Enabling customers to carry out simple banking operations in total security, Orange Mobile Finance Sierra Leone combines robust technology with deep local market understanding. David Mansaray, CEO, tells us more about the company and the exciting future of FinTech.
- REDEFINING SIERRA LEONE’S FINANCIAL FUTURE
- AN EXCEPTIONALLY DYNAMIC INDUSTRY
- DIGITAL FINANCE SOLUTIONS
- SUPPORTING RURAL COMMUNITIES
- TECHNOLOGY-LED INNOVATION
REDEFINING SIERRA LEONE’S FINANCIAL FUTURE
“The FinTech industry remains one of the most transformative, fast-evolving sectors globally and, in many respects, is still in its early innings, particularly in emerging markets.”
In contexts like Sierra Leone, FinTech is more than just exciting; it’s foundational to economic participation. As voiced by David Mansaray, CEO of Orange Mobile Finance Sierra Leone (Orange Money), FinTech plays a critical role in expanding financial inclusion, formalising large segments of the informal economy, improving efficiency in payments and savings, and enabling access to credit, insurance, and government services on a large scale.
“What makes the current moment especially compelling is the convergence of several powerful forces: widespread mobile penetration, improving digital infrastructure, increasingly pragmatic regulation, and a younger, digitally native population whose expectations are shaped by convenience, speed, and personalisation,” details Mansaray.
These dynamics are pushing FinTech beyond simple payments into full-stack financial ecosystems that integrate commerce, identity, data, and public services.
The advent of artificial intelligence (AI) has further elevated the conversation and is no longer a future consideration; it is already reshaping fraud detection, credit scoring, customer engagement, operational efficiency, and risk management. In markets where traditional data is limited, AI and alternative data models present a step-change opportunity to design more inclusive and intelligent financial solutions.
“Looking ahead, I believe the distinction between FinTech and traditional financial services will continue to blur. Technology-led players are increasingly defining how financial services are designed, distributed, and consumed,” insights Mansaray.
“FinTech will not just compete with financial institutions – it will redefine the financial sector itself, making this an exceptionally dynamic and rewarding space to operate in.”
Leading the charge of this future-defining sector is Orange Money, which offers a comprehensive suite of digital financial services, including person-to-person transfers, merchant and bill payments, international remittances, savings, and digital credit solutions.
The company’s services cater to individuals, agents, small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), corporations, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and government institutions, operating through a nationwide agent network supported by a skilled workforce committed to delivering reliable, secure, and accessible financial services.
AN EXCEPTIONALLY DYNAMIC INDUSTRY
Mansaray’s professional background spans banking, finance, and digital financial services, with over two decades of senior leadership focused on financial management, strategy, and operational excellence.
“Throughout my journey, I have developed a deep appreciation for the transformative power of technology in expanding access to financial services. My interest in FinTech is driven by its unique ability to address structural financial inclusion challenges in emerging economies through the delivery of scalable, secure, and customer-centric solutions,” he expands.
Mansaray has assisted Orange Money in differentiating itself through securing a reputation for trust, scale, innovation, and strong governance. Backed by the Orange Group’s global expertise, it combines robust technology with deep local market understanding.
Orange Money’s focus on regulatory compliance, service reliability, customer experience, a robust distribution network, and continuous innovation enables it to consistently deliver value whilst maintaining the highest standards of security and operational excellence.
“We remain committed to driving financial inclusion, empowering entrepreneurship, and contributing meaningfully to the growth of Sierra Leone’s digital economy through secure, inclusive, and future-ready financial solutions,” dictates Mansaray.
Initiatives such as tiered know-your-customer (KYC), regulatory sandboxes, and agency banking frameworks have enabled responsible experimentation, expanded access to financial services, and strengthened consumer protection. This supportive regulatory landscape has been instrumental in accelerating digital financial adoption, promoting trust and enabling companies like Orange Money to deliver scalable, sustainable, and impactful solutions.
“We remain committed to driving financial inclusion, empowering entrepreneurship, and contributing meaningfully to the growth of Sierra Leone’s digital economy through secure, inclusive, and future-ready financial solutions”
David Mansaray, CEO, Orange Mobile Finance Sierra Leone
DIGITAL FINANCE SOLUTIONS
Recently, Orange Money solidified its capabilities by delivering several impactful digital finance solutions in partnership with key stakeholders.
