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SLAJ Executive Strengthens Partnership with Orange Sierra Leone

SLAJ Executive visits Orange Sierra Leone

The National Executive of the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) paid a courtesy visit to Orange Sierra Leone as part of its ongoing engagements with corporate partners and key institutions. The visit, which took place on Monday, October 27, 2024, at Orange’s Head Office on Hill Station in Freetown, sought to reaffirm and strengthen the longstanding collaboration between the telecommunications company and the country’s umbrella media organization.

Welcoming the delegation, the Company Secretary of Orange Sierra Leone, Madam Danetta Younge, expressed appreciation for the visit and described SLAJ as a strategic partner in national development. She highlighted the company’s commitment to maintaining a positive working relationship with the media, noting that Orange Sierra Leone has maintained contractual partnerships with over ten media houses in the last five years.

“Orange Sierra Leone values the contribution of the media to our success and to national progress. Every year, we make budgetary provisions in our Stakeholder Relations Fund to support SLAJ’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) and other institutional initiatives,” Madam Danetta Younge revealed. She congratulated the new SLAJ Executive and encouraged them to build upon the legacy of the previous leadership under Ahmed Sahid Nasralla, assuring them of Orange’s continued support.

SLAJ President, Alhaji Manika Kamara, expressed gratitude to Madam Danetta Younge and her team, including Public Relations Officer Alfie Barrie and Public Relations Support Officer Akuna Paul Mohamed Koroma, for their warm reception. He described Orange Sierra Leone as one of SLAJ’s most dependable corporate partners and commended the company for its past scholarship support, which enabled five SLAJ members to pursue doctoral degrees in Mass Communication at Fourah Bay College, University of Sierra Leone.

He appealed for the continuation of such initiatives, this time through undergraduate scholarships for aspiring journalists struggling to finance their education. “If Orange Sierra Leone could establish a dedicated fund to support first-degree students in journalism, it would be a remarkable contribution to strengthening professionalism in the media,” he said.

Alhaji Manika Kamara also briefed the Orange Management on the ongoing rehabilitation of the SLAJ National Secretariat, which he said is being transformed into a resource and training center for journalists. He called for Orange’s assistance in providing reliable and affordable internet connectivity to support the operations of the Secretariat and other media institutions across the country.

The meeting ended on a note of mutual commitment, with both parties pledging to sustain their partnership in promoting ethical journalism, professional development and effective communication for national growth.

Pikin Bizness Founder Escorts Four-Year-Old for Lifesaving Surgery in Ghana

baby Mo

The Founder of Pikin Bizness, Adonis Abboud, has once again demonstrated his deep humanitarian commitment by accompanying a four-year-old Sierra Leonean child, fondly known as baby Mo, on a medical mission to Accra, Ghana, for a life-saving surgical operation.

The duo departed Freetown on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, for Ghana, where baby Mo is expected to undergo a critical procedure not currently available in Sierra Leone. The initiative, fully sponsored by Pikin Bizness, highlights the organization’s ongoing dedication to providing access to essential healthcare for vulnerable children.

Speaking before departure, a representative of Pikin Bizness said the journey underscores the organization’s core belief that every child deserves a fair chance at life, regardless of economic or social limitations. “This mission is a reflection of our founder’s compassion and determination to ensure that no child dies from a treatable condition simply because their family cannot afford the care,” the representative stated.

Over the years, Pikin Bizness has been instrumental in facilitating numerous medical interventions for Sierra Leonean children suffering from congenital and life-threatening conditions. Through partnerships with foreign hospitals and charitable organizations, it has successfully arranged and funded overseas surgeries, rehabilitation programs and medical follow-ups that have saved and transformed lives.

Adonis Abboud, who personally escorted baby Mo to Ghana, reaffirmed his commitment to continue championing the cause of children’s health and wellbeing. He expressed optimism that the surgery will be successful and thanked well-wishers for their prayers and support.

The family of baby Mo has also extended gratitude to Pikin Bizness for making the mission possible, appealing to the public to continue keeping the child in their prayers as the surgery approaches.

