Afrikonet.sl – The Fastest and Most Secure Online Marketplace in Sierra Leone


In today’s world, buying and selling online is one of the fastest ways to do business. But in Sierra Leone, many people still face challenges when it comes to shopping or selling online. That is why Afrikonet.sl was created — to make online buying and selling easy, fast, and secure for everyone.

Breaking the Barriers of Online Business in Sierra Leone

For many years, business owners and customers have faced problems such as:

Lack of trust between buyers and sellers
Limited or unreliable payment methods
Late deliveries and fake products
Few platforms where vendors can showcase their goods to a wider audience

Afrikonet.sl was launched to solve these issues. Since its launch in May this year, over 2,000 people have already joined the platform. This shows how ready Sierra Leoneans are for a reliable online marketplace.

Safe and Flexible Payment Options

Afrikonet.sl provides a simple and secure payment system that works for everyone. Buyers can pay using:

Orange Money
Afrimoney
Debit Card
Payment on Delivery

This flexibility gives both vendors and customers confidence in every transaction.

A Local Team You Can Trust

Afrikonet.sl is not just a website — it has a physical office and a dedicated team of marketers in Sierra Leone. The local presence means vendors and buyers can get real support whenever they need it. The marketing team helps vendors set up their stores, promote their products, and reach more customers.

A Golden Opportunity for Young People

In this digital age, young people have the chance to make money from the comfort of their homes. Afrikonet.sl gives Sierra Leonean youth a simple way to open an online store, list their products, and start earning. Whether you sell clothes, gadgets, food, or local crafts, Afrikonet.sl helps you grow your business fast.

Why Choose Afrikonet.sl

Fast and secure online transactions
Multiple payment options
Local presence and support team

👥 Trusted by 500+ users since launch
🚀 Great opportunity for young entrepreneurs

Join Afrikonet.sl Today

If you are a vendor who wants to grow your business or a buyer searching for trusted products, Afrikonet.sl is the solution.

Visit www.afrikonet.sl to open your store today and start making money online.




Source link

Orange Sierra Leone Unveils 2024 CSR Report on Economic Growth and Community Transformation


Orange Sierra Leone has published its 2024 Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Report, highlighting major achievements in national development, digital advancement, environmental sustainability, and community well-being.

The report reflects the company’s continued commitment to supporting government priorities and improving lives through inclusive and responsible business practices.

Strong Economic Contribution and Local Empowerment

In 2024, Orange Sierra Leone contributed NLe781 million directly to the national economy through taxes, licenses, wages, and other statutory payments. The company also played a vital role in supporting Sierra Leonean businesses, generating NLe998 million in revenue for local suppliers across multiple sectors. This aligns with Orange’s strategy to prioritize local partnerships and strengthen domestic value chains.

Expanding Digital Inclusion Nationwide

A major highlight of the report is the expansion of digital access across the country. In 2024, 95% of the population was covered by 4G broadband, enabling more Sierra Leoneans to access online services, education, and business opportunities. To ensure network resilience and reduce carbon emissions, approximately 70% of Orange’s network sites are now solar-powered, reflecting the company’s investment in clean and sustainable energy.

Environmental Commitment Through Reforestation

Orange also advanced its environmental commitments, planting 10,000 trees in Kawase Hill, Moyamba District. This reforestation effort is aimed at restoring degraded land, protecting biodiversity, and supporting climate resilience in rural communities.

Youth Empowerment Through Skills and Innovation

The Orange Digital Center (ODC) continued to serve as a national hub for education, innovation, and entrepreneurship. In 2024 alone, the ODC trained over 14,500 young people in digital literacy, coding, entrepreneurship, and technology-based skills.

  • Women represented 47% of total trainees, reflecting the company’s drive toward gender inclusion.
  • 38% of beneficiaries secured job opportunities or started income-generating activities, demonstrating the centre’s impact on employability.

Community Impact Through the Orange Sierra Leone Foundation

Through its foundation, Orange impacted 14,627 beneficiaries across the country with programmes focused on education, health, women’s empowerment, youth development, and community resilience. Initiatives included scholarships, rural school support, digital education for girls, maternal health partnerships, breast cancer awareness, and emergency community support projects.

