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Delegation From Africa Technology-Driven Company Interswitch Pays Courtesy Visit to RCBank Management


Akeem Lawal, the Managing Director of Interswitch, the Payment Processing and Switching (Pure pay) business division, along with the team from Nigeria, paid a courtesy visit to RCBank Management.

Interswitch is a leading technology-driven digital payments company, is actively shaping the payment landscape in the growing e-commerce sector in Africa.

The meeting focused on crucial topics such as the POS acquiring project, transaction processing engagement, Verve Card engagement, and strategic plans for business expansion in the Sierra Leone market.



Interswitch’s broad network and robust payments platform have been instrumental to the development of the Nigerian payments ecosystem and provide Interswitch with credibility to expand across Africa.

Today, Interswitch is a leading player with critical mass in Africa’s rapidly developing financial ecosystem and is active across the payments value chain, providing a full suite of omni-channel payment solutions.



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NP-SL Limited Commissions New Nyakel Amadu Fuel Station in Pujehun


In a significant move to address the ongoing fuel crisis in Pujehun district, NP (SL) Limited has opened a new state-of-the-art fuel station in Pujehun Town, Southern Sierra Leone, offering convenience and easy access to fuel to provide for the community’s diverse energy needs on Monday 27th May 2024.

Ambassador Kobi Walker, Chief Executive Officer of NP SL Limited officially inaugurated the Nyakel Amadu NP filling station in Pujehun town.

Ambassador Walker conveyed his gratitude to Honorable Dixon Momoh Rogers and the people of Pujehun. He emphasized the high quality and standards of the newly established facility, assuring that it is built to endure and serve the community for a long time.



Reflecting on his connection to Pujehun District, CEO Walker recalled his earlier positive contribution in the district during his tenure at Union Trust Bank and Sierra Leone Brewery Limited. He highlighted the company’s past support for individuals establishing Fuel Stations in Pujehun District and assured that this support would continue.

Amb. Walker encouraged the public to patronize NP-SL, emphasizing the company’s dedication to empowering Sierra Leoneans through job creation, tax contributions and support for local businesses. He also announced that the commissioning of the Filling Station would mark his final function as CEO, as he is set to retire on June 1, 2024, with Saidu Mansaray, the current General Manager, succeeding him. He urged full support for Saidu Mansaray in his new role.

Additionally, the Chief Executive Officer unveiled NP-SL’s plan to digitize their system introducing the NP Smart Card, known as NP-Energy Pass, for customers to access fuel at various Filling Stations.

Saidu Mansaray, the General Manager of NP-Sierra Leone Limited (NP SL-Ltd), reassured residents of Pujehun Town that the newly established NP-SL Filling Station would effectively resolve the longstanding issue of fuel shortages in the area. He encouraged residents to take ownership of the Filling Station to ensure its long-term sustainability.

The General Manager acknowledges the positive impact of having multiple Filling Stations in Pujehun Town, stating his commitment to ensuring uninterrupted fuel availability. He pointed out that the new Filling Station would not only guarantee constant fuel supply but also create employment opportunities for local residents.

Highlighting the importance of fuel infrastructure for local development, Saidu Mansaray noted that the presence of Filling Stations would attract investors to the area. He concluded by referencing Pujehun District’s historical significance as the resting place of an old warrior, underscoring the district’s importance and potential for growth and development.

In his welcome address, Paramount Chief of Kpanga Chiefdom, PC Andrew Ibrahim Jaiah Kaikai, expressed gratitude to NP SL and all attendees for taking time out of their busy schedules to attend the event.

He praised NP SL and Honorable Dixon Momoh Rogers for their continuous efforts to foster development in the district and assured his support to anyone willing to bring further development to his chiefdom. He also urged the newly employed staff at the filling station to work diligently in the best interest of the community.

Speaking on behalf of the Bike Riders Union, Chairman Brima Dao Samba , expressed their happiness and appreciation for the new facility.

He highlighted that the establishment of the filling station would significantly alleviate the longstanding fuel shortages in the district and pledged the union’s full cooperation with the new facility.

In his address, Honorable Dixon Momoh Rogers, who doubles as the Chief Executive Officer of the Nyakel Amadu NP filling station, thanked everyone for their support in realizing the project.
He reaffirmed his commitment to listening to the needs of his people and addressing them effectively.

