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Orange Money Launches Mastercard Virtual Card, Unlocking Global Payments for Sierra Leoneans

By Foday Moriba Conteh

Orange Mobile Finance Sierra Leone Limited has officially unveiled the Orange Money Mastercard virtual card, a landmark innovation expected to significantly broaden digital payment access for customers across Sierra Leone. Powered through a strategic partnership with Zenith Bank Sierra Leone and global payments giant Mastercard, the new product marks a major step forward in the country’s evolving digital finance ecosystem.

The launch introduces a seamless bridge between Orange Money wallets and Mastercard’s international payment network, allowing customers to make secure local and international transactions directly from their mobile wallets. With the virtual card, users can now pay for goods and services at any merchant point worldwide where Mastercard is accepted, while also enjoying easier access to online shopping platforms, subscription services, travel bookings and other digital services.

This development effectively removes longstanding barriers that limited many Sierra Leoneans from participating fully in the global digital economy, especially those without access to traditional banking cards.

Speaking at the launch, Orange Money Chief Executive Officer David S. Mansaray described the initiative as a transformative leap in the company’s financial inclusion agenda.

“The introduction of the Orange Money Mastercard marks a significant step forward in our vision to provide inclusive, accessible and innovative financial solutions. This product empowers our customers to participate confidently in the global digital economy while enjoying the simplicity and security of Orange Money,” he stated.

Also speaking, the Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Zenith Bank Sierra Leone, Ugochukwu Irechukwu, underscored the strategic value of the partnership, noting that it strengthens the intersection between conventional banking and mobile money services.

According to him, the collaboration is designed to deliver safe, fast and convenient online and international payments, while enhancing customer experience and accelerating the growth of Sierra Leone’s digital economy.

Mastercard Country Head for Ghana, Gambia, Liberia and Sierra Leone, Bossman Akuffo Kwapong, described the product as a game changer for digital payments in the region, emphasizing its potential to expand access to global commerce for millions of users.

A major attraction of the Orange Money Mastercard is its direct wallet integration, which gives customers real-time access to available funds and supports smooth, instant transactions. Key features include strong security protocols, global acceptance, secure online payments and convenient access to e-commerce, travel, entertainment and subscription platforms.

The innovation is expected to particularly benefit young people, freelancers, small business owners and entrepreneurs, many of whom previously faced difficulties making international digital payments.

Customers can conveniently obtain and manage the virtual card through the Orange Money Maxit App, making the onboarding process simple and user-friendly.

The launch further reinforces Orange Money’s position as a leader in mobile financial services in Sierra Leone, where it continues to drive financial inclusion through money transfers, bill payments, merchant services and now expanded global payment access.

With Mastercard operating in over 200 countries and territories, and Zenith Bank Sierra Leone providing technology-driven banking support, the new virtual card is widely seen as a major boost to Sierra Leone’s digital transformation journey.

Finance Minister Seeks IMF, World Bank Support as Middle East Crisis Threatens Sierra Leone’s Economy

Sierra Leone’s Minister of Finance, Sheku Ahmed Fantamadi Bangura, has intensified diplomatic and economic engagements at the 2026 IMF/World Bank Spring Meetings in Washington, D.C., seeking urgent international backing to cushion the country against the potential economic shocks arising from the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

Leading a high-powered Sierra Leone delegation, the Finance Minister is participating in the global meetings taking place from April 13 to 18, where finance leaders, central bank governors, development institutions, investors, academics and civil society actors are reviewing the state of the world economy and emerging international risks.

The Sierra Leone delegation includes senior Government officials such as the Ministers of Energy and Basic and Senior Secondary Education, the Financial Secretary, the Governor and Deputy Governor of the Bank of Sierra Leone, alongside top economists from both the Ministry of Finance and the central bank.

During a strategic bilateral meeting with the IMF’s Fiscal Affairs Department (FAD), Sheku Ahmed Fantamadi Bangura conveyed President Julius Maada Bio’s appreciation for the institution’s continued technical support to Sierra Leone’s public financial management reforms. He highlighted key areas of collaboration, including the review of the Public Financial Management Act 2016, reforms to the Public Procurement Act 2016, improvements in cash management and forecasting, as well as the country’s migration to Government Finance Statistics 2014 standards.

