Orange Sierra Leone Digital Center is launching a free high-level certification training program in partnership with Coursera, the world leader in online learning.
This partnership aims to offer young people in Africa and the Middle East the opportunity to acquire essential skills in digital professions, free of charge and at their own pace.
The Orange Digital Center (ODC) network is driving digital inclusion for young people and entrepreneurs across Africa and the Middle East through its 16 centers. It is launching this initiative to provide young people in the region with key skills in essential areas such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, digital marketing, and entrepreneurship. These programs are designed to meet the needs of the ever-evolving job market, providing talented young people with the knowledge and skills they need to enter the job market, develop their careers, or encourage them to become digital entrepreneurs.
Orange Digital Centers are physical structures designed to be hubs of innovation and learning, free and open to all, providing a dynamic environment where young people can develop their skills, explore new technologies, and stimulate their creativity.
Equipped with the latest technologies, they support young people throughout the entire technological innovation and entrepreneurship value chain. This innovation ecosystem consists of several spaces that offer free learning programs: a Code School, a Solidarity FabLab, an ‘Orange Fab’ startup accelerator, and Orange Ventures Middle East and Africa, the Orange Group’s investment fund that invests in the most promising startups.
Asma Ennaifer, Executive Director CSR, Orange Digital Centers and Communication, Orange Africa and Middle East, says: “At Orange, we firmly believe that digital inclusion is the key to creating a fairer and more prosperous future for everyone. In partnership with Coursera and through the Orange Digital Centers, we are opening the doors of certification training to all our beneficiaries, offering educational and professional development opportunities to those who need them most. ”
You’ll find all the Orange SL Digital Center training courses on the Coursera platform here https://www.coursera.org/
Press Contacts:
Orange Sierra Leone: Mabel Mason, [email protected], + 232 76 450 189 Orange Middle East and Africa: Anita Oyono, [email protected], +33 6 75 02 03 79
Commemorating SLONEC’s First Year Anniversary, RCBank Top Management has participated in SLONEC Business Seminar on Tuesday 30th April, 2024 at the Freetown City Council.
SLONEC is an accountancy and consultancy firm that specializes and provides a wide range of accountancy and consultancy services to individuals, businesses, and organisations within Sierra Leone and beyond.
Dr. Walton E. Gilpin Managing Director of RCBank served as the Guest Speaker for the Buisness Seminar with the theme let’s celebrate and Excel in Business. Dr, Gilpin presented along side with the founder and CEO of SLONEC Mr. Ishmail Bangura, Manager and Tax guru at NRA Matilda Z. Kamara and Dr. Alpha Grace (Founder & CEO of CHANGEYOURSELF).
The Managing Director of RCBank Staged a PowerPoint Presentation on Navigating Loan Financing for SME’s and Avoiding Business Failures. Under key topics like National Public Debt Securities cycle, The Lending cycle and Access to Finance, Loan Cycle, Loan recall, Loan maturity, Cancellations and Restructuring, his presentation objectives focused on understanding the basic debt terminology in the loan cycle, Relationship between stages in the loan cycle and data requirement which could help reduce incidence of delinquency.
Speaking on the issue of granting loans, Dr. Gilpin states”debt collection is in trouble- especially when it comes to the delinquent credit. According to figures from the International Monetary’s fund‘s Global Financial Stability Report non-performing loans make up 3.925% of total gross global loans,”
Mr. Adikalie S. Kamara, Head of Operations at RCBank pointed out that the essence of the Banking system is to bring safety and soundness of the financial sector adding that there is low public understanding about loan initiation and the importance of the financial sector. He pointed out that there is a stand out guidelines by the Central Bank not to have more than 10% of loans in nonperforming category as it would be described as a delinquent loans, He applauded SLONEC as a new Financial Company set up by Sierra Leoneans to come together to contribute to enhance the financial sector.
Mr. Ishmael Bangura, CEO of SLONEC thanked the Management and Staff of RCBank for gracing the occasion. He reflected that while growing up he realized that he has to make a change and contribution to society.
