Orange Sierra Leone (OSL) is committed to providing the best telecommunications services to all Sierra Leoneans.
Orange Sierra Leone PRO, Alfie Barrie commented that “The Company has invested over $50 million in network expansion and modernization and that its significant investment included swapping more than 500+ sites to 4G, even in the most remote area”.
He further stated that “the dedicated technicians worked tirelessly through challenging times and extreme weather conditions to complete these installations, demonstrating commitment to connecting all communities”.
Adding that “the Company acknowledges the disruptions to customers experience that occurred during the network upgrade. Some of the challenges encountered by the operator were also caused by factors such as unavailability of internet service from third-party service providers, malicious damage to the fibre connections and disruptions to the company’s energy supply.”.
Despite these hurdles, Orange is proud to announce that all its sites are now on 4G, providing faster internet speeds and improved quality in voice and data. The Company’s commitment to powering its operations is further demonstrated by an investment of up to $17million on energy optimization.
At a time when telecoms companies are battling with Infrastructural limitations in underserved areas, as rural areas often lack the requisite incentives required to attract high-cost traditional telecommunication sites, which continues to leave huge amount of people deprived off connectivity limiting their economic ability to expand and connect with other businesses, Orange Sierra Leone is excited to announce the launch of its ten (10) new solar powered deep rural sites enhancing connectivity for underserved areas and enabling small businesses to expand and grown through enhanced connectivity opening them up to more opportunities. The 10 deep rural sites are now on air at the following provincial towns: Sahn, Fanima, Tawuya, Pehala, Gbonkonka, Robaka, Mabang Mamutha, Falla, Futta.
Mr Barrie stated that “Orange remains strong and focused despite facing many intimations from the media with intent to tarnish the reputation of and credibility of the brand and considers recent media publications attacking the leadership of the company to be malicious and unfounded. The company’s brand values of care, responsible and bold are firmly rooted in its culture and will continue meet the meets of its customer and provide an unmatched customer experience”.
Orange Sierra Leone remains resolute to increase it network availability across the Country. Orange is Here! Orange De ya!
Orange Sierra Leone has announced the launch of the 7th edition of the Orange Social Venture Prize (OSVP) in Sierra Leone, coinciding with the 15th edition in Africa and the Middle East. This initiative aims to support social innovation and foster local entrepreneurship within the region.
The competition officially opens for applications today, March 11th, 2025. Applicants from Sierra Leone and the 16 other Orange affiliates in Africa and the Middle East are required to submit their applications for both the National and International competitions. The deadline for applications is May 18th, 2025.
Through this competition, Orange Sierra Leone seeks to contribute to human capital development, support local social and environmental innovations, and encourage entrepreneurship in Sierra Leone.
Since 2019, the OSVP has recognized innovative projects in various fields, including education, healthcare, e-commerce, and agriculture, as well as projects that contribute to achieving sustainable development goals through digital technology.
The competition will be held in two stages:
1. National Stage:
Applications for the National and Women’s competitions will be accepted from March 11th to May 18th, 2025.
A national pitch competition will be held in August 2025 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 Winner
2. International Stage:
The National and Women’s category winners from each subsidiary in the 17 Orange affiliates will automatically be selected for the international phase.
Following evaluation, 10 finalists will be chosen.
A final jury of African tech influencers will select the top 3 winners of the OSVP International Grand Prize in October/November 2025.
An International Women’s Prize will also be awarded for the fifth consecutive year to a woman offering a technological solution to improve the living conditions of women. This includes solutions focused on women’s independence, job creation or preservation, gender data collection, and digital and financial inclusion.
The winners of the international and women’s competition will receive the following prizes:
€25,000 for 1st place international winner
€15,000 for 2nd place international winner
€10,000 for 3rd place international winner
€20,000 for Women’s international winner
About Orange Sierra Leone
Orange Sierra Leone is a leading telecommunications operator and service provider in Sierra Leone, licensed by the National Communication Authority. The company is dedicated to meeting the socio-economic needs of the society. Orange Sierra Leone’s strategic objective is to become a responsible Corporate Social Investor and to improve the daily lives of the people in Sierra Leone through responsible and valuable digital experiences.