The Minister underscored that the Government’s disciplined economic policies over the past two years have produced encouraging macroeconomic outcomes, including easing inflationary pressures, relative exchange rate stability, a stronger primary balance position and sustainable yields on Government securities.

However, he warned that the escalating Middle East conflict now poses a significant threat to those hard-won gains, particularly through possible disruptions in global commodity prices, energy markets, food imports and fiscal stability.

Against that backdrop, the Minister urged the IMF’s Fiscal Affairs Department to deepen its support in strategic revenue-generating sectors, especially mining taxation reforms. He specifically called for enhanced technical assistance in transfer pricing systems, advance pricing agreements, safe harbour regimes, amendments to the Income Tax Act 2000 and the Excise Act 1998, as well as the mid-term review of Sierra Leone’s Medium-Term Revenue Strategy 2023–2027.

In response, the Director of the Fiscal Affairs Department commended the Minister’s leadership in advancing fiscal reforms and reaffirmed the IMF’s commitment to continued collaboration, indicating that Sierra Leone’s requests would receive positive consideration.

The Finance Minister also held crucial discussions with Sierra Leone’s IMF country team, including Mission Chief Christian Saborowski, focusing on the possible economic spillover effects of the Middle East conflict.

During the meeting, Sheku Ahmed Fantamadi Bangura noted that the crisis has introduced serious uncertainties into the implementation framework of Sierra Leone’s Extended Credit Facility (ECF) programme with the IMF. He informed the team that Government is already deploying measures to reduce the shock on the economy and sought clarity on possible IMF support mechanisms available to vulnerable developing economies.

Christian Saborowski acknowledged the difficult global environment confronting low-income countries and warned of the likely implications for food security and poverty levels. He nevertheless advised Sierra Leone to remain focused on meeting the programme’s Quantitative Performance Criteria and Structural Benchmarks by the end of April, a key condition for the successful completion of the third ECF review in June 2026.

On the World Bank front, the Finance Minister also met with Dr Zarau W. Kibwe, Executive Director for the Africa West I Constituency, where discussions centred on possible emergency support instruments for countries impacted by the crisis.

The Minister informed the Executive Director that Sierra Leone’s World Bank portfolio remains on a strong performance trajectory and disclosed that discussions are already underway on deploying the Rapid Response Option (RRO) to help soften the domestic effects of the Middle East crisis.

The engagements underscore Sierra Leone’s proactive diplomatic and fiscal strategy to shield its economy from external shocks while preserving the gains made under ongoing macroeconomic reforms.

 

Sierra Leone to Host ECOWAS Judicial Council Conference for the First Time

Honourable Chief Justice Komba Kamanda

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

Sierra Leone is set to make history as it prepares to host the prestigious ECOWAS Judicial Council Conference for the first time, a landmark event expected to further elevate the country’s growing influence in regional judicial cooperation and legal reform.

According to a statement issued by the Judiciary of Sierra Leone, the high-level conference will take place from 20th to 24th April 2026 at the Atlantic Hotel, Lumley Beach, Freetown, bringing together some of the most senior judicial figures from across West Africa.

The five-day gathering is expected to attract approximately 12 Chief Justices, 15 judges and several distinguished judicial officials from member states of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). The meeting is being convened under the current chairmanship of Honourable Chief Justice Komba Kamanda, marking a major milestone for Sierra Leone’s justice sector.

The ECOWAS Judicial Council serves as a critical regional platform aimed at strengthening judicial cooperation, promoting the rule of law and improving the administration of justice among member states. Its deliberations often focus on judicial independence, accountability, institutional reforms and cross-border legal collaboration.

Hosting the conference is widely seen as a strong endorsement of Sierra Leone’s increasing leadership role in advancing judicial reforms within the sub-region. It also reflects the Judiciary’s continued commitment to upholding judicial independence, transparency and effective justice delivery.