Rogers emphasized that the new filling station is intended to serve the entire Pujehun district and called on the community to take ownership of the facility. He also hinted at more developmental plans he has in store for the district.

The grand opening ceremony drew a large and diverse crowd, including paramount chiefs, section and town chiefs, government officials, NP company staff, members of the bike riders union, drivers union, traders union, other filling station owners, security personnel, family members, youth, women, and members of the press.

NP continues to solidify its position as the dominant petroleum company in the oil market by providing fuel access and assuring a constant supply of petroleum products nationwide. The inauguration of the Nyakel Amadu NP filling station marks a pivotal step towards resolving the fuel crisis in Pujehun, promising to bring much-needed relief and development to the district.



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Orange Sierra Leone Celebrates Environmental Week With a Focus on Going Green


As part of its annual Environmental Week celebrations, Orange Sierra Leone (Orange SL) kicked off a week-long series of activities on Monday, May 27, 2024, themed “The earth is all we have…let’s go green.”

The launch event, held at the company’s Hill Station Head Office, was attended by Orange SL’s management team, staff, the Honourable Minister of Environment and Climate Change Jiwoh Abdulai, and members of the Fort estate community.

Head of Corporate Social Responsibility, Mimi Mugo, announced that the celebrations would focus on natural resource management and would involve various activities designed to educate and empower individuals on the importance of environmental preservation. Throughout the week, there will be awareness sessions across different departments, aimed at both organizational and individual levels. A beach cleaning exercise, organized in partnership with the International Organization for Migration (IOM), will take place on Friday, demonstrating Orange SL’s commitment to environmental protection. Additionally, a special ceremony will commemorate the first anniversary of their tree planting site cleaning initiative.



Edward Sesay of Orange SL highlighted the detrimental effects of pollution, noting that many people, especially in Africa, are unaware of the damage their actions cause. He contrasted this with Western countries, where environmental harm is often a result of intentional developmental pursuits. Sesay warned of the dire consequences if environmental destruction continues unchecked, emphasizing the deadly impact of air pollution, which is often overlooked. He mentioned that countries like the UK have taken steps to combat air pollution, such as reducing the number of cars on the roads, and stressed the need for similar measures globally.

Sesay also pointed out the distinction between indoor and outdoor pollution, with indoor pollution being particularly hazardous due to confined spaces. He urged everyone to take proactive steps in protecting the environment, emphasizing that solutions to pollution are universal but that pollution itself varies by region.

Addressing the gathering, the Climate Change Officer emphasized the importance of this year’s theme, which serves as a reminder of the significant impact of our actions on the environment.

“It is crucial for us to recognize our collective responsibility to the environment, our well-being, and the well-being of future generations,” she said.

She highlighted their commitment to environmental sustainability, noting that in 2023, their renewable energy ratio was 20%, which has now increased to 72% of their sites being powered by solar energy. Additionally, they planted 3,000 trees at Mortormeh Community in Regent, where a mudslide occurred, to restore ecological balance.

She also disclosed that last year, Orange Company was recognized as the Carbon Zero Champion Mobile Company of the Year for its sustainable efforts to reduce environmental impact.

She concluded by stating that despite these achievements, there is still more work to be done, and they are stepping up their efforts and setting more ambitious environmental goals for the future.

CEO of Orange Sierra Leone, Sékou Amadou Bah, emphasized the importance of environmental protection, stating, “We need to protect the environment more than protecting ourselves because we need the environment more than the environment needs us.” He highlighted common environmental challenges such as climate change, pollution, and deforestation, noting that a small percentage of humanity is responsible for a significant portion of the damage. Bah called for a collective effort to reduce our carbon footprint by minimizing waste, utilizing renewable energy, supporting sustainable agriculture, and advocating for robust environmental policies.

Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Jiwoh Abdulai, commended Orange SL for supporting government efforts to raise environmental awareness. He stressed the importance of community engagement in addressing environmental issues, as local stakeholders are crucial in implementing effective strategies. Abdulai detailed the government’s initiatives, including policy implementation and community sensitization, aimed at mitigating harmful human activities. He praised Orange SL for their compliance with environmental regulations and underscored the importance of such events in promoting environmental awareness.