Driving a National Vision Through Responsible Business

The CSR Report emphasizes Orange Sierra Leone’s dedication to supporting the government’s development agenda especially in digitalization, youth employment, community health, and economic sustainability. The company reaffirmed its commitment to inclusive growth, responsible technology use, and environmental stewardship.

In CEO Sekou Amadou Bah’s statement accompanying the report, he noted, “Our CSR ambition is a direct reflection of our brand values: Care, Bold, and Responsible. It speaks powerfully to our renewed brand message: Orange is Here! This presence goes beyond the physical it symbolizes our unwavering dedication to improving the lives of Sierra Leoneans in meaningful and sustainable ways.”

Orange Sierra Leone noted that its achievements are the result of collective effort across staff, partners, customers, and communities, and reaffirmed its dedication to making technology a force for positive change.

To access the Full Report, Scan the QR Code below or visit the company’s official website: https://www.orange.sl/en/csrannualreport-2024.html

With its ambitious goals and growing impact, Orange Sierra Leone continues to position itself not only as a leader in connectivity and innovation but also as a driving force for national transformation.




Source link

NRA Boss Urges Fiscal Self-Reliance as World Bank Support Plunges from $100M to Zero


Jeneba Bangura, Commissioner General of Sierra Leone’s National Revenue Authority (NRA) has warned thattraditional aid flows to developing nations are drying up, revealing that the country’s annual budget support from the World Bank has plummeted from $\text{\$100}$ million to a projected zero in just two years.

Bangura made the sobering disclosure during a high-level panel at the IMF–World Bank Annual Meetings, underscoring the intense fiscal pressure now driving an aggressive push for self-reliance in Freetown.

“In the past, we received about $100 million a year in budget support from the World Bank,” Bangura stated. “But in 2024, that dropped to $40 million, and as I speak for 2025, we may not receive anything at all.”

She noted that other key partners, including the UK’s FCDO, have followed a similar trend, although the European Union has resumed limited support.

Bangura explained that these sharp cuts often occur after national budgets have been finalized, forcing the government to scramble to “reprioritize and rearrange spending.” This abrupt loss of funding, she said, “intensifies the demand for more domestic revenue.”

In response, Sierra Leone has embarked on a drastic domestic revenue mobilization campaign. Bangura disclosed that the government raised its revenue target by 46 percent in 2024 and is projecting a further 30 percent increase in 2025. Oversight has been intensified, with the finance ministry now monitoring tax collection on a daily basis.

The panel, titled “Taxing Smarter after Aid,” explored the difficult path for countries like Sierra Leone as traditional aid flows dry up. The discussion also touched on the constraints of international lending programs, with experts from Tax Justice Network Africa arguing that IMF conditions limit countries’ policy flexibility and can reinforce inequality.

While Ceren Ozer, a World Bank manager, pointed to nearly $7 billion in active concessional lending projects aimed at boosting domestic revenue, the immediate budget crisis described by Bangura painted a stark picture of the challenges on the ground.

 

 




Source link

Sharlimar Trading Company CEO Denies Monopoly Claims, Calls Allegations Baseless


The Chief Executive Officer of Sharlimar Trading Company, Mr. Mousa Morrowa, has dismissed allegations of monopolizing the importation of Kekehs and TVS motorbikes in Sierra Leone, describing such claims as baseless and misleading.

Speaking during a recent media engagement held at the company’s headquarters in Lumley, Freetown, Mr. Morrowa clarified that monopoly is against the laws of Sierra Leone and that the national constitution explicitly forbids such practices.

“I have never monopolized the importation of Kekehs or TVS bikes,” Mr. Morrowa stated. “Every businessman in Sierra Leone has the constitutional right to import his or her preferred brand from any manufacturer of choice.”

He further explained that the TVS brand was selected directly from a manufacturing company in India, emphasizing that similar arrangements exist for other brands such as Yamaha and Honda, which are imported by different business entities.

According to Mr. Morrowa, this practice does not constitute monopoly but rather reflects brand-specific business partnerships that are common in global trade.

“It is unlawful to prevent a business investor from importing a chosen brand from a manufacturer that they have legally partnered with,” he noted.