Pikin Bizness is a non-profit organization founded by philanthropist and businessman Adonis Abboud and Mrs. Barbara Bangura Sangare, Pastor Shellac Sony Davies.

It is dedicated to improving the welfare of children in Sierra Leone, with a focus on healthcare and education. The organization has over the years supported countless children with medical aid, scholarships and welfare assistance, ensuring they have a brighter and healthier future.

President Bio Woos Global Investors at Sierra Leone’s First Agri-Food Investment Summit

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

President Dr. Julius Maada Bio has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to transforming Sierra Leone’s agriculture sector by creating an enabling environment for investors through tax incentives, transparent investment laws and regulatory reforms aimed at ensuring food self-sufficiency and economic growth.

Speaking at the country’s first-ever Agri-Food Investment Summit held on Tuesday, 28 October 2025, at the New Brookfields Hotel in Freetown, President Bio described agriculture as “the heartbeat of Sierra Leone’s economy.” The high-level forum attracted over 25 international investors and 40 local companies, signaling growing confidence in the nation’s agricultural potential under the Feed Salone initiative.

“Sierra Leone has 5.4 million hectares of arable land and less than 20 percent has been cultivated. We are strategically positioned to feed over 400 million consumers in West Africa,” President Bio stated. “In our fight for food sovereignty, political leadership and policy consistency set Sierra Leone apart.”

He stressed that every seed planted represents “a promise to the farmer that his work is his future,” adding that Feed Salone is not merely a programme but a national movement to restore pride and dignity through agriculture. The President encouraged investors to move beyond dialogue and translate commitments into practical projects that create jobs, boost exports and strengthen food systems.

Highlighting investment opportunities in rice, cassava, poultry, livestock, cocoa and coffee, President Bio said his administration is determined to ensure that investors find Sierra Leone a profitable and secure destination for agribusiness.

Chief Minister, Dr. David Moinina Sengeh, praised President Bio’s leadership in positioning agriculture at the center of the country’s economic agenda. He revealed that foreign direct investment commitments have already surpassed US$2 billion, while interest rates have dropped significantly from 40% to 15%, making the business climate more attractive to investors.

Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Henry Musa Kpaka, explained that the summit provides a platform for connecting global investors with local farmers to enhance productivity, access to finance and market competitiveness. “We are making it easier to access land, do business and make profit. Sierra Leone is a country that means business now more than ever,” he declared.

Governor of the Bank of Sierra Leone, Dr. Ibrahim Stevens, described agriculture as a major pillar for macroeconomic stability and inclusive growth. “With Feed Salone and ongoing macroeconomic reforms, our economy is well-positioned for sustained growth and food security,” he noted.

Private sector representatives also underscored their confidence in the Government’s policy direction. Mohamed Sow, Finance Director of PC Holdings Group, revealed that his company has invested over US$150 million in Sierra Leone’s agriculture over the past seven years, producing onions, maize, palm oil derivatives and seasoning cubes. He commended President Bio’s administration for fostering a business-friendly environment that encourages long-term investment.

The summit ended with renewed commitments from both Government and private sector players to drive innovation, technology adoption and large-scale investment in Sierra Leone’s agriculture sector; marking a major step forward in the nation’s quest for food sovereignty and sustainable development.

President Bio at Agri Food Investment Summit

Attorney General Engages Electoral Bodies on Legislative Proposals for Electoral Reforms

Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Alpha Sesay

The Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Alpha Sesay, on Tuesday, 28th October 2025, held a high-level consultative meeting with Electoral Management Bodies at the Country Lodge Hotel on Hill Station in Freetown, to deliberate on proposed legislative reforms aimed at strengthening Sierra Leone’s electoral framework.

The technical consultation served as a crucial platform for key electoral institutions to review and provide expert feedback on a range of legislative proposals designed to enhance transparency, inclusivity and accountability in the country’s electoral process. The discussions focused on proposed amendments to several important laws, including the Political Parties Act, the Public Elections Act, the Cyber Security and Crime Act, the Sierra Leone Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC) Act and the Independent Media Commission (IMC) Act.

