Afrimoney Partners with Cell-Lo Africa to Launch ABOP Loan Service for Greater Financial Inclusion

October 31, 2025

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.

John Kojo Williams Urges Stronger Private Sector Role in Ghana’s Fight Against HIV/AIDS

October 31, 2025

Operating under the Office of the President, the Ghana AIDS Commission has reaffirmed its commitment to ending HIV/AIDS in Ghana by 2030, with the support of key local and international partners. At the Commission’s 14th National Partnership Forum held on October 22, 2025, at the La Palm Royal Beach Hotel in Accra, Co-founder of the Centre for Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) West Africa and PhD researcher, Mr. John Kojo Williams, delivered a powerful call to action urging the private sector to take an active role in supporting sustainability and public health initiatives.

Speaking as a panellist at the event themed “Harnessing Domestic Resources to End AIDS by 2030,” Mr. Williams highlighted that dwindling global donor funding underscores the urgent need for Ghana and other countries in the Global South to strengthen domestic resource mobilization. “Post-COVID, official development assistance has slowed down due to political, economic, and geopolitical challenges affecting donor nations. This means Ghana must look inward, especially to its private sector, for sustainable solutions,” he explained.

According to Mr. Williams, the current funding landscape offers a unique opportunity for the private sector to partner with organizations like the Ghana AIDS Commission to drive impactful social causes. He emphasized that investing in CSR and sustainability projects not only advances public health goals but also enhances corporate growth and brand reputation. “CSR and sustainability projects often unlock opportunities that contribute positively to a company’s bottom line. Many admired brands today owe their success to strategic engagement in social development initiatives,” he added.

The Ghana AIDS Commission, as the highest policy-making body on HIV/AIDS in the country, plays a pivotal role in coordinating and implementing national strategies for prevention, testing, and treatment. Through partnerships with institutions such as UNAIDS and the Centre for CSR West Africa, the Commission aims to achieve the UNAIDS 95-95-95 target—ensuring that 95% of people living with HIV know their status, 95% of those diagnosed receive sustained treatment, and 95% of those on treatment achieve viral suppression by 2030.

Research has shown that public-private partnerships have been crucial in enhancing healthcare delivery across Africa. Mr. Williams reiterated this point, stressing that collaborative efforts between the Government, private sector, and civil society are vital to sustaining Ghana’s HIV/AIDS response. “The private sector plays a pivotal role in any nation’s development. Key players must embrace innovation and partnership to sustain and scale up Ghana’s HIV/AIDS interventions,” he urged.

Mr. Williams’ presentation was widely praised for its clarity and depth, earning coverage across major Ghanaian news outlets, including Ghanaweb, MyJoyOnline, Peacefmonline, Metro TV Online, and Ghana News Online.

His presentation was succint and well articulated. Snippets of his delivery have been published by leading news portals such as Ghanaweb, myjoyonline, peacefmonline, ghananewsonline and others. Here are some web links:

For more on his insights, visit:

Judicial Ruling Sparks Property & Human Rights Concerns at Pioneer Power Engineering Co., Ltd — Chinese Embassy Monitoring

October 31, 2025

A judicial decision involving Pioneer Power Engineering Co. Ltd. has stirred significant property, human rights and investor confidence concerns in Sierra Leone, drawing attention from the Chinese Embassy in Freetown.

The case centers around a complex ownership and management dispute over industrial property located at No. 12 Off Motor Road, Kyubu Village, Newton, Waterloo, Freetown. The land in question is legally owned by Friendship International Co. Ltd., but also houses Pioneer Power Engineering Co., Ltd., whose Board of Directors in May 2024 dismissed its former Manager, Zhou Wenjie, over allegations of fraud, forgery and financial misconduct.

Zhou Wenjie was accused of forging shareholders’ signatures and opening unauthorized bank accounts in the company’s name. Following his dismissal, he initiated several legal proceedings contesting his removal and asserting control over company operations.

