By Alvin Lansana Kargbo
In a move aimed at accelerating digital transformation within Sierra Leone’s tertiary education sector, Africell Sierra Leone has entered into a strategic partnership with Freetown Polytechnic to modernize learning systems and improve technological access at the institution’s Jui Campus in Freetown.
The collaboration was formalized through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) during a ceremony attended by senior officials from both institutions, signaling a shared commitment to leveraging technology to enhance education delivery and campus administration.
The partnership is expected to significantly strengthen the Polytechnic’s digital infrastructure while introducing innovative tools that will help transition the campus into a more technologically driven and cashless academic environment.
Delivering the opening remarks at the event, the Registrar of Freetown Polytechnic, Martina Foday, described the agreement as a milestone for the institution. She emphasized that the collaboration represents an important step in the Polytechnic’s efforts to modernize its systems and improve service delivery for both students and staff.
According to her, integrating digital technologies into the institution’s operations will not only enhance administrative efficiency but also provide students with broader opportunities to access innovative learning platforms. She further noted that the partnership aligns with the Polytechnic’s broader vision of equipping students with the skills needed to succeed in an increasingly digital global economy.
Representing Africell Sierra Leone, the company’s Director of Talent and Creativity, Dr. Fatu Taqi, commended the leadership of Freetown Polytechnic for embracing forward-thinking initiatives aimed at transforming education. She particularly praised the vision of the campus Principal, Dr. Samba Moriba, whose commitment to digital advancement, she said, has created the foundation for the new partnership.
Dr. Fatu Taqi highlighted Africell’s ongoing efforts to support digital innovation across multiple sectors in Sierra Leone, noting that the telecommunications company remains dedicated to empowering institutions through technology and connectivity.
Under the agreement, Africell will introduce a variety of digital solutions designed to enhance teaching, learning and institutional management at the Polytechnic. These include improved internet connectivity, modern digital learning tools and mobile financial services intended to simplify transactions across the campus.
The initiative is also expected to move the institution away from traditional teaching methods toward more interactive and technology-based learning systems that can better prepare students for the demands of a rapidly evolving digital world.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Marketing and Communications Manager of AfriMoney, Abdul Aziz Kamara, highlighted the importance of integrating mobile financial services within academic environments. He explained that the collaboration will enable smoother and more efficient financial transactions for both staff and students while encouraging wider adoption of digital payment systems.
Abdul Aziz Kamara noted that digital financial platforms such as AfriMoney will contribute to building a secure and convenient payment ecosystem within the campus community.
In his keynote remarks, Africell Sierra Leone’s Chief Executive Officer, Shadi Gerjawi, described the agreement as a strong demonstration of commitment by both institutions to innovation and educational progress. He stated that Africell has successfully partnered with various organizations across the country and remains eager to extend similar collaborations to more academic institutions.
Shadi Gerjawi also pointed to the potential for broader international partnerships involving Sierra Leone’s higher education institutions, referencing possible academic linkages connected to global institutions such as the University of Oxford through Fourah Bay College.
Responding on behalf of Freetown Polytechnic, Principal Dr. Samba Moriba described the signing of the agreement as the fulfillment of an important institutional goal. He explained that since assuming office, digital transformation has remained one of his core priorities.
Dr. Samba Moriba expressed appreciation to the Polytechnic Council for endorsing the initiative and supporting efforts to modernize the campus. He added that the partnership with Africell will expand opportunities for students, strengthen institutional capacity and position the Polytechnic to meet the evolving demands of modern education.
Observers say the collaboration represents another significant step toward integrating technology into Sierra Leone’s education sector, reinforcing the growing role of digital innovation in shaping the future of learning across the country.