Speaking at the event, the Attorney General underscored the significance of inclusive policymaking in advancing democratic governance. “Today, we are here to demonstrate what an inclusive and participatory process truly means. We are obliged to present before you the legislative proposals informed by the Tripartite Committee’s recommendations. This reflects the essence of democracy; a process that consults the public on legislative reforms shaping our political conduct and electoral systems,” he stated.

He emphasized that the active engagement of stakeholders would enrich the drafting process, ensuring that the resulting laws promote unity, strengthen national cohesion and reinforce democratic values.

The consultation was organized by the Office of the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, with funding support from the European Union through International IDEA, reaffirming the collective commitment of Government and partners to building a resilient, credible and transparent electoral system in Sierra Leone.

Minister Chernor Bah Shares Stage with President Macron and Global Leaders at Paris Conference on Information Integrity

Information minister meets President Macron

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah, has represented His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio at the International Conference on Information Integrity and Independent Media held in Paris, France, on Wednesday, October 29, 2025. The conference, co-convened by President Emmanuel Macron of France and former President John Dramani Mahama of Ghana, brought together heads of state, Government Ministers  and international partners to strengthen global cooperation for information integrity, combat disinformation and promote independent journalism.

Chernor Bah shared the stage with President Macron, President Mahama, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan of Armenia, Prime Minister Edi Rama of Albania and President Maia Sandu of Moldova in a high-level discussion on global media reform and information freedom. He was accompanied by Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to France, Mohamed Kanja Sesay.

In his remarks, Minister Chernor Bah expressed pride in representing President Bio and championing Sierra Leone’s achievements in media reform and open governance. “It was an honour to share the stage with world leaders to promote President Bio’s bold Information Freedom Agenda, which continues to position Sierra Leone as a continental leader in media reform and transparency,” he said.

He highlighted Sierra Leone’s significant progress under President Bio’s administration, including the historic repeal of the criminal libel law, the adoption of a forward-looking National Information Policy, the ongoing enactment of a Data Protection Law, and the establishment of a National Fund for Public Interest Media ,a model initiative that supports independent journalism through collaboration among public, private and development partners.

The Minister underscored that those reforms demonstrate President Bio’s firm belief that democracy can only thrive when citizens have access to credible, factual and trustworthy information. “These are not just policies,” he said, “they are proof of our commitment to building a democratic society anchored on truth, trust and accountability.”

World leaders and representatives at the Paris forum reaffirmed their shared commitment to counter misinformation, strengthen public trust and protect the independence of journalism amid increasing digital disruption.

As current Chair of ECOWAS, Sierra Leone pledged to continue promoting information freedom and responsible journalism across the region. Minister Chernor Bah thanked Ambassador Mohamed Kanja Sesay for his continued support in advancing Sierra Leone’s leadership and partnerships on the global stage.

The conference concluded with renewed pledges from Governments and international institutions to defend information integrity and ensure that access to free and factual information remains a universal public good and a foundation of democratic governance.

Orange Sierra Leone Thrills Freetown with Colorful Soba Kaiba Float Parade and Exciting Prizes

Orange Soba Kaiba float parade

The streets of Freetown came alive on Friday October 24, 2025 as Orange Sierra Leone launched its vibrant Soba Kaiba Float Parade, kicking off in grand style from Jui. The colorful procession drew large crowds, filling the atmosphere with music, dance and excitement as the Orange team, brand ambassadors and influencers engaged directly with customers along the route.

The parade, which forms part of Orange’s ongoing Soba Kaiba Promotion, showcased the company’s commitment to customer engagement and community celebration. Energetic performers added to the festive mood while the Orange team educated the public on how to participate in the Soba Kaiba campaign and stand a chance to win fantastic prizes including motorbikes, kekehs, generators, solar kits and other valuable rewards.

Speaking during the parade, Orange representatives encouraged customers to dial *500# to subscribe for the most affordable call offers and automatically qualify for the weekly and monthly draws. “This season, Orange is making more people become Soba Kaiba; champions of value, fun and rewards,” the company stated.

With the streets buzzing with excitement, the Soba Kaiba Float Parade reaffirmed Orange Sierra Leone’s position as a brand that not only connects people but also celebrates with them, turning every moment into an opportunity to win and share joy.