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GTBank Sierra Leone Staff Hold Football Gala to Honor Late Colleagues


Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank) Sierra Leone staff held an Inter-Branch Football Gala which climaxed on Sunday, May 26th, 2024, to honor the memories of their late Sports Director, Mohamed Salieu Jalloh, and colleague, Isata Bah.

The grand finale at the O X-Ray Arena in Freetown saw HQ Marketing (*9737+ FC) face off against E/T East (Salary Loan FC) in a spirited match. The energetic crowd of supporters and spectators created an electric atmosphere filled with cheers, reflecting Jalloh and Bah’s passion for sports and community.

HQ Marketing (*9737+ FC) dominated the match with a decisive 5-0 victory over E/T East (Salary Loan FC). The team showcased exceptional skill and teamwork, attributes that Jalloh had tirelessly worked to instill in all sporting activities at the Bank.



Both teams were recognized for their participation in the event honoring their esteemed colleagues. Outstanding individual performances were also celebrated with special awards.

GTBank also used the occasion to connect with customers, showcasing their latest banking products and services. The event provided a platform for customers to learn about new opportunities with GTBank, enhancing their banking experience while enjoying a day of sport and community bonding.

The Inter-Branch Football Gala served as a beautiful tribute to Mohamed Salieu Jalloh and Isata Bah. It celebrated their contributions to GTBank and the community, emphasizing the values of unity, teamwork, and excellence they embodied. Their legacies will continue to inspire and guide the GTBank family.





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Sierra Leone’s Brewery Legal Manager Joins Management Team


Sierra Leone Brewery has announced Ms.Menisa Sesay Esq. as their newest Management Team member at the Company.

The company congratulate Menisa on her appointment as a member of the Management Team in her capacity as the Legal Manager and Company Secretary.

With her extensive expertise in Corporate Law, Menisa is poised to make significant contributions to our Management Team.



The company assured that they are confident that her knowledge and skills will greatly benefit SLBL and help drive their success in the future.

The Sierra Leone Brewey Limited [SLBL] was established in Freetown in 1961. During the civil war [1991-2002] the brewery was destroyed and used as quarters by the rebels from the Revolutionary United Front [RUF]. After the war investment and rebuilding took place to get the brewery up and running again.

Since then production is increasing, Sierra Leone Brewery Limited is a company that is involved in both manufacturing and very recently in agriculture.



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West African Journalists Visit QNET Head Office in Malaysia to Unravel the Truth About the Company


Five journalists from five West African countries namely, Sierra Leone, Ghana, Nigeria, Senegal and Burkina Faso took a trip to the Head Office of QNET on 8th May, 2024 to unravel the truth about the company.

Over the years, there has been a number of negative media publications about QNET and in some West Africa countries, the company has been vilified repeatedly. There are some people who would quickly dismiss QNET as a scam, a pyramid scheme or a human trafficking group.

These perceptions have negatively affected the image and reputation of the company in Sierra Leone.
As part of the proactive measures the 26-year-old global direct selling company is implementing in trying to provide accurate information about its business model, products and identity, and to fight misinformation, QNET organized a special media junket for journalists across West Africa, to visit and experience QNET in Malaysia and independently assess the values, culture, practice, business model, products, brand promise and authenticity of the company.



The media junket comprises seasoned journalists with many decades of combined journalistic experience. Some of them are senior editors and local correspondents of leading global media organisations such as the Voice of America, VOA in their various countries.

Together with these journalists from West Africa, I arrived in Malaysia on 9th May, 2024 with an open and investigative mind. On Friday, 10th May, 2024, officers of QNET took us to the QNET office located inside the 15-storey QI Tower in Kuala Lumpur. From the conversations and explanations that I had, I realised that the QI Tower is QI Group’s operational headquarters and it houses QNET as a subsidiary of the Group. The building is owned by QI, parent company of QNET and was acquired about 11 years ago. This is an important indication that the company is in business to stay for now and the future.

The Global Public Relations Manager of the company and his colleagues took us on a tour of the company’s offices at QI Tower. We were treated to an eye-opening presentation on the company, its history, business model, products, corporate social responsibility projects in Africa and across the world, its successes and challenges in Africa, among other things. Right there, we were presented with some amazing QNET products. It was the first time I met officials of QNET physically.