He reflected on his experience in the United Kingdom and commented on what countries of the Western World are doing positively and differently. He revealed, he discovered one of the reasons why the Western Countries are far ahead of us it’s because they value the things we take for granted He cited that one of the things that sometimes people take for granted back home is integrity, which he intends to bring and to uphold it as a core value in the financial sector.
Head of Public Relations, RCBank Mr. Aruna Dumbuya pointed out in his Public Lecture that Integrity, Objectivity, sustainability, professional competence, sincerity and probity are all core values that enhance the banking sector to thrive. He acknowledges the need for people in the financial Sector to imbibe all these qualities because the absent of some of these ethical conducts then we would not have people who will manage the finances of this country.
He emphasiszed on the need for customers that will enhance the availability and procedures of securing a loan adding that the Bank Prioritizes financial literacy in a bid to enhance customers Protection. He affirmed that over the years, the leadership of RCBank have been doing public Lectures at Universities and in Public Places both national and International, which is a core value of the Sierra Leone National Strategy for Financial Inclusion (NSFI 2022-2026).
He added that as a bank, they have seen how climate Change and environmental issues are impacting the world adversely, and it is so important that the country embraces urgent actions for positive climate change.
Mr. Dumbuya expressed thanks and appreciation to the SLONEC Management for the Invitation and assured the Bank’s unwavering commitment to respond to their call and to other institutions that will contribute positively to the Development of Sierra Leone.
In a historic event on April 8, 2024, Leone Rock Metal Group (LRMG) celebrated the inauguration of its groundbreaking 30 MTPA processing plant and heavy fuel oil power plant at its Tonkolili Mine site in Sierra Leone. This plant, capable of delivering 10 million tons per year, represents a significant advancement in optimizing ore into 66% iron concentrate.
LRMG, renowned for its vertical integration approach, has set a new industry standard. Salim Sillah, Chief Technical Officer of LRMG, highlighted the company’s growth trajectory, citing the recent launch of the $200 million 12 million tons processing plant and the current $500 million investment in the 30 million tons facility within two years. Describing LRMG as “ambassadors of change,” Sillah emphasized the company’s dedication to innovation and progress.
Collin Ding, President of LRMG, underscored the project’s importance for Sierra Leone, noting the creation of over 6,000 jobs thus far, with plans to expand to 15,000 by 2025 through this project. This substantial job creation aligns with President Bio’s ambitious goal of generating 500,000 jobs by 2028. The project promises significant benefits in terms of royalties, fiscal revenue, and overall development for the country.
Julius Mattai, Minister of Mines, praised LRMG’s contributions to Sierra Leone’s mining sector, highlighting their track record of integrity and success. The collaboration between LRMG and MML resulting in the export of $800 million worth of iron ore underscores the company’s positive impact on the national economy and its commitment to collaborating with other companies to enhance the mining industry.
In his statement, Sierra Leone Vice President, Dr. Alhaji Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh commended LRMG for its dedication and investments, recognizing its pivotal role in advancing Sierra Leone economically and socially. The project symbolizes a beacon of progress for the nation, with the government committed to supporting initiatives that drive prosperity and growth.
LRMG’s Tonkolili Iron Ore project emerges as a global player in the industry, positioning Sierra Leone prominently on the world stage. The project not only enhances the country’s economic outlook but also enriches its human capital, emphasizing the collaborative efforts that have enabled this transformational project.
As the local community, government officials, and stakeholders unite in celebrating this significant milestone, the inauguration of LRMG’s processing plant marks a momentous step towards a brighter future for Sierra Leone and its people.
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RC Bank Junior Staff Association sets to host one of the biggest Fiestas in the country ahead of the Bank’s 25th Year Anniversary Celebration.
The “RCBank Cashless Fiesta “will be on show on 20th April 2024 at the Hamilton Resort, 5 Adrian Drive Hamilton.
Attending the RCBank Cashless Fiesta will introduce the unique sounds, beats and vibes of Sierra Leone and also help customers and non customers better understand the Bank’s various product and services. This incredible fiesta will combine some of the biggest names in the entertainment with local acts and other genres with their culture and heritage.