Orange Middle East and Africa (OMEA)
Orange has a presence in 18 countries across Africa and the Middle East, serving over 143 million customers as of December 31, 2022. With revenues of 6.9 billion euros in 2022, Orange MEA is the Orange group’s leading growth area. Orange Money, its mobile-based money transfer and financial services offering, is available in 17 countries and has more than 80 million customers. As a multi-service operator, Orange is a key partner in the digital transformation, providing expertise to support the development of new digital services in Africa and the Middle East.
In February 2025, at the Freetown International Conference Centre in Aberdeen, Orange Money received an impressive recognition at the Western African Bankers awards night as “Leader in Financial Inclusion in Sierra Leone”.
This prestigious award acknowledged the company’s outstanding contributions to enhancing financial access and empowering the underserved population across various regions in Seirra Leone.
The award ceremony was organized by the West African Bankers’ Association to honour key players driving financial innovation and inclusion across the region.
Mr. Joseph Tengbeh, Head of Strategic Partnerships and Marketing at OMFSL, accepted the award on behalf of Orange Money SL and commenting on the award he stated that “the award solidifies Orange Mobile finance’s position as a trail blazer in the sector”.
Orange Money Sierra Leone Chief Executive Officer, David S. Mansaray expressed gratitude for receiving the award and highlighted that “the company is committed to innovation and unmatched customer service and thanked his team and the partnerships that have contributed to the company’s success in reinforcing their vision to boost digital finance”.
He further commented on the importance of financial inclusion and how Orange money continues to empower individuals and businesses through accessible mobile financial services.
Orange money has proven to be a trusted player in guaranteeing reliable and secure access to your money anywhere, anytime, for everyone. With nearly 40 million customers across the African continent, Orange Money continues its commitment to ever more accessible and innovative mobile finance.
Orange Money SL remains at the forefront of mobile money inclusion, playing a pivotal role in enhancing seamless transactions between mobile wallets and banks. Through innovative financial solutions, the company continues to empower individuals and businesses, bridging the gap between traditional banking and digital finance.
Orange money Africa and middle east recently announced opening if its new headquarters in Abidjan, cote d’lvoire. An important milestone demonstrating the groups’ commitment to Africa and to facilitate innovative financial services for all and to contribute to the growth of African financial ecosystem.
A new stage is being prepared….one more step towards you, towards proximity, more impact, and more solutions adapted to your needs.
Orange Sierra Leone has uncovered a significant case of internal fraud within its sales and distribution network, resulting in substantial revenue losses.
The discovery was made during a recent internal audit, revealing fraudulent activities allegedly carried out by employees.
The company, known for its strict anti-fraud policies, has expressed deep concern over the breach of trust. Orange Sierra Leone reiterated its unwavering commitment to maintaining integrity in all operations and enforcing a zero-tolerance policy against fraud and corruption.
Speaking on the matter, the company’s Public Relations Officer, Mr. Alfie Barrie, assured stakeholders that a full investigation is underway.
“Our focus remains on ensuring a thorough investigation into this matter. The individuals responsible will be held fully accountable for their actions,” Mr. Barrie stated.
He also emphasized that the situation highlights the effectiveness of the company’s internal controls and anti-fraud mechanisms.
“This incident underscores the strength of our robust internal controls and anti-fraud systems. Our commitment to ethical values and our zero-tolerance approach to fraud and corruption guide all of our actions,” he added.
In response to the findings, Orange Sierra Leone has implemented additional measures to tighten security across its sales operations, preventing further unauthorized activities.
“This situation only reinforces our determination to uphold the highest standards of integrity,” Mr. Barrie continued. “Our ethical values remain at the core of everything we do. We are confident that our proactive anti-fraud measures will continue to protect the interests of all our stakeholders moving forward.”
The telecommunications giant reassured its customers, partners, and stakeholders that it is taking the matter seriously and remains committed to ethical conduct and corporate governance.