Choithram Memorial Hospital Enhances Healthcare Delivery with Cutting-Edge Endoscopy Equipment

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

Choithram Memorial Hospital in Freetown has once again demonstrated its commitment to improving healthcare delivery in Sierra Leone following the unveiling of a newly donated endoscope machine from Newcastle upon Tyne Hospital in the United Kingdom. The official presentation, held on October 29, 2025, attracted key medical professionals and administrators who hailed the development as a major milestone in advancing diagnostic services in the country.

The event brought together senior medical professionals and administrators, including Chief Administrator of the Choithram Group Harish Agnani; Consultant Gastroenterologist Dr. David Nylander MBE of Newcastle upon Tyne Hospital; Radiologist Dr. Len Gordon-Harris; Consultant Gastroenterologist and Endoscopist Dr. Edries A. Tejan; Medical Superintendent Dr. Gowrinath M. George and nurse Fatmata Koroma.

In his remarks, Harish Agnani praised the Endoscopy Unit staff for their dedication and introduced Dr. David Nylander as the driving force behind the endoscopy development initiative. He recounted that discussions with Dr. David Nylander began in 2016, two years after the project’s initial conception, during which Dr. David Nylander expressed his commitment to transfer knowledge so that local doctors and nurses could independently manage and operate the equipment. Harish Agnani highlighted the annual follow-up visits and virtual supervision by Dr.David Nylander as evidence of a genuine partnership rooted in capacity building.

Harish Agnani disclosed that the first endoscope was donated in 2018 and that the newly acquired high-definition XK model represents a major upgrade. He further noted that Choithram Memorial Hospital bore the cost of clearing the equipment through customs; a demonstration of its unwavering commitment to improved healthcare delivery in Sierra Leone.

Recounting the journey, Dr. David Nylander said his involvement began in 2014 when he realized the hospital was operating with an obsolete endoscopy machine. In consultation with Dr. Len Gordon-Harris, they identified the need for modernization. By 2016, he had designed a training program for local practitioners, with Dr. Edries A. Tejan among the first beneficiaries. The week-long in-person training was complemented by weekly online follow-ups via WhatsApp, which enabled continuous learning and evaluation. Within two years, the trained personnel began mentoring others, realizing his vision of self-sustaining local expertise.

Although the COVID-19 pandemic slowed progress, Dr. David Nylander confirmed plans to resume training by February or March 2026. He explained that the new high-definition XK endoscope provides sharp imagery to facilitate early cancer detection, stomach and bowel examinations and minimally invasive therapeutic procedures. Commending Dr. Tejan and the Choithram team for their exceptional service, he said their dedication inspired the decision to make the new donation.

Dr. Len Gordon-Harris reflected on earlier years when diagnostic practices relied heavily on Barium Meals and Barium Enemas. He recalled discussions with Professor Lisk and Dr. Nylander on the need for modernization, expressing satisfaction that their collective effort has finally materialized. While traditional techniques still have limited application, he affirmed that endoscopy represents the future of medical diagnostics.

Dr. Edries A. Tejan emphasized that prior to the acquisition, patients often had to travel overseas for endoscopic procedures; an expense that placed a heavy burden on families. With this new equipment, he said, patients can now receive world-class diagnostics and treatment locally at a much lower cost.

Dr. Gowrinath M. George lauded Dr. David Nylander’s vision and continued support, while commending the hospital’s local team for their dedication and professionalism, which he said form the backbone of Choithram’s success.

Nurse Fatmata Koroma expressed gratitude to Choithram Management and Dr. David Nylander for the opportunity to receive specialized training, noting that she now feels confident operating the sophisticated machine.

An endoscope is a flexible or rigid medical instrument equipped with a light and miniature camera that allows doctors to view the interior of the body without large incisions. It is widely applied in gastroenterology, pulmonology, urology, orthopedics and gynecology for both diagnostic and surgical procedures. The advantages include minimal invasiveness, faster recovery, reduced infection risk, less pain and scarring, and more accurate early disease detection.

Through this latest donation and continued partnership with Newcastle upon Tyne Hospital, Choithram Memorial Hospital further strengthens its position as one of Sierra Leone’s leading centers for modern medical innovation, training and patient-centered healthcare excellence.

