By Ibrahim Sesay
Orange Sierra Leone took another significant step in championing youth empowerment and digital innovation, as its Chief Executive Officer, Sekou Amadou Bah, met with student gamers from sixteen universities across the country on Wednesday May 28. The occasion, held at Orange’s headquarters on Hill Station, served as a powerful prelude to the highly anticipated Orange Esport Experience national competition finale scheduled for Friday May 30 at Family Kingdom in Aberdeen.
Addressing the young gamers with sincerity and pride, Sekou Amadou Bah praised their dedication and resilience throughout the competition and reminded them that their journey was not defined by the platform, but by their own abilities.
He declared that if they had made it this far, it was because of their talent and not because of Orange, and he emphasized that Orange simply provided the space for their brilliance to shine. He reiterated the company’s mission to nurture a digitally inclusive future in Sierra Leone, and stressed the importance of building lasting support systems for young talents.
Sekou Amadou Bah affirmed that Orange is committed to creating digital platforms that elevate youth innovation and that the company is not only supporting startups, but also embracing esports as a transformative tool for national development.
Launched in 2022, the Orange Esport Experience has grown to become the premier digital youth event in Sierra Leone, bringing together top student gamers from universities across the country. Through a series of intra university qualifiers, the best competitors have emerged to represent their institutions at the national level. The tournament focuses on FIFA video games and presents an opportunity for young Sierra Leoneans to compete on a national stage and to pursue global recognition through international competitions.
Claudius Roberts, who serves as President of the Electronic Sports Federation of Sierra Leone, emphasized the Federation’s partnership with Orange in maintaining transparency and fairness throughout the competition. He acknowledged the role of the Federation as the national regulatory body for electronic sports, and noted that they are working to ensure the tournament upholds integrity and offers every participant a chance to grow and shine.
Claudius Roberts confirmed that this year’s national champion will receive a grand prize of NLe 30,000 and represent Sierra Leone at the prestigious Africa Game RS4 in Lagos, Nigeria, which stands among the continent’s leading esports events.
One of the most compelling voices among the student representatives was Mohamed Bailor Jalloh from Njala University, who is widely recognized as the first Sierra Leonean to represent the country in an international esports tournament.
Reflecting on his journey, Mohamed Bailor Jalloh expressed deep appreciation for the platform that Orange has created and said that his involvement in the Esport Experience has allowed him to grow as both a gamer and an individual. He acknowledged that the gaming culture in Sierra Leone was waning before Orange revived it in 2022, and credited the initiative for giving new life and purpose to many young talents across the nation.
Looking to the future, Mohamed Bailor Jalloh revealed that this year’s competition might mark his final run as a player, as he now hopes to mentor upcoming gamers and help them achieve the international exposure he has experienced. He noted that while Sierra Leone is home to remarkable talents, the nation still lacks the systems and guidance needed to propel its gamers onto the global stage.
He said that through Orange and its continued investment in digital youth development, he remains hopeful for lasting change and is committed to contributing even beyond his role as a competitor.
The Orange Esport Experience continues to grow as a vibrant symbol of what is possible when visionary leadership meets untapped youth potential.
The upcoming grand finale on Friday is expected to celebrate more than just the crowning of a new champion, as it also signals a defining moment in Sierra Leone’s journey toward digital transformation and greater global presence through the world of competitive gaming.