In a move to enhance digital education in Sierra Leone, Orange Foundation Sierra Leone, the non-profit arm of Orange Sierra Leone, donated Digital School Kits to two primary schools St. Theresa’s Police School in Bo District and Holy Family Primary School R.C Boys in Pujehun District, the alma mater of His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio. The donations were made on Monday, 10th February, and Tuesday, 11th February 2025, respectively.
Each school received cutting-edge equipment 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 young pupils with access to digital tools that will revolutionize classroom learning and prepare them for a tech-driven future.
In her remarks at both schools, Finnah Mariama Stevens, Head of Orange Digital Centre, highlighted that the Orange Foundation has been actively involved in various humanitarian efforts, particularly in the education sector. She stated that the donation of digital school kits is a key initiative under the foundation’s education wing.
She emphasized the importance of technological tools in driving innovation and bridging the digital divide. She noted that the foundation has donated similar kits to various schools across the country, stressing that these resources are provided free of charge with the vision of ensuring that every child in Sierra Leone has access to the technological tools necessary for today’s digital world.
Finnah Mariama Stevens also underscored Orange Sierra Leone’s commitment to the government’s human capital development agenda, particularly its focus on empowering young girls through access to digital resources.
She urged the schools to utilize the donation effectively, emphasizing that with the right tools and skills, pupils in Sierra Leone can compete with their peers in other countries in the field of technology in the coming years.
Paramount Chief Prince Lappia Boima IV of Kakua Chiefdom, Bo District addressed residents, highlighting concerns about the frequent cutting of mobile operators’ fiber cables, which often leads to poor network connectivity across the country.
Reflecting on his school days, he noted that such digital learning facilities were unavailable to them at the time. He emphasized that today’s pupils are fortunate to be exposed to digital learning at an early age and commended Orange Sierra Leone for its generous donation.
The Paramount Chief urged parents to prioritize their children’s education, stressing that these donated school kits are meant to benefit the pupils, and if children do not attend school, these resources will go to waste.
John Abu, Resident Minister of the Southern Region, has expressed appreciation to Orange Foundation Sierra Leone for its generous donation of Digital School Kits, describing it as a gateway to digital learning. He encouraged pupils to take full advantage of the opportunity, noting that such resources were unavailable during his own school days.
“As a responsible company, Orange has proven that it is not just focused on making profits but also committed to giving back to society through meaningful investments in education,” he stated.
He emphasized that the initiative aligns with President Bio’s Human Capital Development agenda, which is crucial to transforming the country. He further noted that the donation comes at a critical time when the world is rapidly advancing in digital technology, stressing that Sierra Leone must not be left behind in this revolution.
The Minister concluded by urging the school administration to ensure that the donated digital tools are effectively utilized so that pupils can fully benefit from the enhanced learning experience.
Addressing the gathering in Bo, 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.
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.
Alusine Senessie, School Assistance Officer for MBSSE in Bo District, speaking on behalf of the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education (MBSSE), applauded Orange Sierra Leone for complementing the ministry’s efforts in enhancing digital learning for pupils.
He assured the ministry’s commitment to ensuring the sustainability of the donated kits in various schools. He emphasized that technology is the future, and these digital resources will not only benefit pupils but also support teachers in lesson planning and delivery, ultimately improving learning outcomes in schools.
Hawa Bay Jusu, Head teacher of Holy Family Primary School R.C Boys, expressed deep appreciation for the donation of Digital School Kits by Orange Foundation Sierra Leone, describing it as a historic milestone for the school since its establishment in 1912, emphasized that the arrival of the digital kits marks a turning point in the school’s pursuit of technological advancement.
“We are eager to explore these wonderful digital tools in our school, and our vision has finally come true. This donation has brought us honor, respect, and hope,” she stated.
The Head Teacher assured Orange Foundation and all stakeholders that the Digital School Kits which include tablets, laptops, Raspberry Pi devices, projectors, power banks, and other essential tools would be used for their intended purpose to enhance digital literacy among pupils.
Additionally, she extended gratitude to Her Excellency, Dr. Fatima Maada Bio, First Lady of Sierra Leone, for selecting the school as a beneficiary in recognition of it being the alma mater of His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio.