NP (SL) Clarifies Brief Tanker Drivers’ Strike, Reaffirms Commitment to Uninterrupted Service

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

NP (SL) Limited, Sierra Leone’s foremost indigenous petroleum marketing company, has clarified the circumstances surrounding a brief strike action staged by a small group of tanker drivers affiliated with its delivery fleet on Tuesday, 21st October 2025. The company, in a public statement released on Wednesday, 29th October 2025, assured the public that the situation was swiftly contained, with normal operations resuming within hours.

According to the company, NP (SL) Limited is legally prohibited from owning or operating petroleum transport tankers. Instead, all fuel delivery tankers are privately owned by Sierra Leonean contractors who have formal agreements with the company. These contractors, NP explained, are responsible for recruiting, managing and compensating their drivers under independently agreed terms and conditions.

The Management noted that while some drivers initiated a short-lived strike, their employers, upon investigation, found no legitimate justification for the action. The contractors immediately intervened, engaged their drivers in discussions and successfully persuaded them to resume work. The company emphasized that the disruption lasted less than four hours and did not affect its service to customers nationwide.

Following the incident, NP’s Management held a meeting with BRV Contractors to discuss measures to prevent a recurrence. During the meeting, the company reiterated the need for contractors to educate their drivers on workplace ethics, professional responsibility and the importance of maintaining cordial industrial relations. Management also underscored its commitment to supporting initiatives that enhance drivers’ welfare and promote a safe and productive working environment.

Reassuring the public, NP (SL) Limited reaffirmed its dedication to transparency, legal compliance and uninterrupted service delivery. The Management expressed appreciation to its contractor partners for their swift and responsible handling of the matter and commended the professionalism shown in ensuring the quick resolution of the strike.

Over the years, NP (SL) Limited has maintained an enviable reputation as a trusted and customer-oriented petroleum marketing company. Its innovative solutions, such as the NP Smart Card and Energy Pass Card, have revolutionized fuel purchasing and payment systems across Sierra Leone by introducing cashless convenience and digital efficiency. Beyond its commercial success, NP continues to stand out for its strong commitment to corporate social responsibility, environmental sustainability and employee welfare; pillars that define its operations and reflect its contribution to national development.

Certified under international standards ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 45001, NP (SL) Limited remains a symbol of indigenous excellence and resilience in Sierra Leone’s downstream petroleum sector. The company continues to demonstrate that local businesses can match global standards in professionalism, safety and quality service, thereby cementing its position as a national brand of integrity and reliability.

Freetown City Council Reaffirms Commitment to Tree Town Campaign

The Freetown City Council (FCC), through its Mayor’s Delivery Unit (MDU), has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to the Tree Town Campaign a flagship urban reforestation initiative aimed at planting and digitally tracking five million trees across Freetown by 2030.

In an engagement held on Wednesday, 29th October 2025, FCC officials highlighted their ongoing tree-planting activities across the Freetown Municipality and emphasized the critical role of partnerships in promoting environmental sustainability.

Delivering the opening remarks, John Baimba, Communications Lead in the Mayor’s Office, commended the media for their continued collaboration with the Council. He stressed that media support remains vital in amplifying the Council’s environmental and development programs.

“Whatever we do, if the support of the media is not there, then it becomes a problem for us,”  John Baimba stated.

He noted that the engagement served as a briefing ahead of a planned field visit to various tree-planting sites, where technical experts would interact with journalists and provide detailed insights into the implementation process.

Also speaking, Councillor Yunisa Kamara reaffirmed the Council’s dedication to the Tree Town Campaign and underscored the importance of trees in mitigating the impacts of climate change, such as flooding, landslides and rising temperatures.

“If we continue to plant trees and people don’t know their value, they will destroy them,” he cautioned.

Yunisa Kamara expressed concern over the destruction of planted areas by some residents, urging the media to help sensitize communities about the environmental and social benefits of tree planting.

Providing an overview of Freetown’s environmental challenges, Ms. Yatta Kallon, Climate Change Lead at the FCC, explained that the city faces severe air pollution and rapid deforestation due to unregulated urban expansion.

