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Sierra Leone Businesses Urged to Seize Global Opportunities at the Algiers International Fair 2026


As global trade continues to evolve, Sierra Leonean businesses are being strongly encouraged to participate in the upcoming Algiers International Fair 2026, one of Africa’s largest and most influential economic exhibitions.

Scheduled to take place from June 22 to June 27, 2026, at the Palais des Expositions in Algiers, the Fair represents a strategic platform for companies seeking international visibility, partnerships, and expansion into new markets.

Recognized as a major continental event, the Algiers International Fair brings together hundreds of exhibitors and thousands of visitors from across the world, covering sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, energy, services, and technology. The event has consistently demonstrated its capacity to connect African businesses with global investors and partners, reinforcing its role as a hub for trade and innovation.

For Sierra Leone, participation in such a high-level forum offers a unique opportunity to showcase local products, attract foreign investment, and promote the country’s economic potential on the international stage. From agribusiness and fisheries to mining services and emerging startups, Sierra Leonean enterprises stand to benefit significantly from exposure to diverse markets and business networks.

Economic experts emphasize that trade fairs like this are not merely exhibitions but gateways to concrete business deals, partnerships, and knowledge exchange. Companies that participate gain direct access to buyers, distributors, and policymakers, while also learning about global trends and innovations shaping their industries.

In recent editions, the Fair has attracted participants from more than 30 countries, highlighting its growing international appeal and the increasing importance of Africa in global trade dynamics.

Stakeholders in Sierra Leone—including the private sector, chambers of commerce, and government agencies—are therefore called upon to mobilize and support mass participation in the 2026 edition. Such collective engagement will not only enhance individual business prospects but also strengthen Sierra Leone’s economic diplomacy and regional integration.

As Africa moves toward greater economic cooperation under frameworks like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), events like the Algiers International Fair provide a timely and powerful platform for Sierra Leone to position itself competitively.

Now is the time for Sierra Leonean businesses to step forward, connect, and compete on the global stage.



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Orange Money Mastercard Launched, Expanding Global Digital Payment Possibilities in Sierra Leone


Orange Mobile Finance SL. Ltd has officially launched the Orange Money Mastercard virtual card, powered by Zenith Bank Sierra Leone, marking a major milestone in the country’s digital financial services landscape.

The virtual card connects Orange Money wallets to the global Mastercard network, enabling customers to make secure local and international payments with ease and flexibility.

The Orange Money Mastercard allows customers to go beyond traditional transfers by enabling payments for goods and services at Mastercard-accepting merchant points worldwide. It also provides access to online shopping, subscriptions, and other digital services, opening doors to the global digital economy.

Orange Money CEO, DAVID S. MANSARAY, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to inclusive financial innovation:

“The introduction of the Orange Money Mastercard marks a significant step forward in our vision to provide inclusive, accessible, and innovative financial solutions. This product empowers our customers to participate confidently in the global digital economy while enjoying the simplicity and security of Orange Money,” he said.

The CEO/Managing Director of Zenith Bank Sierra Leone, UGOCHUKWU IRECHUKWU, highlighted the importance of the partnership in advancing digital finance:

“We are proud to partner with Orange Money to launch the Orange Money Virtual Mastercard. This collaboration bridges banking and mobile money, enabling safe and convenient online and international payments while improving customer experience and supporting the growth of the digital economy,” he stated.

The product reflects a strategic collaboration with Mastercard to deliver world-class financial solutions tailored to local and international needs.

Mastercard’s Country Head for Ghana, Gambia, Liberia, and Sierra Leone, BOSSMAN AKUFFO KWAPONG, noted:

“We are delighted to collaborate with Orange Mobile Finance in Sierra Leone to drive digital transformation and enable seamless access to payments. Mastercard remains committed to empowering partners and customers through secure and innovative solutions.”

A Game Changer for Digital Payments

The Orange Money Mastercard is linked directly to customers’ wallets, providing real-time access to funds and enabling seamless transactions.

Key features of the Mastercard include secure online payments, global acceptance, enhanced security standards, and convenient access to e-commerce, travel, and subscription platforms.

Driving Financial Inclusion

The card is expected to benefit young people, small business owners, freelancers, and indi-viduals who previously faced limitations accessing international payment platforms. Customers can obtain and manage the virtual card through the Orange Money Maxit App, ensuring a simple and user-friendly experience.