Speaking ahead of the conference, Chief Justice Komba Kamanda described the event as a defining moment not only for the Judiciary but for Sierra Leone as a whole.

He noted that hosting the ECOWAS Judicial Council meeting demonstrates the country’s collective commitment to strengthening judicial institutions across West Africa, deepening cooperation among courts and promoting the rule of law as a cornerstone of democratic governance and sustainable development.

The conference is also expected to feature extensive deliberations on pressing issues affecting the judiciary in the region, including judicial independence, emerging legal challenges and innovative approaches to justice administration.

Legal analysts say the conference presents a strategic opportunity for Sierra Leone to showcase progress made in its justice sector while learning from best practices across the ECOWAS bloc.

Beyond its judicial significance, the event is expected to reinforce Sierra Leone’s diplomatic and institutional standing in regional affairs, while also boosting confidence in the country’s ability to host major international engagements.

The Judiciary of Sierra Leone has expressed optimism that the conference will lead to productive engagements and practical outcomes that will contribute to the continued advancement of justice systems across West Africa.

The hosting of the ECOWAS Judicial Council Conference is expected to stand as yet another testament to Sierra Leone’s rising profile in regional governance, legal cooperation, and institutional leadership.

Foreign Nationals Encouraged to Regularise Status as Nationwide Enforcement in Full Swing

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

The Government of Sierra Leone has officially commenced the nationwide enforcement of mandatory registration requirements for all foreign nationals residing and working in the country, in a move aimed at strengthening national security, improving migration management and ensuring full compliance with the country’s legal residency framework.

According to a Press Release issued by the Ministry of Information and Civic Education (MoICE) on 14 April 2026, the enforcement exercise applies to all non-citizens and covers strict compliance with three key legal documents: Non-National Identity Cards, Residence Permits and Work Permits.

Government stated that the initiative forms part of a broader national strategy to enhance security systems through the creation of a comprehensive foreign nationals database, which will enable effective monitoring, documentation and compliance tracking of all foreign residents across Sierra Leone.

The move is expected to support state institutions in identifying foreign nationals lawfully residing in the country while also improving inter-agency coordination among security, immigration, labour and civil registration authorities.

Officials noted that all non-citizens are now required to obtain the relevant documentation and keep such documents in their possession at all times, warning that failure to comply with the directive may lead to enforcement actions by the responsible authorities.

The Government emphasized that the exercise is not only a compliance measure but also a strategic intervention designed to improve border governance, labour regulation and the integrity of Sierra Leone’s residency management systems.

As part of efforts to ease access and improve service delivery, authorities disclosed that applications and renewals for residence and work permits can now be completed online through the Unified Permit System portal at unifiedpermit.gov.sl.

The release further identified several key institutions spearheading the exercise, including the Office of National Security, the Ministry of Employment, Labour and Social Security, the Sierra Leone Immigration Department and the National Civil Registration Authority (NCRA).

Those institutions are expected to work collaboratively to ensure seamless implementation nationwide, while also providing guidance and support services for foreign nationals seeking to regularize their status.

The Government has meanwhile called on all concerned individuals, employers, institutions and foreign residents to cooperate fully with the enforcement process, describing compliance as critical to national security, lawful employment and orderly migration governance.

This latest directive is expected to particularly affect foreign workers in the mining, construction, hospitality and commercial sectors, where the presence of expatriate labour remains significant.

With enforcement now active nationwide, authorities say the initiative will help create a more reliable and transparent system for tracking residency, employment eligibility and lawful foreign presence in Sierra Leone.

The Government reiterated its commitment to ensuring that all foreign nationals living and working in Sierra Leone operate within the legal framework, while encouraging prompt action to avoid sanctions and administrative penalties.

Golden Malt Craft Beer – Partners & Elites Wanted!

Launched on January 1, 2026, in Sierra Leone, Golden Malt Craft Beer delivers a fresh and smooth taste in draft kegs and PET bottles, perfectly suited to the local climate.

We are seeking partnerships with hotels, bars, clubs, and lounges.