Speaking on the rationale behind organizing the Fiesta, Francis Gandi, President of the Junior Staff Association revealed that they dubbed the event as “RCBank Cashless Fiesta” because it aligns with one of the five Key Priorities of the Managing Director Dr. Ekundayo W. Gilpin. He recalled that at the start of 2024, the visionary Managing director emphasized on the need for moving away from traditional banking to that of creating a cashless environment in Sierra Leone that would facilitate banking transactions for customers. He further affirmed that the programme will be centered on the celebration of the 25th Year Anniversary, showcasing the bank’s various products and services to customers and non-customers through bonding with their clients.
“We will be having different packages for customers and staff and key among them is attractive Prizes for Winners in the quiz competition, Live Musical Performances, Rap battle among staff from various Branches, Dancing Competition, and Raffle competition for users of the Simkorpor Product amongst others. The Fiesta is for all the branches in the country as well as customers and non-customers. We want to interact with customers outside the banking halls for better understanding and we are using this opportunity for customers to witness first hand on how our Product and services works,” Mr. Ghandi States.
A fiesta which aims at promoting team bonding among the junior staff Association ahead of the Bank’s 25th Anniversary Celebration, artists like Empress P, Adfega, and many more will be performing live at this auspicious event.
The cashless Fiesta subscribed to the strives and vision the Managing Director is making to achieve a cashless society and bringing the bank closer to the people. RCBank-The Bank of Choice!!!
Responding to the devastating fire that ravaged the Female Hostel at the University of Makeni on the evening of April 15, 2024, Rokel Commercial Bank’s Management, led by Dr. Gilpin, has taken swift action to support the affected victims.
Under the guidance of Mr. Abubakarr Bah, Manager of the RCBank Makeni Branch, a team from Rokel Commercial Bank visited the university campus to offer assistance. The bank’s efforts included providing counseling services and immediate relief items such as foodstuff and cleaning supplies.
According to reports received by Rokel Commercial Bank’s PR Unit, the fire caused significant damage to properties within the hostel. However, there have been no reported casualties, offering a glimmer of relief amidst the tragedy.
The proactive response from Rokel Commercial Bank underscores its commitment to the community and its values of support and solidarity during challenging times.
As the affected individuals begin to rebuild their lives, the bank’s support serves as a beacon of hope and assistance in their recovery efforts.
MiKashBoks, Sierra Leone’s innovative mobile savings app, and Orange Money Sierra Leone have jointly announced a collaborative partnership that will allow MiKashBoks users to seamlessly deposit and withdraw funds through the widely used Orange Money platform.
The official unveiling ceremony took place at Orange’s headquarters in Hill Station, Freetown. Key stakeholders, including Orange partners, Orange Money CEO David Mansaray, MiKashBoks board members, and senior officials from Orange Money Sierra Leone, witnessed the momentous occasion.
MiKashBoks, with its motto “It Pays to Save,” is revolutionizing the Sierra Leonean savings landscape. The app offers a user-friendly platform for both individuals and groups to save money securely while earning competitive interest rates. Two standout features, “Osusu Na Yu Phone” and “Personal Cashbox”, empower users to manage their savings effectively.
Recognizing the pressing need for financial inclusion in Sierra Leone, where only 20% of adults have access to formal financial services, Orange Money has joined forces with MiKashBoks. This partnership aims to bolster efforts to expand access to financial services for all segments of the population.
MiKashBoks not only facilitates savings but also serves as a gateway to a comprehensive range of financial services. Users can build their credit history and reputation within the platform, paving the way for fairer opportunities, including access to larger loans at favorable rates.
For the convenience of its diverse user base, MiKashBoks is available on the Google Play Store for Android users. Those using iPhones or basic feature phones can easily sign up by dialing *352#.
For further information and customer support, MiKashBoks has established a dedicated Customer Support Line reachable at 075 775776.
With this strategic partnership between MiKashBoks and Orange Money Sierra Leone, the future looks promising for financial inclusion and digital savings in Sierra Leone.
In a remarkable acknowledgment of its excellence in public relations and communications, QNET, a leading lifestyle and wellness direct selling company, proudly announces its victory in three distinguished categories at the 11th annual PR Awards.
Demonstrating its prowess in crisis management, corporate strategy, and technological innovation, QNET is setting new standards for excellence in Direct Selling.