In May 2025, police personnel detained the landowner and several employees during an enforcement operation, though no formal charges were publicly issued. The situation escalated on July 9, 2025, when the High Court issued a ruling affecting the landowner and four other businesses operating on the site. The ruling effectively halted factory operations, left employees unpaid for months and rendered several occupants, including the landowners, homeless.

By August 2025, another court decision reportedly granted Zhou Wenjie control over Pioneer Power Engineering Co., Ltd.’s assets and operations. According to multiple sources, he has since assumed possession of company funds and other properties owned by third parties within the industrial complex.

The development has raised widespread concerns about corporate governance, judicial transparency and investor protection in Sierra Leone’s business environment. Analysts and observers argue that the situation underscores the importance of due process, fair adjudication and the protection of legitimate property rights to maintain investor confidence.

A regional business observer noted, “If corporate governance and judicial processes are perceived as unpredictable, it sends a message that both domestic and foreign investors may struggle to safeguard their investments.”

Given the case’s diplomatic and economic sensitivity, the Chinese Embassy in Freetown is reportedly monitoring the situation closely. As of publication, relevant state authorities have not issued an official response, though redacted documents relating to the matter have been provided to authorized investigators for verification.

The unfolding situation continues to attract public attention, as the affected family, worker, and local community face uncertainty and financial hardship stemming from what began as a corporate management dispute but has evolved into a matter of national and diplomatic concern.

CSOs Urge RSLAF Neutrality, Warn Against Divisive Rhetoric Before 2028 Polls

October 31, 2025

By Foday Moriba Conteh

A coalition of leading Civil Society Organizations in Sierra Leone has issued a strong statement calling for the preservation of the neutrality of the security forces and the protection of democratic values ahead of the 2028 General Elections.

In their joint communiqué dated 28th October 2025, the organizations; including 50/50 Group, African Women’s Leaders Network (AWLN-SL), Campaign for Good Governance (CGG), Institute for Legal Research and Advocacy for Justice (ILRAJ), Institute of Governance Reform (IGR), Budget Advocacy Network (BAN), Campaign for Human Rights and Development International (CHRDI), The Lawyers Society and the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ); expressed deep concern over what they described as “alarming rhetoric threatening peace and institutional integrity.”

The statement condemned recent comments made by SLPP Chairman Jimmy Batilo Songa, who allegedly insinuated the use of the military against the opposition and remarks by Opposition Whip Abdul Karim Kamara, which were seen as evoking post-election conflict. The groups warned that such rhetoric risks undermining public trust in the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) and could rekindle divisions.

The organizations stressed that in a democracy, the security sector must remain neutral, apolitical and accountable to civilian authority, in accordance with Sierra Leone’s Constitution and regional protocols such as the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and the African Charter on Democracy.

Citing the lessons of Sierra Leone’s civil war (1991–2002), which left over 50,000 dead, the Civil Society coalition warned that the manipulation of the military for political purposes had previously contributed to national instability. They referenced findings from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), which identified political interference in the security apparatus as a key driver of conflict.

“Ignoring these lessons would betray the sacrifices of countless Sierra Leoneans who fought for peace and reconciliation,” the statement noted.

The groups called on all political leaders to commit publicly to RSLAF neutrality, on the Government and the Armed Forces to reaffirm their apolitical stance and on the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL) and the Judiciary to uphold integrity and transparency in the electoral process. They also urged the media and citizens to reject divisive narratives and promote accountability.

“We must refocus on the wellbeing, safety and stability of our nation,” the organizations emphasized adding that Sierra Leone’s youthful population faces greater existential threats from unemployment and insecurity than from partisan politics.

Reaffirming their dedication to democracy and peace, the signatories pledged to continue monitoring the situation and to support institutions that uphold constitutional order and the rule of law. “We stand ready to work with all stakeholders to advance dialogue, reconciliation and lasting peace,” the joint statement concluded.

SLAJ Executive Strengthens Partnership with Orange Sierra Leone

October 31, 2025

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

October 31, 2025

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

October 31, 2025

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

October 31, 2025

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

October 31, 2025

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

October 31, 2025

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.