Our Partners Enjoy:

● Higher profit margins
● Free tasting support
● Stable and reliable supply
● Joint marketing opportunities

We Are Also Hiring:

● Business Development Manager
● Sales Representative
● Marketing Specialist

What We Offer:

● Competitive salary plus performance bonus
● Career growth opportunities
● Professional training
A dynamic and supportive team

Call: 030668888
Email: goldenmalt2025@gmail.com

Be among the first to partner with Sierra Leone’s newest craft beer brand!

Orange Money Mastercard Debuts as Game Changer for Financial Inclusion and E-Commerce Access in Sierra Leone

Orange Money Mastercard
Orange Money Mastercard

Orange Money

Orange Mobile Finance Sierra Leone Limited has officially unveiled the Orange Money Mastercard virtual card, a landmark innovation expected to significantly broaden digital payment access for customers across Sierra Leone. Powered through a strategic partnership with Zenith Bank Sierra Leone and global payments giant Mastercard, the new product marks a major step forward in the country’s evolving digital finance ecosystem.

The launch introduces a seamless bridge between Orange Money wallets and Mastercard’s international payment network, allowing customers to make secure local and international transactions directly from their mobile wallets. With the virtual card, users can now pay for goods and services at any merchant point worldwide where Mastercard is accepted, while also enjoying easier access to online shopping platforms, subscription services, travel bookings, and other digital services.

This development effectively removes longstanding barriers that limited many Sierra Leoneans from participating fully in the global digital economy, especially those without access to traditional banking cards.

Speaking at the launch, Orange Money Chief Executive Officer David S. Mansaray described the initiative as a transformative leap in the company’s financial inclusion agenda.

“The introduction of the Orange Money Mastercard marks a significant step forward in our vision to provide inclusive, accessible, and innovative financial solutions. This product empowers our customers to participate confidently in the global digital economy while enjoying the simplicity and security of Orange Money,” he stated.

Also speaking, the Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Zenith Bank Sierra Leone, Ugochukwu Irechukwu, underscored the strategic value of the partnership, noting that it strengthens the intersection between conventional banking and mobile money services.

According to him, the collaboration is designed to deliver safe, fast, and convenient online and international payments, while enhancing customer experience and accelerating the growth of Sierra Leone’s digital economy.

Mastercard Country Head for Ghana, Gambia, Liberia and Sierra Leone, Bossman Akuffo Kwapong, described the product as a game changer for digital payments in the region, emphasizing its potential to expand access to global commerce for millions of users.

A major attraction of the Orange Money Mastercard is its direct wallet integration, which gives customers real-time access to available funds and supports smooth, instant transactions. Key features include strong security protocols, global acceptance, secure online payments, and convenient access to e-commerce, travel, entertainment, and subscription platforms.

The innovation is expected to particularly benefit young people, freelancers, small business owners, and entrepreneurs, many of whom previously faced difficulties making international digital payments.

Customers can conveniently obtain and manage the virtual card through the Orange Money Maxit App, making the onboarding process simple and user-friendly.

The launch further reinforces Orange Money’s position as a leader in mobile financial services in Sierra Leone, where it continues to drive financial inclusion through money transfers, bill payments, merchant services, and now expanded global payment access.

With Mastercard operating in over 200 countries and territories, and Zenith Bank Sierra Leone providing technology-driven banking support, the new virtual card is widely seen as a major boost to Sierra Leone’s digital transformation journey.

International Moral Guarantors, APC and ICPNC Set for Crucial Talks on Unity Agreement

Her Excellency Fatoumata Jallow-Tambajang, former Vice President of the Republic of The Gambia and Special Representative of the Secretary-General of the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS)

By Amin Kef-Ranger

The Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion (ICPNC) has formally invited the leadership of the All People’s Congress (APC) Party to a high-level consultative meeting with the International Moral Guarantors, as part of ongoing efforts to follow up on the implementation of the Agreement for National Unity and the recommendations of the Tripartite Committee Report.