This year, QNET was honoured with the following recognitions:
Silver Award for Best Corporate Strategy – An endorsement for QNET’s Fingreen financial literacy programme that has been rolled out in three countries over the last 18 months and has helped over 7000 people, including college students, home makers, street vendors, and female small traders, with the tools they need to take charge of their financial future.
Silver Award for Best Use of Technology – An important recognition for QNET’s QBuzz Blog, an innovative platform that leverages technology to foster community engagement and provide insightful company and industry content.
Bronze Award for Best Crisis Management Strategy – Celebrating the success of the “Truth About QNET” campaign, which effectively navigated the company through challenging times with transparency and integrity.
The PR Awards, renowned for highlighting the best in the PR and communications sector across South Asia, Southeast Asia, and Oceania, saw entries from the most prominent brands and organisations in the region. An independent panel of senior industry experts from leading brands selected this year’s winners, underscoring the credibility and prestige of the awards.
Biram Fall, Regional General Manager for sub-Saharan Africa at QNET, expressed his enthusiasm: “We are profoundly honored by the recognition at the PR Awards 2024, which reflects our unwavering dedication to excellence, innovative strategies, and our commitment to providing outstanding value to our customers. These awards are a testament to the hard work and ingenuity of our team, and they motivate us to continue setting new benchmarks in the industry.”
QNET’s success at the PR Awards is not just a celebration of its achievements but also a promise to its stakeholders of its dedication to excellence and innovation. As the company looks forward to future challenges and opportunities, it remains committed to upholding the highest standards of quality and service in the industry. For more information about QNET and its achievements, please visit QNET’s website.
ABOUT QNET QNET, a global lifestyle and wellness company, uses a direct selling business model to promote unique products that enable people to take charge of their health, well-being, and lifestyle.
Since 1998, QNET’s innovative products and e-commerce-driven business model have helped build a global community of satisfied customers and microentrepreneurs, who are driven by the mission of RYTHM – Raise Yourself To Help Mankind. Popular product brands offered by QNET include the Bernhard H. Mayer range of luxury watches and jewellery, HomePure range of home care products, the Amezcua wellness range, Physio Radiance personal care range, and QVI branded holiday packages.
QNET proudly exemplifies high industry standards and is a member of numerous Direct Selling Associations worldwide. Its active engagement in several global sports sponsorships including in its role as the official direct selling partner of the Manchester City Football Club (MCFC) and the Confederation of African Football (CAF), highlights the company’s commitment to excellence.
Discover a world of new possibilities with QNET by visiting www.qnet.net
Chief Minister Dr. David Moinina Sengeh confirmed the positive impact of President Bio’s recent launch of SABCO Sardines. Just weeks after its introduction, the factory has produced around 14,000 units, signifying a promising start for this local venture.
Beyond introducing a new product, SABCO Sardines has significantly benefitted the local economy. The project has created 500 direct jobs, providing much-needed employment opportunities during challenging times. The initiative has also had a cascading effect on other local industries.
Sardine production has bolstered the pepper and oil industries, creating additional demand and ensuring their growth and sustainability. This interconnected development highlights the potential of supporting local industries and fostering a self-sufficient economy.
A key aspect of the SABCO Sardines initiative is its affordability and accessibility. Competitive pricing aims to make the product attainable for a broad segment of the population. Additionally, SABCO Sardines are now readily available in supermarkets nationwide, ensuring convenient access for customers.
The successful launch and rapid production of SABCO Sardines reflect the government’s commitment to promoting local industries and economic growth. Chief Minister Dr. David Moinina Sengeh expressed his enthusiasm about the project’s success and its potential to further contribute to the country’s economic development.
“We are thrilled to see the positive impact of the SABCO Sardines initiative on our local economy,” said Chief Minister Dr. David Moinina Sengeh. “It’s not just about sardines; it’s about creating jobs, supporting other industries, and building a resilient and self-sufficient economy. We are committed to continuing our support for initiatives like this that drive economic growth and benefit our people.”
The initial success of SABCO Sardines breeds optimism about its future growth and its potential to further stimulate the local economy. As the product gains popularity, it is expected to create even more employment opportunities and support for local industries.