Sharlimar Trading Company, which has operated in Sierra Leone for nearly a century, continues to play a significant role in the nation’s economic growth through job creation and nationwide business expansion. The company maintains branches across the country’s four regions and remains one of the leading contributors to national income generation.

Mr. Morrowa encouraged the media and civil society advocates to verify facts before drawing conclusions, stressing the importance of neutrality and accuracy in public discourse.

He also appealed to customers and stakeholders to focus on constructive engagement, particularly on ways to reduce prices of bikes and Kekehs to make them more accessible to the public.

“Our doors remain open to the media and the general public,” he said. “We want people to understand the genuine investment Sharlimar trading company  is making to complement government’s efforts in job creation and national development.”

The CEO concluded by reaffirming his commitment to fair competition, transparency, and continued investment in Sierra Leone’s economy.

“Anyone can go to the manufacturing companies in India, choose a brand, and build a business around it. That is how fair trade works,” he added.

Mr. Morrowa called on Sierra Leoneans to support genuine investors rather than spreading misinformation aimed at tarnishing reputations.

Source: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1CgsR5xw4R/




Source link

GTBank Celebrates Customer Service Week 2025 With Style, Culture, and Service Excellence


Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank) Sierra Leone celebrated Customer Service Week 2025 from Monday, 13th October to Friday, 17th October across all branches with enthusiasm, style, and an unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional customer service.

Held under the theme “Mission Possible”, this year’s celebration highlighted the importance of customer satisfaction and teamwork while reflecting GTBankSL’s vibrant culture and dedication to excellence.

The week was not only about fun and fashion, it was a heartfelt expression of appreciation to the customers who form the heart of the bank’s mission.

May be an image of one or more people, people playing soccer and text that says 'BERVICE WEEK 0e SID O 等 Emirate FLY BETTER Snapdrag Snan apdrago. Se al Ha fro aranty QATAR AIRW'

May be an image of one or more people and people smiling

The week kicked off with a bold blend of professionalism and flair. Staff stepped out in vibrant corporate wear, adding a colorful twist to their usual office attire. The atmosphere was upbeat, and branches radiated confidence and readiness. It was a statement that service begins not just with competence but with presence.

On Tuesday, Staff swapped suits for jeans and jerseys, bringing sporty energy to the workplace. Jerseys from local and international teams filled the room with friendly banter. It was a day that highlighted team spirit, reminding everyone that success in customer service is a team game.

May be an image of one or more people and suit

May be an image of one or more people, people smiling and suit

Wednesday was a walk down memory lane. From flared trousers to retro hairstyles, staff embraced classic styles from past decades. The vintage vibe added nostalgia to the air, reminding both staff and customers of how far the bank has come, and how solid values never go out of fashion.

Sleek, classy, and modern; Thursday’s theme combined timeless formal wear with the comfort of sneakers. The look symbolized GTBankSL’s philosophy: professionalism with a modern, dynamic edge. Staff looked sharp, felt confident, and served customers with extra flair.

The week ended on a high note with a colorful celebration of Sierra Leone’s diverse cultures. Staff dressed in traditional outfits representing the nation’s rich ethnic heritage. The day was filled with warmth, pride, and unity. Customers were greeted in local languages, reinforcing GTBankSL’s deep-rooted connection with the communities it serves.

May be an image of one or more peopleMay be an image of one or more people

Throughout the week, customers were met with smiles, gratitude, and personalized service. Special decorations, cultural displays, and engaging activities filled the banking halls, creating memorable experiences for both staff and clients.
In a special message to commemorate the week, GTBank Sierra Leone’s Managing Director, Daniel Attah, expressed heartfelt appreciation to both customers and staff:

“Great service begins with great people. Your trust, feedback and partnership fuel our drive to serve with excellence,empathy and innovation. Every time you reach out, share your thoughts or place your goals in our care, you help us grow stronger and smarter. You make the mission not just possible but meaningful.”

GTBankSL’s Customer Service Week 2025 was more than just a celebration, it was a powerful reminder of the bank’s mission to deliver beyond expectations, to serve with heart, and to continue making the Mission Possible.