She called on the government and stakeholders to address these concerns to create a safer learning environment for pupils.
Both events concluded with the formal handover of the Digital School Kits to the school administration, symbolizing a new chapter in the pupils’ education journey.
In January 2025, Orange Sierra Leone, received the official certificate as TOP EMPLOYER in Sierra Leone at the prestigious ceremony held in the United Kingdom celebrating outstanding employers around the world who have demonstrated excellence in workplace practices and employee engagement.
Top Employers Institute is the global authority on recognizing excellence in People Practices and help to accelerate these practices to enrich the world of work. Through the Top Employers Institute Certification Program, participating companies can be validated, certified, and recognized as an employer of choice.
The event brought together over 500 business leaders from international companies, HR professionals, and local dignitaries to recognize companies that prioritize their workforce’s well-being and development.
The Top Employer Certification is awarded to organizations that excel in areas such as employee satisfaction, diversity and inclusion, career development opportunities, and workplace culture.
The Orange Seirra Leone Human Resource Director, Madam Agnes Songa expressed gratitude, stating, “This recognition reflects our dedication as a company to fostering a supportive and dynamic workplace where our employees can thrive.”
At the ceremony, Agnes Songa joined other HR leaders in celebrating the hard work and dedication that companies put into creating inclusive, innovative, and supportive workplaces and she highlighted during her speech that “it is important to note that OSL is HR practices are based on global standard in many categories”.
This recognition highlights companies that demonstrate outstanding practices in employee engagement, development, and overall work environment, making it a significant achievement for Orange Sierra Leone.
As employers continue to navigate the challenges of the modern workplace, the Top Employer Certificate Award Ceremony reinforces Orange Sierra Leone’s commitment to creating positive work environments that benefit both employees and to continue fostering excellent work culture.
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.
The Chief Commercial Officer, Haffie Haffner and CEO of Orange Money David Mansaray, embarked on a four-day commercial tour covering Bo, Makeni, Kenema, Kabala, Kambia and Kono.
The aim of the tour was to strengthen stakeholder and customer relations through an open dialogue and to provide an opportunity to engage local stakeholders on Orange’s network modernization project.
The engagement commenced in Kono District, Eastern Region, with a courtesy visit to PC Tamba Amadu, the Town Chief of Koeyo Section.
Chief Amadu expressed gratitude for the visit and stated that the visit marks a significant moment on the journey towards Network development for his community.
The Chief commercial Officer, Haffie Haffner, stated that “Orange is committed to listen and address the needs of its customers and will ensure network availability for the People of Kono”.
In Makeni and Kabala Northern Region, Makeni’s Section Chief of Talent Town, Chief John Turay, welcomed the Orange delegation while urging the company to enhance communication on network-related issues. He acknowledged recent improvements in the network despite months of challenges and expressed hope for sustained progress.
In Kambia District, the Orange delegation met with Paramount Chief Bai Farama Tass N’gbak (IV), the town chief, and the District Council Chairman. The CEO of Orange Money, David S Mansaray stated the primary goal of the engagements was to get firsthand insights on Orange network performance and to understand how Orange can better serve the people of Kambia.
This tour represents Orange’s dedication towards strengthening stakeholder relations to address concerns of our customers and an opportunity for the company to connect with local communities.
The company has invested significantly in its network infrastructure to ensure network reliability while boosting mobile and data penetration across the Country.
Orange reassures its customers of its unwavering commitment to deliver quality network services that meet the needs of its customers.
Orange Money has officially launched its highly anticipated ‘Kotoku’ initiative.
The launching ceremony was held on Friday, 18th October 2024, at Orange’s office, Rawdon Street in Freetown.
The initiative aim to support and empower small businesses across Sierra Leone, and the launching was met with excitement, especially from market women who sang in unison, “Kotoku na wan word oh, oh yah, Kotoku na wan word oh, oh yah,” reflecting their enthusiasm for this new mobile money solution.
The ‘Kotoku’ product, named after the Krio word for “pocket,” is a mobile money service designed to enhance financial transactions for small business owners, particularly in the informal sector. It provides a secure, accessible, and user-friendly platform for traders to save, send, and receive money. This will help them better manage their finances, conduct payments, and grow their businesses.