She revealed that between 2011 and 2018, Freetown lost an estimated 500,000 trees annually, a trend that could completely strip the city of its tree cover by 2044 if not urgently addressed.

Yatta Kallon noted that the Tree Town Campaign was launched to reverse this alarming trend through a blend of tree planting and digital tracking technology, ensuring transparency, accountability and long-term monitoring.

Under the campaign, the FCC aims to:

  • Plant and digitally track five million trees and grasses by 2030
  • Restore 5,000 hectares (12,300 acres) of degraded land
  • Sequester 100,000 tons of carbon
  • Create green jobs for youth and women
  • Protect water sources and enhance urban resilience

Yatta Kallon further disclosed that in Phase 1 (2020–2023), approximately 977,000 trees were planted and digitally tracked across 13 catchment areas in the Western Area Peninsula. The ongoing Phase 2 (2024–2028) targets an additional five million trees, focusing on water catchment areas, coastal protection and slope stabilization.

Other key interventions include encouraging backyard planting (30%), slope stabilization (10%) and a Tree Giveaway Initiative to support household planting and expand urban greenery.

She highlighted that each tree planted under the campaign is geo-tagged and verified through a digital monitoring system. As of 2024, 304,753 trees have been verified through this process.

“We want to protect our environment, create jobs and build a greener, safer Freetown,” Yatta Kallon emphasized.

The campaign is expected to improve water retention, reduce heat, prevent landslides, capture carbon and enhance community resilience to climate-related disasters.

The engagement climaxed with a media field tour to tree-planting sites, including the FBC Botanical Gardens, where hundreds of trees have been planted and Kolleh Town Catchment 2, where about 100,000 mangrove trees were recently planted to protect coastal ecosystems.

Orange Foundation Commissions Fourth Women’s Digital Center in Port Loko

Orange Foundation Commissions Women’s Digital Center in Port Loko

By Foday Moriba Conteh

As part of its continued drive to promote women’s digital empowerment in Sierra Leone, Orange Foundation, in partnership with the National Youth Commission (NaYCom), has officially commissioned the fourth Orange Women’s Digital Center in Port Loko on Thursday, 30th October 2025. Located at 20 Falaba Road, the center was fully refurbished and equipped with state-of-the-art technology to bridge the digital divide and equip women and girls with essential ICT and entrepreneurial skills for the modern economy.

Welcoming guests to the commissioning, Alie Badara Kamara, representative of the Regent Chief of Maforki Chiefdom, commended Orange Foundation for bringing such an initiative to Port Loko. He assured that the local authorities will monitor and support the center’s operations to ensure it meets its purpose of empowering women.

He encouraged women in the district to seize the opportunity to learn digital skills that will benefit them and their communities.

In his address, Sekou Amadu Bah, Chief Executive Officer of Orange Sierra Leone, described the launch as “a celebration of opportunity, empowerment and transformation.” He said the center symbolizes more than infrastructure, serving instead as a “gateway to the digital world” and a “platform for human capital development.”

“Through this center, women will gain access to life skills and competency-based training that will empower them to become job-ready, self-employed and eco-entrepreneurs driving innovation within their communities,” Sekou Amadu Bah stated.

He noted that through similar digital centers in Freetown, Kenema and Makeni, Orange Foundation and NaYCom have already trained over 600 women in digital literacy, life skills and entrepreneurship in the last three years. Many of these beneficiaries, he added, have gone on to start small businesses and contribute positively to their communities.

The Port Loko Women’s Digital Center, he said, is equipped with 10 laptops, 28 tablets, 28 earphones, a video projector with screen, a Raspberry Pi with power bank, a printer and 100 USB drives for training participants.

Addressing the first batch of trainees, Sekou Amadu Bah encouraged them to take full advantage of the opportunity: “You are the trailblazers of a new era. Your participation marks the beginning of a movement that demonstrates what can be achieved when opportunity aligns with determination.”

He emphasized that the program is free of cost and urged women to embrace it wholeheartedly. “Our commitment to supporting women and girls is unwavering because we firmly believe that when you empower a woman, you empower a nation,” Sekou Amadu Bah affirmed.