According to an official correspondence dated 7th April 2026 and signed by the ICPNC Executive Secretary, Hawa Samai, the joint delegation of International Moral Guarantors is expected to visit Sierra Leone from 13th to 17th April 2026 for a follow-up mission aimed at assessing progress made so far.

The mission will be jointly led by Her Excellency Fatoumata Jallow-Tambajang, former Vice President of the Republic of The Gambia and Special Representative of the Secretary-General of the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS), with technical support from staff drawn from various institutions.

The letter addressed to the APC Secretary General stated that during the visit, the delegation will engage in consultations with key actors and stakeholders across the country to develop modalities and a roadmap for monitoring the implementation status of both the Unity Agreement and the Tripartite Report.

As part of the engagement, the delegation has specifically requested a meeting with leaders of the APC Party. The meeting is scheduled to take place at the party’s office on Tuesday 14th April 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., where discussions will focus on issues relating to national peace, cohesion and the implementation of the agreements reached.

The ICPNC noted that a copy of the agenda has been attached for the attention of the APC leadership, expressing optimism that the engagement will lead to fruitful discussions on matters concerning the peace and national cohesion of Sierra Leone.

The development underscores sustained regional and international interest in Sierra Leone’s political stability process, particularly the continued implementation of post-dialogue recommendations intended to strengthen democratic trust, reconciliation and long-term national unity.

Mohamed Mubashir Massaquoi Hailed as the Quiet Force Powering OBBA’s National Executive

By Amin Kef-Ranger

Former Old Bo Boys Association (OBBA) National Treasurer, 6775 Abdulai Sesay, has paid glowing tribute to the current Director General of the National Civil Registration Authority (NCRA), 5792 Mohamed Mubashir Massaquoi, describing him as the “operating system” of the OBBA National Executive whose quiet but highly effective leadership has for years kept the Association functioning smoothly and purposefully.

Speaking from the perspective of long institutional experience within the prestigious alumni body of the renowned Old Bo Boys Association (OBBA) and its historic alma mater Bo School, Abdulai Sesay portrayed Mohamed Mubashir Massaquoi as a man whose service to OBBA has consistently gone beyond title and formality, reflecting a rare blend of discipline, humility and strategic commitment that mirrors the enduring values of the school itself.

“The current Director General of the National Civil Registration Authority, a distinguished former Senior Prefect and Secretary General of the Old Bo Boys Association, 5792 Mohamed Mubashir Massaquoi can best be described as the operating system of the OBBA National Executive; the quiet force that keeps everything running smoothly, efficiently and without disruption,” Abdulai Sesay stated, capturing what many within OBBA circles have long regarded as Mohamed Mubashir Massaquoi’s defining strength.

He noted that over the years, Mohamed Mubashir Massaquoi’s influence within the National Executive has remained both profound and remarkably consistent. From his days as Assistant Secretary under one administration to his later role as Secretary General serving another President, he is said to have distinguished himself as an exceptionally dependable hand whose mastery of process, record keeping, coordination and institutional memory helped stabilize the Executive during critical transitions.

According to Abdulai Sesay, one of Mohamed Mubashir Massaquoi’s most admirable qualities has been his willingness to work effectively behind the scenes without seeking public acclaim. While many leaders often receive the spotlight, he said, it is Mohamed Mubashir Massaquoi’s steady administrative backbone that has ensured continuity in meetings, policy follow-ups, member engagement and strategic implementation.

A former Senior Prefect of Bo School, Mohamed Mubashir Massaquoi is widely respected for carrying into alumni service the same discipline, order and culture of excellence for which the school is nationally celebrated. Those values, deeply rooted in the Bo School tradition of leadership and service, have continued to define his stewardship within OBBA and, by extension, his wider public service career.

Abdulai Sesay further highlighted how Mohamed Mubashir Massaquoi repeatedly ensured seamless Secretariat services, sometimes even making personal and institutional arrangements to secure meeting venues at no cost to the association. He was also credited with mobilizing support, sponsorships and donations from organizations and partners that might otherwise have remained beyond the Association’s reach, thereby strengthening the National Executive’s capacity to deliver on its mandate.