In his remarks, Joseph Saffa Tengbeh, Head of Marketing, Strategy, and Partnership at Orange Money, explained that ‘Kotoku’ is tailored for small and medium-scale businesses. He noted that in the past, when customers wanted to pay via Orange Money, traders would often ask for payments to be made to their personal numbers, leading to additional costs, such as cash-out fees.
The ‘Kotoku’ initiative addresses these issues by creating a separate business wallet for traders, allowing them to manage both personal and business transactions on the same number. “With ‘Kotoku,’ business owners now have a designated business wallet. This system not only makes their transactions more professional but also eliminates the need for additional cash-out fees and even offers commissions on payments received,” Tengbeh stated.
He added that ‘Kotoku’ is not just for business owners but also caters to Keke riders, bike riders, taxi drivers, and other small-scale entrepreneurs. He encouraged small business owners to enroll in ‘Kotoku’ by dialing #144810# or registering with Orange Money field sales agents, who are providing free enrollment services. One of the key benefits of the initiative is that businesses do not need formal registration to qualify for the service, a departure from the previous merchant system.
Additionally, Tengbeh highlighted that ‘Kotoku’ users will not need separate passwords for their business wallet, as it will operate with the same credentials as their personal wallet.
He further emphasized the advantages of the initiative, noting that business owners who use ‘Kotoku’ will receive commissions on payments made through their wallet, enjoy free cash-outs, and be able to transfer funds to other ‘Kotoku’ wallets without incurring any charges. Traders using ‘Kotoku’ are also eligible for loans of up to NLE 5,000.
David Mansaray, Chief Executive Officer of Orange Money, stressed the significance of ‘Kotoku’ in empowering small businesses. “Small businesses are the backbone of Sierra Leone’s economy. With ‘Kotoku,’ we are ensuring that these businesses, many run by women, have access to modern financial services that will support their growth and sustainability,” Mansaray said.
Mansaray noted that ‘Kotoku’ is part of Orange Money’s broader strategy to empower businesses in a country where many small-scale traders lack access to formal banking services. He highlighted that ‘Kotoku’ users will benefit from commissions on transactions and assured business owners that payments made into their ‘Kotoku’ wallets are secure, with no possibility of payment reversals, unlike regular Orange Money accounts.
“Kotoku is built for Sierra Leone, and our goal is to help small business owners earn more and grow their enterprises. Join ‘Kotoku’ today, and remember, Orange Money is here to stay today, tomorrow, and forever. Orange Money Kotoku ‘tay go’,” Mansaray concluded.
The Chief Commercial Officer at Orange Sierra Leone, Haffie Haffner, described the launch as historic, marking the first time such an initiative has been introduced in Sierra Leone.
She commended the Orange Money team for their efforts in empowering small businesses and urged business owners to take full advantage of the opportunities presented by ‘Kotoku.’
Matty Kanu, Chairlady of the Vegetable Sellers Association, expressed her excitement about the potential benefits of ‘Kotoku.’ “This is the kind of support we need to grow our businesses. With ‘Kotoku,’ we can now save money, make payments to suppliers without leaving our shops, and even apply for loans without incurring extra charges,” she said.
She encouraged all small business owners to enroll in the ‘Kotoku’ wallet initiative, which she described as a significant boost to their enterprises.
The ‘Kotoku’ initiative is part of Orange Money’s ongoing commitment to leveraging technology to drive economic development and improve the quality of life for Sierra Leoneans. With the majority of the population dependent on small-scale businesses, ‘Kotoku’ offers an innovative solution to the financial challenges entrepreneurs face in accessing reliable services, ultimately empowering them to grow and thrive.
Orange Money has officially launched its highly anticipated ‘Kotoku’ initiative.
The launching ceremony was held on Friday, 18th October 2024, at Orange’s office, Rawdon Street in Freetown.
