In a significant step towards strengthening the public-private partnership in the nation’s technological advancement, Africell Sierra Leone hosted the Parliamentary Committee on Communications, Technology, and Innovation at its Freetown Head Office on Thursday, August 21, 2025. The high-level oversight meeting was designed to open a productive dialogue on the current state and future trajectory of connectivity and digital innovation within the country, highlighting both progress and persistent challenges.
The session provided a platform for Africell’s leadership to present a comprehensive overview of its operations and ambitions. Chief Executive Officer, Shadi Gerjawi, detailed the company’s strategic expansion plans, which are focused on reaching unserved and underserved communities across Sierra Leone to bridge the digital divide. He showcased a suite of innovative products and services tailored to the Sierra Leonean market, designed not only to enhance communication, but also to foster financial inclusion and access to information. A significant portion of the presentation was dedicated to the company’s extensive Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, which have made tangible impacts in areas such as education, health, and youth empowerment over the years.
Mr. Gerjawi also provided the committee with a candid assessment of the practical challenges impeding faster progress. These hurdles include the complexities of deploying and maintaining infrastructure in difficult terrains, the need for continued investment in network resilience, and the overarching economic factors affecting operational costs and affordability for end-users. This transparency was welcomed by the committee members as crucial for formulating supportive policies.
In response, the Committee Chairman, Honorable Boston Munda, lauded Africell for its two decades of substantial contribution to the socio-economic fabric of Sierra Leone. He acknowledged the company’s pivotal role in driving the country’s digital transformation and enriching the telecommunications landscape. Hon. Munda emphasized that collaboration between the legislature and key industry players is essential for overcoming barriers to growth. He pointed to specific opportunities for joint efforts in crafting legislation that fosters innovation, improves the overall customer experience, and ensures that the benefits of technology reach every citizen.
The meeting concluded with Africell reaffirming its unwavering dedication to its core mission of connecting people and empowering communities. The company expressed its enthusiasm for future collaborations with the government and the Parliamentary Committee, underscoring a shared commitment to building a more connected, digitally robust, and prosperous future for all of Sierra Leone. This engagement marks a positive step in aligning national policy goals with the innovation and investment of the private sector.