empower employees by building a conducive environment for fun, creativity and innovation. “As we continue to serve our customers with the best financial service in Sierra Leone, it is necessary to recognize our staff who have excelled in our various pillars of focus. That is why we encourage each staff to give off their best by being an employer of choice” he said.
Speaking to Sierraloaded, Clifford Turay, a staff of the bank expressed gratitude and appreciation for the management’s efforts in organizing such a memorable celebration. He shared his happiness and expressed desire for this tradition of love and appreciation to continue for years to come.
The Trader’s Council of Sierra Leone has extended its membership to the Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry, Fatmata Kargbo as an active member.
In a statement released by the Trade Council, it highlighted the proactive initiatives undertaken by the Ministry under the leadership of Minister Alpha Sesay, who has been instrumental in supporting traders and various sectors for national development and sustainable growth. It is on this premise that the Council extended membership to the Deputy Minister, aiming to collaborate closely in monitoring and providing advice where necessary.
Expressing her gratitude for the gesture, Deputy Minister Kargbo lauded the Council’s recognition of the Ministry’s efforts in line with President Bio’s agenda of effective governance and citizen-centered policies. She emphasized the President’s commitment to action, evident in efforts to uplift the nation.
Highlighting the importance of unity and collective support for the President’s vision, Kargbo underscored the Ministry’s dedication to realizing sustainable development goals and fostering inclusive growth.
She reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to engaging stakeholders in decision-making processes, emphasizing regular consultations with traders and an inclusive approach to policy implementation.
Assuring the traders of the Ministry’s alignment with the President’s transformative agenda, Kargbo emphasized ongoing efforts in human capital development and women’s empowerment, particularly in collaboration with First Lady Fatima Bio.
Regarding policy initiatives, Kargbo disclosed ongoing discussions on the review of wholesale and retail policies aimed at optimizing support for traders and enhancing the sales of goods and services nationwide.
She also mentioned ongoing discussions with the Trader’s Council executive regarding the Sewa Ground Market and the Ministry’s plans to construct high-quality markets in additional locations to better serve traders.
The Deputy Minister concluded by reaffirming the Ministry’s commitment to collaborative efforts with the Trader’s Council in realizing President Bio’s vision for a prosperous Sierra Leone.