The initiative aim to support and empower small businesses across Sierra Leone, and the launching was met with excitement, especially from market women who sang in unison, “Kotoku na wan word oh, oh yah, Kotoku na wan word oh, oh yah,” reflecting their enthusiasm for this new mobile money solution.
The ‘Kotoku’ product, named after the Krio word for “pocket,” is a mobile money service designed to enhance financial transactions for small business owners, particularly in the informal sector. It provides a secure, accessible, and user-friendly platform for traders to save, send, and receive money. This will help them better manage their finances, conduct payments, and grow their businesses.
In his remarks, Joseph Saffa Tengbeh, Head of Marketing, Strategy, and Partnership at Orange Money, explained that ‘Kotoku’ is tailored for small and medium-scale businesses. He noted that in the past, when customers wanted to pay via Orange Money, traders would often ask for payments to be made to their personal numbers, leading to additional costs, such as cash-out fees.
The ‘Kotoku’ initiative addresses these issues by creating a separate business wallet for traders, allowing them to manage both personal and business transactions on the same number. “With ‘Kotoku,’ business owners now have a designated business wallet. This system not only makes their transactions more professional but also eliminates the need for additional cash-out fees and even offers commissions on payments received,” Tengbeh stated.
He added that ‘Kotoku’ is not just for business owners but also caters to Keke riders, bike riders, taxi drivers, and other small-scale entrepreneurs. He encouraged small business owners to enroll in ‘Kotoku’ by dialing #144810# or registering with Orange Money field sales agents, who are providing free enrollment services. One of the key benefits of the initiative is that businesses do not need formal registration to qualify for the service, a departure from the previous merchant system.
Additionally, Tengbeh highlighted that ‘Kotoku’ users will not need separate passwords for their business wallet, as it will operate with the same credentials as their personal wallet.
He further emphasized the advantages of the initiative, noting that business owners who use ‘Kotoku’ will receive commissions on payments made through their wallet, enjoy free cash-outs, and be able to transfer funds to other ‘Kotoku’ wallets without incurring any charges. Traders using ‘Kotoku’ are also eligible for loans of up to NLE 5,000.
David Mansaray, Chief Executive Officer of Orange Money, stressed the significance of ‘Kotoku’ in empowering small businesses. “Small businesses are the backbone of Sierra Leone’s economy. With ‘Kotoku,’ we are ensuring that these businesses, many run by women, have access to modern financial services that will support their growth and sustainability,” Mansaray said.
Mansaray noted that ‘Kotoku’ is part of Orange Money’s broader strategy to empower businesses in a country where many small-scale traders lack access to formal banking services. He highlighted that ‘Kotoku’ users will benefit from commissions on transactions and assured business owners that payments made into their ‘Kotoku’ wallets are secure, with no possibility of payment reversals, unlike regular Orange Money accounts.
“Kotoku is built for Sierra Leone, and our goal is to help small business owners earn more and grow their enterprises. Join ‘Kotoku’ today, and remember, Orange Money is here to stay today, tomorrow, and forever. Orange Money Kotoku ‘tay go’,” Mansaray concluded.
The Chief Commercial Officer at Orange Sierra Leone, Haffie Haffner, described the launch as historic, marking the first time such an initiative has been introduced in Sierra Leone.
She commended the Orange Money team for their efforts in empowering small businesses and urged business owners to take full advantage of the opportunities presented by ‘Kotoku.’
Matty Kanu, Chairlady of the Vegetable Sellers Association, expressed her excitement about the potential benefits of ‘Kotoku.’ “This is the kind of support we need to grow our businesses. With ‘Kotoku,’ we can now save money, make payments to suppliers without leaving our shops, and even apply for loans without incurring extra charges,” she said.
She encouraged all small business owners to enroll in the ‘Kotoku’ wallet initiative, which she described as a significant boost to their enterprises.
The ‘Kotoku’ initiative is part of Orange Money’s ongoing commitment to leveraging technology to drive economic development and improve the quality of life for Sierra Leoneans. With the majority of the population dependent on small-scale businesses, ‘Kotoku’ offers an innovative solution to the financial challenges entrepreneurs face in accessing reliable services, ultimately empowering them to grow and thrive.