Beyond logistics and administration, Abdulai Sesay emphasized that Mohamed Mubashir Massaquoi has consistently served as a dependable “first responder” whenever challenges emerged within the Executive. Whether gaps arose in coordination, planning or urgent interventions, he said Mohamed Mubashir Massaquoi stepped in with practical solutions, often preserving the momentum of the Association’s activities.

Now serving as Director General of the National Civil Registration Authority, Mohamed Mubashir Massaquoi’s continued rise in national leadership is viewed by many Old Bo Boys as a reflection of the values nurtured at Bo School and sharpened through years of dedicated alumni service.

For Abdulai Sesay, the conclusion is unmistakable: OBBA remains fortunate to count among its finest sons a hardworking, selfless and deeply committed gentleman whose quiet efficiency continues to strengthen the very fabric of its National Executive and uphold the proud legacy of Bo School.

Ram King Jacob Smith Named in Alleged US Visa Scam, Fails to Honour US$15,250 Refund Undertaking

By Foday Moriba Conteh

A serious dispute involving an alleged fake United States visa arrangement and an unfulfilled US$15,250 refund undertaking has surfaced in Freetown, with Mariama Stanley accusing Ram King Jacob Smith of failing to honour a written repayment commitment signed in February 2025.

According to findings by this medium, Ram King Jacob Smith allegedly collected US$15,250 (Fifteen Thousand Two Hundred and Fifty United States Dollars) from Mariama Stanley and others under the representation of facilitating the processing of United States of America visas. However, Mariama Stanley alleges that the visa later presented to her was fake and that the promised travel process never materialized.

Following repeated attempts to secure a refund, the matter was reportedly taken to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Sierra Leone Police, where Ram King Jacob Smith was said to have been arrested and detained for five days.

The legal firm of Emmanuel Teddy Koroma, Teddy Koroma & Associate, acting at the time as counsel for Ram King Jacob Smith, reportedly intervened through a staff member identified as Patrick Williams to facilitate his release. Mariama Stanley alleges she was assured that the refund process would be handled, on the understanding that the matter be withdrawn from the CID, which she subsequently did.

The following day, both parties reportedly visited the offices of Teddy Koroma & Associate, where an undertaking was prepared by Patrick Williams and read to the complainant before being signed by both Mariama Stanley and Ram King Jacob Smith. The signing was said to have taken place in the presence of Georgietta Bangura, then Legal Secretary and Sheku Mansaray, then a Clerk at the firm.

The undertaking, a copy of which was reviewed by this medium, states that Ram King Jacob Smith agreed to refund the full US$15,250, beginning with monthly payments of US$4,000 from the end of March 2025 until the amount was fully settled. The document further provided that failure to comply would leave room for appropriate legal action.

However, more than one year later, Mariama Stanley alleges that not a single payment has been made, while the whereabouts of Ram King Jacob Smith are said to be currently unknown.

Speaking to this medium, Mariama Stanley said she has repeatedly visited Teddy Koroma & Associate, the legal firm that represented Ram King Jacob Smith and in whose presence the undertaking was executed, but no progress has been made toward recovery of the funds.

When contacted for comment, Emmanuel Teddy Koroma confirmed knowledge of the matter and acknowledged that his firm had previously acted as legal representative for Ram King Jacob Smith. He, however, stated that the firm had since ceased representing him due to his failure to comply with the signed undertaking, adding that their efforts to reach him have also been unsuccessful.

Legal experts say such written undertakings can carry substantial evidentiary weight in civil proceedings, particularly where the debtor expressly acknowledges receipt of funds and agrees to a repayment schedule.

This medium also reached out directly to Ram King Jacob Smith through a message and several follow-up calls seeking his response to the allegations, but he neither replied to the message nor answered the calls. As of Press time, all efforts to obtain his side of the matter had proved unsuccessful.

With public concern mounting over the alleged informal visa-processing arrangements, attention is now turning to whether Mariama Stanley will return the matter to law enforcement or pursue civil action to enforce the undertaking.

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