About Orange Money
Orange Mobile Finance SL. Ltd provides secure and reliable mobile financial services, including money transfers, bill payments, and merchant services, serving millions of customers nationwide and promoting financial inclusion.

About Mastercard
Mastercard operates in over 200 countries and territories, enabling secure, simple, and accessible digital payments while empowering individuals, businesses, and economies worldwide.

About Zenith Bank Sierra Leone
Zenith Bank Sierra Leone delivers technology-driven banking services, supporting financial inclusion, SMEs, and digital transactions while bridging traditional banking with modern financial solutions.



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Air Sierra Leone Announces Expansion to New Routes


Air Sierra Leone has announced the launch of new additional routes as part of activities marking its 1st Anniversary of flight operations.

The airline, starting February, will commence direct flights from The Gambia (BJL) to the United Kingdom (LGW), further strengthening connectivity between West Africa and the United Kingdom. In addition, it will also operate a new regional route from Freetown to Banjul, enhancing travel convenience within the sub-region.

This expansion reflects Air Sierra Leone’s commitment to providing reliable, efficient, and accessible air travel while supporting tourism, trade, and cultural exchange across key destinations.



Speaking on the milestone, Group Chief Operating Officer at XE Jet Limited (Technical Partner to Air Sierra Leone), Sukhjinder Mann, reaffirmed the airline’s dedication to continuous growth, customer satisfaction, and regional integration as the airline celebrates one year of successful operations.

“We are extremely grateful to the governments of the United Kingdom and The Gambia for believing in our vision, understanding our business model and commitment to increasing connectivity between Africa and the European markets.

“This new route will allow all year connectivity between the key cities of Banjul and London and will quicken travel time between these 2 key city pairs. The connection between Freetown and Banjul will further boost the connectivity in the West Africa region.

“Within a year of launching flight operations, Air Sierra Leone is now firmly embedded on the global aviation stage and we will look to further increasing our network in the coming months.”

Passengers travelling to The Gambia can look forward to seamless connections, improved travel options, and the warm hospitality Air Sierra Leone is known for.



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Sierra Leonean Leone Ends 2025 as Second Weakest Currency in Africa


The Sierra Leonean Leone has concluded the year as the second weakest currency on the African continent, trading at nearly 21,000 to the United States dollar, according to year-end financial data released this week.

In a ranking of the ten African countries with the weakest currencies at the close of 2025, Sierra Leone placed second only to São Tomé & Príncipe. According to data cited from the Forbes Calculator, the Leone ended the year trading at 20,970 per US dollar.

This valuation places the Leone in a significantly more precarious position than regional peers.While São Tomé & Príncipe’s Dobra traded at 22,282 to the dollar, the gap between Sierra Leone and the third-ranked country, Guinea, is stark. The Guinean Franc ended the year trading at 8,741 to the dollar—less than half the exchange rate of the Leone.



For nations like Sierra Leone, such a depressed exchange rate frequently exacerbates daily hardships for citizens. The report notes that weak currencies tend to “increase inflation, deepen poverty, discourage investment, and impair a state’s ability to withstand shocks.”

While the report highlighted specific crises in South Sudan and Ethiopia regarding rapid depreciation and oil export reliance, the absolute value of the Leone against the dollar remains among the lowest on the continent. This devaluation makes imports significantly more expensive, hampering local businesses that struggle to plan or grow when operating costs fluctuate wildly.

The data reveals a challenging financial landscape for several East and West African nations. Following Sierra Leone, the top five weakest currencies were rounded out by the Guinean Franc, the Malagasy Ariary, and the Ugandan Shilling.

Top 5 Weakest African Currencies (End of 2025):

São Tomé & Príncipe Dobra: 22,282 per USD

Sierra Leonean Leone: 20,970 per USD

Guinean Franc: 8,741 per USD

Malagasy Ariary: 4,577 per USD

Ugandan Shilling: 3,610 per USD

As the country moves into 2026, the data suggests that stabilizing the Leone will be critical to restoring investor confidence and curbing inflationary pressures that affect the average Sierra Leonean household.



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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.



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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.



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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.



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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.



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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.



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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.



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