Source link

CAF and QNET Renew Partnership for the 2025/26 Season of the CAF Interclub Competitions


The Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) and QNET, a global lifestyle and wellness company, have renewed their partnership for the 2025/2026 CAF Interclub Football Season for the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League, TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup, and the TotalEnergies CAF Super Cup.

The agreement was signed in Casablanca, Morocco, on Monday, 03 November by CAF General Secretary, Véron Mosengo-Omba, and Cherif Bassirou Abdoulayede, Regional General Manager, QNET Sub-Saharan Africa.

As part of the renewed agreement, CAF and QNET will expand fan engagement and community-driven programmes that link the excitement of elite football with grassroots development, strengthening the foundations of the sport and ensuring its sustainable growth across Africa.

QNET has been an Official Sponsor of CAF’s Club competitions, including the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League, TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup and the TotalEnergies CAF Super Cup, since 2018.

CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe said “The 2025/26 edition of the CAF Interclub has seen record numbers of Clubs participating in the Preliminary stages of the Competitions. This is mainly thanks to the invesment by CAF in TotalEnergies CAF Interclub Competitions including the USD 13 million to the Clubs to assist logistics and other operational matters. We are delighted to welcome QNET as a partner in driving this development.”

Trevor Kuna, Chief responsible for Sponsorships, QNET added: “This partnership is a celebration of African talent and ambition. Through football, we are inspiring communities, nurturing potential, and shaping a future full of opportunity and promise across the continent.”

As CAF and QNET continue their journey together, they invite fans, communities, and businesses across Africa and beyond to join in celebrating the spirit of African football, a legacy built on unity, opportunity, and excellence for generations to come.




Source link

Afrimoney and Ecobank Launch Sierra Leone’s First Mobile Money POS Payment System


Afrimoney and Ecobank Sierra Leone have launched a strategic partnership that enables customers to make payments directly from their Afrimoney mobile wallets on Ecobank Point-of-Sale (POS) terminals.

The historic initiative was officially unveiled at Ecobank’s Head Office in Freetown.

This innovation marks the first time in Sierra Leone that mobile money users can make direct payments on POS devices an advancement expected to greatly enhance digital financial accessibility for both consumers and merchants nationwide.

Kate Thompson, Head of Consumer Banking at Ecobank Sierra Leone, described the partnership as a “significant milestone” in connecting banking and mobile money ecosystems.

She explained that while only about 29% of Sierra Leoneans have bank accounts, around 30% use mobile money wallets two customer bases that are now linked through this collaboration. “Before this innovation, only cardholders could use POS machines. Now, Afrimoney wallet holders can make payments instantly and securely on Ecobank POS devices, without needing a bank account,” Thompson stated. She added that the initiative simplifies everyday transactions from school fees to market purchases empowering merchants and customers alike.

Calling the development “financial inclusion in its purest form,” Thompson noted that the new service will help bridge the gap between the formal banking sector and mobile money users, making digital transactions more convenient and accessible.

Afrimoney CEO, Martison Obeng-Agyei, praised the collaboration as a “forward-looking example of technology serving the public,” highlighting that it is the first of its kind in Sierra Leone’s financial landscape. He revealed that the next phase of the partnership will extend the service to Ecobank ATMs, allowing customers to withdraw cash directly from their Afrimoney wallets.

“This initiative simplifies payments, ensures instant settlements, and enhances business efficiency,” Obeng-Agyei said. “Once a payment is made on an Ecobank POS, the funds are instantly available in the merchant’s bank account eliminating the hassle of cashing out or re-depositing money.” He added that the system was developed with long-term reliability and quality in mind, signaling more innovations ahead in 2026.

Ecobank Sierra Leone Managing Director, Sebastian Ashong Katai, described the partnership as a deliberate strategy rooted in collaboration rather than competition. He said Afrimoney’s robust technology and extensive subscriber base made it an ideal partner for achieving shared financial inclusion goals. “Convenience and accessibility are the true measures of banking success,” Katai noted. “Money alone doesn’t create access unless people have the freedom to use it. By enabling mobile wallet payments on POS devices, we’re expanding that freedom and empowering Sierra Leoneans to transact anywhere.”

He further linked the initiative to the Bank of Sierra Leone’s National Payment Switch, emphasizing that progress in the financial sector depends on collaboration and interoperability among players.

