By Alvin Lansana Kargbo
The Chief Executive Officer of Africell Sierra Leone, Shadi Al-Gerjawi, paid a landmark courtesy visit to the Secretariat of the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ), becoming the first corporate CEO to officially engage the Association’s newly elected Executive at its headquarters.
The visit, widely described by members as historic, marks a significant step in strengthening collaboration between one of Sierra Leone’s leading telecommunications companies and the country’s media fraternity. The SLAJ Executive is currently led by its President, Alhaji Manika Kamara.
Welcoming the Africell delegation, President Alhaji Manika Kamara described the engagement as a defining moment for the Association.
“This is a historic moment for SLAJ,” he stated. “We are honored to receive the CEO of Africell as the first corporate leader to officially visit our Secretariat under the new Executive. This demonstrates the value Africell places on the media and its role in national development.”
He commended Africell for what he termed its “heavy and consistent support” to journalists and media institutions across the country, noting that the company has remained a dependable partner in promoting press freedom, media capacity building and professional initiatives nationwide.
During the engagement, President Alhaji Manika Kamara briefed the CEO on the Association’s strategic priorities, including plans to establish a modern Data Center at the Secretariat. According to him, the proposed facility will provide journalists with improved access to research materials, digital tools and reliable internet connectivity, thereby enhancing professionalism, fact-based reporting and innovation within the media landscape.
The SLAJ President emphasized that strengthening digital infrastructure for journalists is critical at a time when media practice is increasingly technology-driven and requires access to credible data and secure information platforms.
In his response, Shadi Al-Gerjawi thanked journalists for their continued partnership and constructive engagement with Africell over the years. He underscored that collaboration with the media remains a central pillar of the company’s corporate culture and stakeholder engagement strategy.
“We value the media as critical partners in our journey,” Shadi Al-Gerjawi said. “Africell remains committed to supporting initiatives that strengthen journalism and promote national development. We will carefully review the proposed projects presented by the Association and explore areas of possible support.”
He further reiterated Africell’s commitment to fostering transparency, accountability and open communication through sustained engagement with media institutions.
Observers say the visit signals a renewed era of cooperation between the corporate sector and the Press, reinforcing the importance of strategic partnerships in advancing democratic governance and informed public discourse in Sierra Leone.
As a proudly Sierra Leonean brand, Africell continues to recognize the indispensable role of the media in shaping national conversations, promoting development and holding institutions accountable.
Members of the Association noted that the historic visit sets a positive tone for enhanced institutional collaboration, paving the way for stronger partnerships aimed at promoting impactful communication, media professionalism and sustainable national development.
