By Lamin Bangura
Afrikonet.sl, Sierra Leone’s newest and most dynamic e-commerce platform, was officially launched on Saturday, 10th May 2025 at No. 2 Saadatu Drive, Hamilton, Western Rural, Freetown. The event drew an enthusiastic crowd of guests, partners, vendors, influencers, and members of the press, all gathered to witness a milestone in the country’s digital transformation.
Afrikonet.sl is designed as a one-stop online marketplace connecting buyers and sellers across the nation. From electronics and fashion to groceries, beauty products, and car parts, the platform offers a wide range of products with the promise of secure and efficient doorstep delivery. The founders of Afrikonet emphasized the importance of accessibility, reliability, and verification in their mission to transform commerce in Sierra Leone.
In his keynote address, guest speaker Mr. Abdulai Jalloh applauded the founders’ vision and persistence, sharing a personal story that underscored the need for such a platform. He recalled how a simple search for a car part turned into a two-week ordeal in Freetown’s traffic—an experience that inspired the creation of Afrikonet. Mr. Jalloh described Afrikonet as a product of Sierra Leonean ingenuity, designed to solve local problems through local innovation. He commended its integration with mobile money services such as Afrimoney, OrangeMoney, SmartPay, and its pay-on-delivery feature, making transactions easier for all.
The event featured the signing of ambassador agreements with popular influencers and public figures including Juliet Konya Sesay, also known as Juju Jeks, Alfred Bazz Collier of Bazz Entertainment, and Zainab Jaffa. These ambassadors will support Afrikonet’s outreach and visibility across the country.
The Afrikonet team assured the public that only verified sellers are allowed on the platform, with strict protocols to ensure authenticity and physical traceability. They emphasized that Afrikonet is not limited to Freetown or local markets alone—it is open for nationwide and even international engagement, supporting both local growth and global reach.
Mr. Kugba Massaquoi, the IT Lead Developer, provided a brief demonstration of the Afrikonet website and mobile application, highlighting its user-friendly design and powerful functionality. Users can search, compare, and purchase items in minutes, eliminating the frustrations of traffic, limited inventory, and unreliable sellers.
In a joint message from the founding members, the team emphasized their mission to simplify everyday life for Sierra Leoneans through secured digital commerce. They spoke of a future where small businesses thrive, families enjoy convenience, and every citizen—regardless of location—can shop and sell with confidence. Afrikonet is not just a business, they said, but a movement for national progress.
The launch concluded with a rousing call to action. Guests were encouraged to download the Afrikonet app, list their products, and embrace the convenience of modern e-commerce. For Sierra Leoneans at home and abroad, Afrikonet is set to become a symbol of digital empowerment and economic opportunity.