The Afrimoney Ecobank partnership stands as a major step toward bridging traditional banking and mobile money ecosystems. It offers Sierra Leoneans a secure, convenient, and inclusive way to conduct transactions supporting the Central Bank’s vision of a digitally connected and financially empowered nation.

With this launch, customers can now use their Afrimoney wallets across Ecobank’s nationwide POS network ushering in a new era of digital convenience and financial empowerment for businesses and consumers across Sierra Leone.




Source link

Sierra Leone Urged to Tap Dimension Stone Industry as Global Market Climbs US$7.02 Billion by 2026


Stakeholders in Sierra Leone’s extractive sector have called for greater attention to the country’s dimension stone resources, amid projections that the global market will rise from about US$5.74 billion in 2023 to US$7.02 billion by 2026.

Long-term estimates suggest the industry could reach US$20 billion, driven by increasing demand for construction and modern infrastructure.

Dimension stones, which include natural rocks such as granite, marble, limestone, and sandstone cut into blocks or slabs, are widely used in roads, ports, railways, and housing projects.

Despite their durability and strong market value, the materials remain significantly underutilised in Sierra Leone when compared with diamonds, gold, and bauxite.

These issues were highlighted during a Civic Engagement Forum convened by the African Centre for Climate Change on “Strengthening Accountability and Transparency in Sierra Leone’s Extractive Sector: Empowering Civil Society to Leverage Public Contract Disclosures for Monitoring and Illicit Financial Flows (IFFs) Reduction.”

The event focused on the economic potential of dimension stones and the need for stronger governance in the sector.

Speaking at the forum, Engineer Hadji Dabo, Director General of the National Minerals Agency (NMA), said the dimension stone industry holds significant promise but faces serious challenges. He pointed to child labour, unsafe artisanal mining, gender inequality, and widespread non-compliance as ongoing concerns.

“Many companies secure quarry licenses but later exploit dimension stones illegally,” Dabo warned, noting that weak oversight has led to revenue losses and environmental damage.

He recalled previous government bans on timber harvesting and stone extraction but said these measures failed to ensure long-term regulatory control. “The seriousness of the issue has compelled the government to establish an institution dedicated to supervising extraction and exportation to enhance transparency,” he said.

Dr. Charles G. Ofori, Policy Lead for Climate Change and Energy Transition at the Africa Centre for Energy Policy (ACEP), urged Sierra Leone not to overlook minerals classified as “small” or of lower commercial value.

“With accurate data we can calculate royalties, reduce leakages, and strengthen accountability. If Sierra Leone takes dimension-stone extraction seriously, it could contribute significantly to GDP,” he stressed.

Participants concluded the discussions with calls for stronger regulatory frameworks, accessible data, and effective taxation. They agreed that if managed responsibly, dimension stones could become a key driver of Sierra Leone’s economic growth and an important addition to the country’s broader extractive portfolio.




Source link

Sierra Bottling Group Acquires Majority Shares in Sierra Leone Brewery Limited


Sierra Leone Brewery Limited (SLBL) has announced the completion of a major milestone in its business development with the acquisition of 98.07% majority shareholding by Sierra Bottling Group (SBG).

The acquisition notably marks a bold step towards strengthening the brewery’s long-term sustainability and modernizing its operations.

The transition, which officially took effect on December 1, 2025, sets the stage for a renewed focus on innovation, improved product quality, and expanded contribution to Sierra Leone’s industrial output.

In a statement released by the company, SBG emphasized its commitment to enhancing operations, boosting local development, and driving economic growth within the country.

“We are pleased to announce that Sierra Bottling Group has completed the acquisition of a 98.07% majority shareholding of Sierra Leone Brewery Limited,” the statement reads. “This milestone marks a bold step toward strengthening our long-term sustainability, modernizing our operations, and expanding our contribution to the growth of the industrial output of Sierra Leone.”

With the new leadership in place, SBG has already begun implementing full operational control, ensuring the brewery’s continued growth and enhanced focus on innovation and community impact.

As part of the transition, SBG has integrated new systems, reinforced organizational structures, and placed renewed emphasis on employee growth.

