By Alvin Lansana Kargbo
Afrimoney, in partnership with Cell-Lo Africa, has launched the “ABOP Loan” Service, a new microloan product designed to give Sierra Leoneans easy access to short-term financial support. The official launch took place on Thursday, October 30, 2025, at Africell Headquarters in Wilberforce, Freetown. The initiative marks a major step in expanding financial inclusion through mobile technology.
The ABOP Loan Service provides microloans ranging from NLe 10 to NLe 700, available to all eligible Afrimoney users through their mobile wallets. The loans are valid for 30 days and attract a 10% interest rate, with a 3% penalty applied to defaulters who fail to repay within the due period. Customers can access the service by dialing *161*5*3# and following the instructions.
Speaking at the launch, Aaron Sarpong, representative of Cell-Lo Africa, described ABOP as a product designed to respond directly to the everyday financial needs of ordinary Sierra Leoneans. He said the company believed that real transformation begins when people are met at their point of need and at the right moment, which is exactly what ABOP aims to achieve. He noted that the service was created to empower Afrimoney users to address urgent and smaller financial demands without the hurdles of traditional loan systems.
Aaron Sarpong added that the idea behind ABOP came from the real-life experiences of ordinary citizens, from market women to Okada and kekeh riders, students and unemployed individuals, who contribute to the economy but often struggle to access financial help. He said ABOP was not merely a loan but a symbol of hope, an opportunity for progress and a practical step toward financial independence. He encouraged Sierra Leoneans to make use of the service and assured them that Cell-Lo Africa remain committed to supporting their growth and aspirations.
In his statement, Martison Obeng-Agyei, Chief Executive Officer of Afrimoney, emphasized that the ABOP Loan Service was created to provide timely financial support for customers at their most pressing moments of need, whether to complete a purchase, close a small business transaction or bridge short-term financial gaps. He explained that the service allows users to access funds directly and privately through their Afrimoney mobile wallets, without the need for intermediaries or lengthy procedures.
Martison Obeng-Agyei highlighted that the ABOP Loan was built with the consumer in mind, promoting privacy, convenience and empowerment. He advised customers to check their eligibility and maintaining consistent use of their Afrimoney accounts to improve qualification chances. However, he warned against borrowing unnecessarily, noting that loans are not giveaways. He urged users to borrow responsibly and repay on time to keep the system sustainable and accessible to all.
The Afrimoney CEO further acknowledged the collaborative effort that brought the service to life. He thanked Cell-Lo Africa for its financial and technological partnership, appreciated the Bank of Sierra Leone for granting regulatory approval. Martison Obeng-Agyei explained that ABOP forms part of Afrimoney’s broader mission to deepen financial inclusion in Sierra Leone by putting digital financial tools directly in people’s hands.
“The ABOP Loan is officially live,” Martison Obeng-Agyei announced. “We encourage all eligible customers to use it responsibly and repay promptly so that this opportunity remains open to everyone.”
The introduction of the ABOP Loan Service adds to Afrimoney’s expanding suite of digital financial products, offering Sierra Leoneans simple, fast and reliable access to credit. It reinforces Afrimoney’s commitment to empowering citizens through technology and strengthening the country’s move toward a more inclusive financial system.
