Africell Signs MoU With IPAM
Africell Sierra Leone and the Institute of Public Administration and Management (IPAM), University of Sierra Leone, have entered into a transformative partnership aimed at enhancing digital education, connectivity and professional readiness among students. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was officially signed on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, during a ceremony held at the Freetown City Council Auditorium.
The event was graced by Professor Aiah Lebbie, Vice Chancellor and Principal of the University of Sierra Leone; Professor Ezekiel Kalvin Duramany-Lakkoh, Deputy Vice Chancellor of IPAM; senior university staff, lecturers and hundreds of enthusiastic students who gathered to witness the historic collaboration.
The agreement establishes a strategic alliance between Africell and IPAM, focusing on education, innovation and empowerment through digital transformation. It seeks to bridge the gap between academia and industry by creating opportunities for students to gain real-world experience in a modern, technology-driven environment.
Africell’s Chief Operating Officer, Malek El Koussa, described the partnership as a milestone in the company’s ongoing commitment to advancing education and national development.
“This MoU marks the beginning of a long-term collaboration focused on education, innovation and empowerment,” he stated. “At Africell, connectivity is not just about technology; it is about creating opportunities and empowering people to learn, grow and achieve their full potential. Through this partnership we are taking another bold step in building a more connected and informed Sierra Leone.”
As part of the agreement, Africell, through its Impact Foundation, will establish a state-of-the-art E-Learning Center on the IPAM campus. The center will serve as a digital hub providing access to modern learning resources, virtual classrooms and research tools to foster academic growth.
In addition, Africell will introduce a Closed User Group (CUG) system, offering affordable voice and data plans for students and lecturers, thereby ensuring consistent academic engagement on and off campus. The telecom giant will also open a customer service office on-site to assist with SIM registration, Afrimoney services and data support.
A unique feature of the partnership is the introduction of a student internship program, which will allow IPAM students to participate in SIM distribution, customer support and digital operations. Malek El Koussa emphasized that this practical experience will enhance students’ employability and provide valuable insight into the corporate world.
“When the private sector and academia work hand in hand, real transformation happens,” he remarked. “To the students of IPAM; this is your opportunity, make the most of it.”
Delivering remarks at the ceremony, Professor Ezekiel Kalvin Duramany-Lakkoh praised Africell for its consistent investment in education and youth development, noting that the initiative would help build a digitally empowered student community.
“IPAM is leading the way in digital transformation within higher education,” he said. “The newly introduced connectivity scheme is both affordable and sustainable, ensuring that our students have reliable access to online classrooms and campus networks.”
Professor Duramany-Lakkoh also highlighted the integration of “IPAM Online,” a digital academic platform formally launched alongside the MoU signing. He encouraged students with ICT and digital skills to apply for internship positions to help manage the system, adding that selected candidates would receive specialized training from Africell.
The partnership between Africell and IPAM marks one of the most significant collaborations between a private telecommunications company and a public tertiary institution in Sierra Leone. It aligns with national efforts to expand digital literacy, promote e-learning and prepare young people for the opportunities of a rapidly evolving digital economy.
The agreement takes effect immediately, with the implementation of the e-learning center, CUG services and internship program set to commence in the coming weeks.
Africell Sierra Leone