“Our commitment remains the same: delivering quality products, supporting local development, and investing in the future of Sierra Leone,” the statement continued, reaffirming the company’s focus on maintaining high standards for both product quality and community engagement.

The management of SBG expressed confidence that the acquisition will open doors for new possibilities, not only for Sierra Leone Brewery but also for its employees, partners, and loyal consumers.




Source link

Union Trust Bank Shareholders Challenges Bank of Sierra Leone Over RCBank Takeover


Shareholders of Union Trust Bank (UTB) have formally petitioned the Bank of Sierra Leone (BSL), requesting an immediate suspension of the central bank’s decision to place UTB under a caretaker management and approve Rokel Commercial Bank (RCB) as its acquirer.

The petition, filed by ACE Legal Partners on behalf of major UTB shareholders and consultant Dr. Jonathan Bangura, alleges significant statutory and constitutional violations in the process that led to the decision.

The petition was submitted in response to BSL’s public notice on December 8, 2025, which declared that UTB would be placed under caretaker management and that RCB would take over the bank.

According to the petitioners, the central bank’s actions contravene the Banking Act, 2019, particularly Section 69, which mandates a 45-day period for UTB to submit a capital restoration plan. They claim that BSL shortened this statutory period to just 30 days, disregarding the required timeframe.

In the petition, which is addressed to the Governor of the Bank of Sierra Leone, the shareholders argue that BSL’s letter of November 14, 2025, directed UTB to submit its capital restoration plan within 30 days. However, they assert that this period was inadequate, as it fell short of the 45 days required under the Banking Act.

The petition also highlights that the central bank failed to honor even the shortened 30-day period. According to the petitioners, the letter, received on November 18, 2025, set a deadline of December 18, 2025, for the submission. However, the resolution date in the BSL’s public notice was approximately 20 days later, in violation of both statutory and constitutional principles.

The petitioners claim that this deviation from the Banking Act not only constitutes a statutory breach but also amounts to a constitutional illegality. Citing Section 105 and Section 171(15) of the Sierra Leone Constitution, they argue that any law inconsistent with the constitution is void and of no effect. As such, the petitioners contend that BSL’s actions, which diverged from the Banking Act, are unconstitutional.

ACE Legal Partners, representing the shareholders, state that they act on behalf of several prominent UTB stakeholders, including Messrs. Sabanor Trust Investment Fund, Aureol Insurance Company, Mr. Mohamed Kwanza, Mr. Yayah Nesser, Ms. Yema Woobay, and Mr. Wusu B. Koroma. Additionally, they represent Dr. Jonathan Bangura, UTB’s consultant and the individual entrusted by the late founder and CEO of UTB, Mr. Sanpha Koroma, to oversee the bank’s succession and fiduciary transition.

The petitioners have outlined three primary requests in their letter to the Bank Governor. First, they call for an immediate suspension of the BSL’s December 8 public notice, asking that all receivership, resolution, and acquisition processes be put on hold pending a transparent and good-faith review.

Second, they demand an urgent meeting involving Dr. Bangura, key UTB stakeholders, the Director of Banking Supervision, and other senior BSL officials to engage substantively on the proposed roadmap for the bank’s future. Finally, they seek approval from the central bank to proceed with UTB’s recapitalization and restructuring plan, which they assert should be carried out under BSL’s direct supervisory oversight.

In support of their position, the petitioners reference several provisions of the Banking Act, 2019, including Sections 116(1), 59, 66, 67, and 69. They also invoke constitutional principles of “fair administrative actions” and common law doctrines such as “legality, reasonableness, proportionality, and procedural fairness.”

The petitioners have expressed their hope that the Bank Governor will give “kind consideration” to their requests and allow for a swift and transparent review of their proposed recapitalization plan under the supervision of BSL. As of the time of writing, the Bank of Sierra Leone has not publicly responded to the petition.

The petitioners argue that the statutory instruments regulating public entities, such as the Bank of Sierra Leone, have quasi-constitutional effect, as they define the scope of executive discretion. They conclude that any deviation from the Banking Act would constitute not just a statutory breach, but a constitutional illegality, with far-reaching consequences for the integrity of the country’s financial system.




Source link