I have seen and heard journalists or people in Sierra Leone erroneously refer to distributors or independent representatives (IRs) of QNET as ‘workers’ of QNET.
I realized that IRs are not QNET workers, they are promoters and distributors of QNET products who act on their volition and not officially in the name of QNET as direct employees. So, when an IR behaves in an unethical way, it is wrong to refer to him or her as a QNET worker or staff. It is also very important to separate the unethical behaviour or act of an individual from the general identity and reputation QNET.

At the QI Tower, we were given some QNET products and they include LifeCode Belite 123 (a 3-in-1 weight management formula), LifeCode Kenta (Vitamin-Rich Supplement for longevity), LifeCode Qafe (Safe and Effective Weight Loss Formula), LifeCode EDG3 Plus (A multi-functional beverage for elevating everyday health) and Omni wrist watch from the 150-year-old Bernard H.

Meyer line of swiss-made watches.
We were told about how QNET products are developed. They are derived from extensive research from different parts of the world and they have been tried, tested and proven to be efficient in helping people achieve good health and wellness. They are also certified by many reputable certification authorities across the world. If those products were not real or good for the body, they would not be certified by the Hong Kong Health Food Association, the Health Supplements Industry Association of Singapore and other national certification authorities in many African countries where QNET products are promoted and distributed by their independent representatives.

On 12th may, 2024 I attended the opening ceremony of QNET’s global conference, known as the VCON. Thousands of people from different parts of the world, including dignitaries and VIPs from Africa were present.

At the opening ceremony, I saw in real life and for the first time, the two founders of QNET, Dato Sri Vijay Eswaran and Mr. Joseph Bismark, who established QNET in 1998. They told the inspiring story of how they started QNET and the hurdles they overcame for the company to become one of the leading direct selling companies in the world. If everyone in Sierra Leone were present at the event, I believe all the misconceptions and misinformation about QNET would suddenly disappear from their minds. This is because the truth about QNET was told in the simplest and most understandable way ever.

On Monday, 13th May, 2024, I had the opportunity of sitting at another presentation led by the top management of QNET. The team comprised the Regional General Manager for Sub-Saharan Africa, Biram Fall, Chief Communications Officer for the QI Group, Ramya Chandrasekeran, Deputy Chairperson of QNET, Malou Caluza (former CEO of QNET), Chief Legal Officer, Nikhil Patel, Chief Marketing Officer, Trevor Kuna and others. I vividly narrated the current perception people have about QNET in Sierra Leone and asked them about what they company plans to do about it.

The team acknowledged the fact that QNET is misunderstood and misrepresented by some people in Sierra Leone. They mentioned they have embarked on public education and media campaign dubbed: “SAY NO CAMPAIGN” in some West African countries and would intensify efforts towards educating the media and the general public in Sierra Leone.

They mentioned that they are engaging and collaborating with authorities such as the security agencies to wipe out the bad nuts and unscrupulous people who are tarnishing the company’s image. They said they will continue to work with them to ensure the general public is educated and protected against scam, fake jobs and human trafficking allegations that are sometimes leveled against the company.

They are also increasing the rate at which they train their independent representatives or distributors so that they can keep practicing ethical marketing behaviours.
The media junket organized by QNET is a big step in the right direction. It helps to deepen engagement and rapport with journalists who are the news makers. It is also an effective way of passing the right information to the general public through the journalists that visited the company in Malaysia. Seeing, they say, is believing, I have seen QNET in its totality and I believe that though the company is facing challenges of misrepresentation, it is a real company with beautiful and amazing products that are sold across the world.

Now, I also know that QNET is touching millions of lives across the world, empowering them economically and championing their health and wellness, so they can live the best versions of their lives.



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Access Bank Sierra Leone Appoints New Chairman And Non-Executive Directors


Access Bank Sierra Leone Limited has announced the appointment of Maurice Nathaniel Cole and four other non-executive directors.

The appointment was made through a press statement made available to Nairametrics by Access Holdings Plc, which states the new executives to its Board of Directors will further strengthen its leadership team and advance the implementation of its growth and transformation strategy.

It added that the appointments also reflect the Bank’s commitment to fostering growth and development while maintaining the highest standards of governance and stewardship.



Joining the Board as Non-Executive Directors are Maurice Nathaniel Cole, Nsikak N. Usoro, Michala Mackay, Ibrahim Khalil Lamin, and Kolawole Augustine Ajimoko.