In a significant bid to make fuel accessible in hard to reach areas, NP SL Ltd has commissioned the first fuel station in Zimmi Makpele Chiefdom, Pujehun District, Southern Sierra Leone.
The new Filling Station named Abyei Gas Station is strategically located along the Liberia Border highway to facilitate the provision of Fuel for residents with Chiefdom aims to address the longstanding challenge of fuel scarcity in the region.
Representing the Paramount Chief of Makpele Chiefdom, Bintu M. Jalloh expressed gratitude for the commissioning of the station. She highlighted the struggles the chiefdom has been facing for far too long due to their dependence on a single filling station over the years. However, she expressed strong optimism that the new station will alleviate there sufferings.
She highlighted the community’s reliance on a single filling station over the years, causing inconvenience for residents of which she expressed optimism that with the new filling station commissioned those constrains will become a thing of the past.
Speaking on behalf of the Chief Executive Officer of the filling station, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Lahai Sandi Koroma, expressed gratitude to community stakeholders and NP-Sierra Leone for their unwavering support throughout the project’s duration. He highlighted the commitment of the CEO, who is currently serving with the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei in Sudan, to invest in Sierra Leone by establishing filling stations across the country.
Lahai Sandi Koroma noted that the CEO has already completed two filling stations, one in Bo Township and the newly commissioned station in Zimmi, with another station nearing completion in Gendema, scheduled for commissioning by year-end.
He emphasized that the new station has provided job opportunities for residents of Zimmi and surrounding areas, addressing the longstanding issue of fuel scarcity in the locality. Lahai Sandi Koroma assured the availability of petroleum products at the station and also urged residents to take ownership of the filling station, emphasizing its benefits not only for his family but also for the majority of Zimmi’s residents and beyond.
Assuring the Resident of quality service delivery, Chief Executive Officer of NP-Sierra Leone Limited (NP SL-Ltd) Kobi Waker assured residents of Zimmi that the newly commissioned NP-SL Filling Station will effectively address the issue of fuel shortage, making it a thing of the past. He emphasized that the commissioning of the new filling station signifies growth and increased sales for the company. Walker reiterated that the new filling station will not only ensure the availability of fuel at all times but also provide job opportunities for local residents. He highlighted that this initiative aligns with one of the government’s key agendas of creating 500,000 jobs for young people in the country.
Furthermore, Walker emphasized the company’s commitment to empowering local entrepreneurs and contributing to nation-building by facilitating easy access to petroleum products. He encouraged others to follow the example set by Lahai Sandi Koroma, the CEO of the filling station, who despite residing abroad, has demonstrated his love for the country by establishing fuel stations in Bo, Zimmi, and the nearing completion one in Gendema.
Walker urged residents to take ownership of the new filling station by supporting it through patronage. Officer in Charge, Zimmi Police Station, Inspector Juldeh Jalloh, expressed appreciation to NP-Sierra Leone Limited, (NP-SL Ltd) for the construction of the newly filling station in Zimmi adding that this has changed the face of Zimmi noting that such an investment is not only important but timely for the people of Zimmi and it environs.
He also encouraged members of the public to see the investment as their own and stated that in that regard they are watchdogs for NP-SL. Inspector Jalloh assured all of their security presence in the filling station in fulfilment of their mandate as a Force for Goodto protects life and properties.
Vandi Mansaray, a bike Rider of Zimmi expressed appreciation to NP-SL for commissioning the Filling Station, noting that as` bike riders they have been faced with a lot of constraints in securing fuel furthering that they had to go Bo to secure fuel but said with this new NP-SL Filling Station in Zimmi it will surely address those fuel constraints in that part of the country.
The event was climaxed by the official unveiling of the new Filling Station bythe Chief Executive Officer of NP-Sierra Leone Limited, (NP SL-Ltd), Kobi Walker, the Paramount Chief of Makpele Chiefdom representative, Bintu M. Jalloh and other stakeholders of Zimmi.
Pujehun district is in the Southern Province and third largest district in the country. It borders the Atlantic Ocean in the southwest, the Republic of Liberia to the southeast, Kenema district to the northeast, Bo district to the north and Bonthe district to the west.
