Sierra Leone’s national under-18 beach volleyball team received a significant boost as Africell Sierra Leone officially announced its sponsorship for their upcoming campaign in the prestigious CAVB U18 Beach Volleyball Continental Cup. The formal agreement was solidified during a ceremony brimming with optimism on July 25th, 2025, held at Africell’s headquarters in Wilberforce, Freetown, marking a continuation of the telecom giant’s deep-rooted commitment to the sport.
The Continental Cup, organized by the Confederation of African Volleyball (CAVB), represents a critical pathway for young African talent, serving as the direct qualification tournament for the coveted FIVB U19 Beach Volleyball World Championships. Africell’s backing is therefore pivotal to the team’s aspirations on the continental stage.
Africell CEO Shadi Al-Gerjawi, speaking at the signing ceremony, passionately reaffirmed the company’s enduring dedication to volleyball development within Sierra Leone. “Africell’s support for volleyball is not a fleeting gesture; it is a legacy spanning nearly 15 years, built on genuine passion and unwavering consistency,” he declared. Al-Gerjawi further highlighted Sierra Leone’s remarkable achievements in the sport, noting its frequent outperformance of traditionally more popular disciplines like football and basketball on the international scene. Expressing strong confidence in the U18 squad, he stated, “We are immensely optimistic about the team’s prospects at the Continental Cup. Africell will remain a steadfast and committed partner throughout their competitive journey.”
Ahmed Kanu, President of the Volleyball Federation of Sierra Leone (VFSL), lauded Africell’s indispensable support, describing the company as “far more than a sponsor; they are a true partner in progress for Sierra Leonean volleyball.” He emphasized that Africell’s consistent backing has been instrumental in enabling Sierra Leonean teams to reach new heights, facilitating qualification for elite global events such as the World Championships in Poland and the Youth Games in Nanjing, China. Kanu also underscored the transformative impact of the Africell Beach Arena, a state-of-the-art facility constructed through their partnership, which serves as the premier training and competition hub for beach volleyball nationwide. “This sponsorship empowers our young athletes,” Kanu asserted. “Our team travels to Nigeria not merely to participate, but with a resolute determination to compete at the highest level and contend for medals.”
Comprising some of Sierra Leone’s most promising young athletic talent, the U18 squad is set to travel to Nigeria for the Continental Cup challenge. A successful performance at this tournament holds the key to securing Sierra Leone a coveted berth at the 2026 FIVB U19 Beach Volleyball World Championships, an achievement that would significantly elevate the nation’s profile within the international volleyball community.
Africell’s involvement is widely recognized as foundational to the promotion and growth of volleyball at the grassroots level in Sierra Leone. Their comprehensive initiatives extend beyond national team sponsorship, encompassing vital support for training camps, development programs, and the sponsorship of local tournaments that nurture talent from a young age. This latest commitment to the U18 team follows closely on the heels of Africell’s recent recognition of Sierra Leone’s triumphant national basketball team, which secured gold in regional competitions, reflecting the company’s broader, strategic commitment to fostering youth sports development and empowering the next generation of Sierra Leonean athletes.