By Ibrahim Sesay
Africell, one of the leading mobile network provider, officially launched its Future Leaders program on Thursday, January 9, 2025, at the New Brookfields Hotel, aimed at offering exceptional young graduates valuable work experience and professional skills development.
During the launch event, Africell’s CEO, Shadi Gerjawi, emphasized the company’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of leaders. “Africell is not just implementing a program; we are initiating a movement to identify and cultivate future leaders,” he stated. Shadi Gerjawi highlighted the company’s collaboration with local universities, noting that Africell has signed Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) to identify outstanding graduates and provide them with opportunities.
“Africell has always stood as a beacon of progress, weaving its identity with the hopes and dreams of young people across Africa. Education, innovation and the transfer of knowledge are the foundations of our contribution to society,” he added.
The Minister of Labor and Social Security, Mohamed Rahman Swarray, praised the Future Leaders program, noting its alignment with the Ministry’s objectives for the year. “As a Ministry, we emphasize localization and aim to leverage leadership development to address career advancement and succession planning,” he remarked. Mohamed Rahman Swarray also announced plans for a tripartite dialogue involving universities, employers and the Government to discuss essential skills for the labor market, which he believes will help reduce youth unemployment.
Professor Aiah Lebbie, the Deputy Vice Chancellor and Principal of the University of Sierra Leone (USL), commended Africell for its ongoing support, stating that it has significantly enhanced the university’s performance. “Being granted this opportunity to acquire skills and develop professional careers even before graduation is a significant milestone,” he said, urging interns to maintain professionalism and integrity.
Linda Mvoko, Africell’s Group Chief People Officer, elaborated on the program’s dual focus on internal and external talent. “The Future Leaders program serves as a vehicle for creating a succession plan and providing opportunities for students,” she explained. Linda Mvoko reported that Africell has partnered with universities nationwide to recruit 80 students for the program, with 50% being women, underscoring the company’s commitment to gender empowerment.
She also revealed that the Future Leaders program has already been launched in DR Congo and Angola, with plans to expand to The Gambia following its implementation in Sierra Leone.
One of the program’s beneficiaries, Fatimatu Jalloh, expressed her gratitude for the opportunity, stating, “You didn’t just create an opportunity for us; you created an environment where we can thrive, flourish and grow.” She encouraged her fellow interns to seize the moment as a stepping stone toward leadership.
The event concluded with the signing of MOUs with representatives from USL, Milton Margai Technical University, Njala University and Limkokwing University, marking a significant step in the collaboration between Africell and local academic institutions.