The group noted that the appointees boast a wealth of expertise from diverse sectors, including banking, telecommunications, corporate governance, compliance, and finance.

Their combined experience and vision will contribute to shaping the future trajectory of Access Bank (SL) Ltd.

Cole will serve as Chairman, following the exit of Alice Marie Onomake and will bring his experience to the fore as Access Bank (SL) Ltd works to consolidate its market position and deliver value for all its stakeholders.

“We are thrilled to welcome our new executives to Access Bank (SL) Ltd,” said Ganiyu Sanni, Country Managing Director, Access Bank Sierra Leone Ltd. “Their leadership and vision will be invaluable as we navigate through challenges and pursue sustained success. We extend our gratitude to outgoing Chairman, Alice Marie Onomake, and Non-Executive Director, Aminata B. Dumbuya, for their dedicated service and contributions to the Bank”.

He noted that Access Bank (SL) Ltd remains committed to excellence, transparency, and accountability as it embarks on this exciting new chapter.

According to him, the Bank looks forward to leveraging the collective expertise of its leadership team to drive innovation, foster growth, and create lasting impact for its customers and communities.

Nairametrics reported recently shareholders of Access Holdings Plc, at the 2nd Annual General Meeting (AGM) held on Friday in Lagos, endorsed the group’s plan to establish a capital raising programme of up to $1.5 billion as well as the subset initiative to raise to N365 billion through a rights issue.

The proceeds of the rights issue would be used to support ongoing working capital needs, including organic growth funding for its banking and other non-banking subsidiaries.

The shareholders also ratified the appointments of Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, Olusegun Ogbonnewo, and Ojinika Olaghere as non-executive directors.

The appointment of Aig-Imoukhuede as the chairman of Access Holdings was cheered by the shareholders, who pointed to his history of success with the institution, having transformed it into Nigeria’s biggest lender by market value alongside the late Herbert Wigwe.

Aigboje’s leadership was instrumental in driving the institution’s growth during the 2004 recapitalisation of the banking industry led by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) under the leadership of its former Governor, Prof. Charles Soludo, shareholders said.



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RCBank Nominated to Promote Usage And Adoption of New Innovative Pan African Payment Systems


A Rokel Commercial Bank delegation including the Board of Directors Chairman, Buffy Bailor, Managing Director Dr Walton Gilpin and top IT staff are in Cape Town, South Africa to attend a high-level meeting on the adoption and use of the innovative Pan African Payment System (PAPPS) by banks around the continent.

Pioneered by the Afreximbank, the PAPPS will create a flawless and highly effective international payment system that will invariably support the African Continental Free Trade Area (AcFTA) established in 2018 and signed by 43 African countries including Sierra Leone.

The new cross-border payment also seeks to operationalize a 2019 resolution by African heads of state that the PAPPS should become the main infrastructure for payments and settlements within the African financial markets.



Therefore, working with local banks like the RCbank to popularize and promote the adoption and utilization of the payment system tool has been deemed to be a critical component of its growth and success. A high point of the event was when heads from some of the partnering banks, including the Rokel Commercial Bank shared their experiences on the use of the PAPPS.

At the end of a highly interactive event, RCBank was among the financial institutions nominated as member of the Working Group of the PAPPS network/club to promote the adoption and usage of the payment platform.





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Government Orders Sierra Rutile to Resume Mining or Face Repercussions


The government of Sierra Leone has directed mining company Sierra Rutile to restart mining operations in Area 1 by the end of May. This directive comes after Sierra Rutile suspended activities in January due to a dispute over taxes.

The government views the suspension as a violation of the Mines and Minerals Development Act and has given the company until May 31st to comply. Sierra Rutile, however, disagrees with this stance and is currently evaluating its options in response to the government’s order.

The disagreement stems from ongoing negotiations regarding a new tax regime for Area 1. In May 2023, both parties began discussions for a “third amendment agreement” that would define the fiscal terms. However, negotiations stalled in January when the government decided to abandon the proposed agreement, reverting Sierra Rutile to the tax regime established in 2001.



The mining company argues that the older tax structure makes continued operations in Area 1 economically unsustainable. It remains to be seen whether Sierra Rutile will comply with the government’s order or take further action to defend its position.



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