One such solution is Orange Money Lajor – a credit product that has expanded access to finance in a market where credit remains limited, reaching over 300,000 customers since launch.
Building on this success, the company introduced the Kwik Moni Loan, a digital credit solution designed to support its agent network. The programme provides agents with affordable, short-term working capital, improving liquidity management, business expansion, and service reliability nationwide.
“Following proven performance during this pilot phase, the product will be gradually extended to Orange Money customers, offering responsible, data-driven access to credit,” details Mansaray.
The company has also seen a strong socioeconomic impact from its Overseas Money product, which enables fast and affordable international remittances that support household income, education, healthcare, and SMEs. Looking ahead, upcoming initiatives such as Mastercard and Roaming Money will further enhance interoperability, payment acceptance, and access to global digital commerce.
In addition to these innovative programmes, financial inclusion is central to Orange Money’s mission, and connecting rural communities has been a consistent focus of its work in Sierra Leone.
“We have enabled individuals in underserved and remote areas to access essential financial services, such as domestic and international remittances, merchant payments, savings, and digital credit, directly from their mobile phones, significantly reducing the need to travel to urban centres,” explains Mansaray.
“Through technology-led innovation, underpinned by strong governance and compliance, we are building a resilient, future-ready financial ecosystem that drives sustainable growth and long-term value creation”
David Mansaray, CEO, Orange Mobile Finance Sierra Leone
SUPPORTING RURAL COMMUNITIES
Today, 57 percent of the company’s customer base resides in rural communities, positioning Orange Money as the largest provider of financial services to populations that were previously underserved and financially excluded.
Its digital platforms have been used to support large-scale disbursements for government institutions, development partners, and private sector organisations, ensuring timely, secure, and transparent payments to farmers, health workers, vulnerable groups, and rural programme beneficiaries.
“In 2025, we disbursed more than USD$117 million to rural communities supported by the World Bank, World Health Organisation, and others, benefitting over 112,000 people,” prides Mansaray.
“We have also supported digital loan disbursement and repayment for microfinance institutions, facilitated the digitisation of village savings groups, and empowered youth and women as Orange Money agents, embedding financial services within rural communities.”
By reducing reliance on cash, improving payment efficiency, and strengthening value chains across agriculture, fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), and SMEs, these initiatives have stimulated local economic activity and strengthened financial resilience at the grassroots level.
Such work directly supports Sierra Leone’s development objectives and has contributed meaningfully to building a more inclusive and digitally enabled economy.
TECHNOLOGY-LED INNOVATION
Crucial to Orange Money’s values is its corporate social responsibility (CSR) agenda, which is focused on delivering sustainable social and economic impact aligned with national development priorities.
“Through the Orange Sierra Leone Foundation and Orange Group initiatives, we support education, digital inclusion, entrepreneurship, environmental sustainability, and community well-being,” enthuses Mansaray.
The company prioritises digital empowerment through the Orange Digital Centre and Women Digital Centres, equipping young people and women with practical skills in digital literacy, entrepreneurship, and emerging technologies to enhance employability and innovation. It further promotes entrepreneurship through the Orange Social Venture Prize – supporting social innovators who use technology to address challenges in health, education, agriculture, and the environment.
Sustainability also remains a core focus, with ongoing investments in solar-powered infrastructure, energy-efficient networks, responsible e-waste management, and reforestation initiatives. Additionally, the company supports community development through targeted health, education, food assistance, and water access programmes.
“Overall, our CSR initiatives reflect our commitment to responsible business, shared value creation, and inclusive national development, leveraging technology and partnerships to drive long-term positive impact across Sierra Leone,” asserts Mansaray.
As Orange Money continues to look towards a sustainable and successful future, its watchword for the year ahead is ‘innovation’.
“Technology is at the heart of everything we do. Advances in AI, machine learning (ML), and digital platforms are transforming how financial services are delivered, and we are positioning ourselves to lead this transformation,” he expands.
The company’s goal is to harness these technologies to create smarter, faster, and more personalised financial solutions that empower individuals, businesses, and communities. In the year ahead, it will expand digital credit and merchant solutions, strengthen rural financial inclusion, and enhance both customer and agent experiences through data-driven insights and intelligent platforms.
“Through technology-led innovation, underpinned by strong governance and compliance, we are building a resilient, future-ready financial ecosystem that drives sustainable growth and long-term value creation,” concludes Mansaray.