The CEO praised NaYCom for being a “model partner,” describing their collaboration as a testament to effective public-private partnerships driving national development. Sekou Amadu Bah expressed hope that the Port Loko Women’s Digital Center would become a hub for innovation and transformation in the Northwest Region.

“Let us continue to build bridges, break barriers and create spaces where every woman has the tools to thrive. Together, we rise. Together, we transform,” he concluded.

Joseph Maada Lahai, Commissioner of NaYCom, said the new digital center represents a key step in bridging gender gaps in digital literacy and advancing human capital development in Sierra Leone.

“Today, as we inaugurate the fourth Women’s Digital Center, we are not just cutting a ribbon we are cutting through barriers of inequality, unemployment and digital exclusion,” he stated.

He noted that the initiative directly responds to findings from the Status of the Youth Report 2025, which revealed that over 68% of young people in Sierra Leone lack basic digital literacy, with young women being disproportionately affected. The establishment of the center, he explained, addresses that gap and supports the Medium-Term National Development Plan (2023–2030) and the National Youth Policy, both emphasizing youth empowerment through digital innovation.

“By empowering women with digital skills, we are strengthening the nation’s economic foundation,” Joseph Maada Lahai added.

He reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to digital inclusion, quoting President Julius Maada Bio’s mantra of “We will do, not just talk.” Joseph Maada Lahai further announced that NaYCom would align all youth programs with Orange Foundation’s digital transformation model to ensure sustainability.

“Whether it is entrepreneurship training, job placement or innovation hubs, digital literacy will be at the core. If it’s not digital, it’s not sustainable,” he emphasized.

He called on Orange Sierra Leone to replicate the model across other districts, including Bonthe, Kono, Kailahun, Moyamba, Falaba and Kambia, so more women could benefit.

In his remarks, Ambassador Umaru B. Wurie, Resident Minister for the Northwest Region, lauded Orange Foundation and NaYCom for their efforts, describing the project as a strong complement to the Government’s human capital development agenda. He encouraged women in Port Loko to utilize the center effectively to gain digital and entrepreneurial skills.

Also delivering her keynote address, Dr. Haja Ramatulai Wurie, Minister of Technical and Higher Education, congratulated Orange Foundation for what she termed a “bold investment in people” and praised NaYCom for being a “worthy implementing partner.”

“Today, we do more than open a building; we open doors to new skills, livelihoods and opportunities for women and girls to take their rightful place in Sierra Leone’s digital future,” she said.

The Minister noted that the Port Loko Center follows successful ones in Freetown, Kenema and Makeni, where over 600 women have benefited from training in digital literacy, life skills and entrepreneurship. In 2024 alone, she said, hundreds of women were trained, with 47% female participation and 38% of graduates securing jobs or starting their own businesses.

“These are not just statistics,” Dr. Haja Ramatulai Wurie emphasized. “They are stories of families supported and communities strengthened. When women gain skills and income, the benefits ripple outward.”

She added that the initiative aligns with President Bio’s Big Five Game Changers, particularly the pillars on Human Capital Development and Technology and Infrastructure.

However, the Minister cautioned that while training is crucial it must be linked to real opportunities for employment and entrepreneurship.

“Training must be linked to local businesses so that learning leads to real opportunities,” she urged. “This is where partnership matters most.”

Dr. Haja Ramatulai Wurie reaffirmed her Ministry’s commitment to working with the private sector to integrate digital skills into Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programs and to connect women to apprenticeships, small and medium enterprises and microfinance support.

She concluded by congratulating Orange Foundation, NaYCom and the people of Port Loko for championing women’s inclusion and reaffirmed Government’s readiness to support such initiatives.

“Together we are shaping a Sierra Leone where digital inclusion is not a slogan but a lived reality,” she said. “Let this center be a launchpad for ambition, confidence and leadership for generations of women to come.”

The ceremony concluded with the official commissioning of the facility by CEO Sekou Amadu Bah, Resident Minister Ambassador Umaru B. Wurie, and Minister Dr. Haja Ramatulai Wurie, followed by a guided tour of the center.

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