The Ministry of Finance has awarded a Le 205 million grant to 26 Sierra Leonean students studying in and out of the country for the first time in order to improve on the research capacity of these students who are currently doing their dissertations or thesis on economics.
The awarding ceremony took place on Friday 18th December at the Ministry of Finance Conference Hall in Freetown.
The Government of Sierra Leone, through the Ministry of Finance was provided Grant financing of US$750,000 by the African Development Bank. The purpose of the grant is to enhance policy development and implementation through research and capacity building. The Government took part in this grant to support dissertations/thesis writing for students studying Economics at undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate levels.
The Finance Ministry’s Chief Economist, Mr. Alimamy Bangura, said after the notice was sent out, he received several proposals from students, and these proposals were reviewed and the candidates that scored above 50 percent were shortlisted.
Twenty-six students were shortlisted from the University of Sierra Leone, Njala University, EBK University, and students studying overseas.
The Finance Ministry’s Director of Research, Dr. Yakama M. Jones said the review committee comprises staff of the Ministry of Finance, Bank of Sierra Leone, Statistics Sierra Leone, Lecturers from the University of Sierra Leone, Njala University, University of Makeni, and the Institute of Public Administration and Management.
She said the undergraduate students will receive Le 5 million each, Masters Le 10 million each, Doctorate Le 20 million each, and Le 30 million for students studying overseas.
The Principal Deputy Financial Secretary in the Ministry of Finance, Mr. Mathew Dingie, during the symbolic handing over of cheques to the deserving students congratulated the winners and encouraged them to embark on researches that will contribute to policy development.
“Your research should able to attract grants from our development partners. Only research can help us to develop the right policies that are workable in Sierra Leone,” he said.
The Finance Ministry also on Friday 18th December launched the 2019 Economic Bulletin and also performed the STATA Training Certification Ceremony.
The Auditor General, Lara Taylor-Pearce, in a statement on the 2019 Audit Reports, highlighted how over the years they have conducted audits on a wide range of services and programmes delivered by Ministries, Departments and Agencies and other institutions in the broader public sector.
“We have identified areas that need improvement and have taken great care to make practical recommendations based on our audit findings,” she disclosed adding that recommendations are a critical part of their audit reports further underscoring that their implementation is important to drive positive improvements in the
cost-effective delivery of programmes and services for Sierra Leoneans.
She pointed out that the audit process seeks input and agreement on these recommendations from senior management in the MDAs they audit, prior to the finalization of the reports.
“Management believes that identifying issues and providing recommendations is only the first step,” the Auditor General stated.
Based on what she said, the real work begins when those responsible, take action to put the recommendations into practice.
She said it is for that reason that a key part of their work is to follow up on recommendations made in past audits, in order to assess the progress made on their previously recommended actions.
She acknowledged that the outbreak of COVID-19 has had a negative impact on all activities across the country.
“The emergence of the virus in Sierra Leone like in other African countries has created a situation engulfed with a mix of several consequences such as; the lockdowns, social-distancing, closure of borders, disruptive changes to private businesses, fear and stigmatization which have affected households and economic activities,” she stated.
The COVID-19 pandemic, she said, has not only negatively impacted businesses, but has also considerably impeded the work of the ASSL.
She disclosed that in this 2020 financial year, a considerable number of their planned audits were not completed maintaining that as an organization they have instituted measures aimed at protecting their staff, whilst at the same time ensuring optimum productivity.
“Most of our audit clients however maintained half workforce capacity, following Government’s directive to cut down on the number of staff coming to the offices nationwide during this period,” she said continuing that such resulted in delays and unavailability of audit clients to provide requisite information for the audits.
She said the pandemic also prevented their staff from benefiting from much-needed face-to-face continuous professional development trainings.
“Amidst this dismal situation, the ASSL staff were able to consolidate the knowledge acquired in the 2019 integration audits and from the introduction of new audits methodologies as dictated in the
Financial Audit Manual (FAM) and Compliance Audit Manual (CAM),” she revealed stating how those frameworks were used
in evidence gathering, data analysis, identification of a deeper audit scope, and most importantly, they also enhanced to a greater extent, the capacity of their staff in carrying out specialized audits.
“We have established an Information Technology Audit Unit which will seek to evaluate the information systems within MDAs and the safeguards available to protect these systems,” the Auditor General informed.
She disclosed how they continued with their inclusive approach during the development of the ASSL Strategic Plan 2021-2025.
The Auditor General stated that Questionnaires developed along various thematic areas were used to guide the discussions with Civil Society Organizations, MDAs and other stakeholders.
She said it is her firm belief that the contributions of these stakeholders will help shape a more inclusive strategic plan, which will serve as a requisite for public sector oversight bodies.
The Auditor General stated that Management would like to recognize the Government of Sierra Leone for its sustained commitment to reforms within the public sector.
She acknowledged the role played by the PAC for its continued public scrutiny of their reports and those of other oversight bodies. “Their support is critical to ensuring the achievement and sustainability of audit outcomes,” she maintained.
According to her, the ASSL remains firmly committed to making positive contributions in overcoming the obstacles to prudent financial management and control.
She said they will continue to make themselves available and provide
proactive insights into the root causes of weak internal control environments.
“The engagements will include timely feedback on and inputs into the adequacy of the assurance provided by all stakeholders,” she assured adding that they would also want to acknowledge development partners who have continued to show interest in the solidification of the operational competence within the ASSL.
She extended on behalf of Management its sincere thanks and appreciation to all ASSL staff for the continued devotion to their duties and responsibilities against all odds.
In a Press Release dated 18th December 2020, the European Union (EU) stated that it has mobilized €84.26 million in support of the response to the COVID-19 pandemic in four African countries: Benin, Central African Republic, Liberia, and Sierra Leone.
Commissioner for International Partnerships, Jutta Urpilainen, declared that: “Our comprehensive response to the coronavirus is to offer urgent support to our partner countries in their efforts to respond to the health and socio-economic impact of the crisis. Beyond that, it involves planning the recovery in the long term so that together we can build a greener, fairer and more sustainable world for future generations.
I am convinced that Europe’s engagement towards our African partners will make it possible to achieve these two key objectives.”
The new EU funds will benefit the fight against coronavirus in the following countries: Benin (€46.56 million), Central African Republic (€14 million), Liberia (€8.7 million), and Sierra Leone (€15 million).
These countries, which are all long-standing partners of the European Union, will be able to provide their populations with increased health and social protection support in 2021 at the same time as support to their business sector during this difficult period.
Sierra Leone: To assist the Government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the EU has announced budget support worth €15 million. This comes on top of an emergency disbursement of €10 million announced in May 2020, bringing the total amount of EU support to €25 million.
These funds will reduce pressure on the national budget and enable the Government to prioritize spending in response to the pandemic, while ensuring continued support for development priorities. For example, the funds will enable increased spending on health care and social protection, the fight against food insecurity and support for the most vulnerable businesses.
Team Europe’s total global response to COVID-19 stands at almost €38.5 billion, combining resources from the EU, its Member States, the European Investment Bank and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. Around €8 billion of this assistance is earmarked for African countries.
These countries will also receive a significant share, worth €3.1 billion, of Team Europe investment guarantees. The guarantee scheme aims to promote access to finance for the private sector and to encourage investment.
The Sierra Leone Brewery Limited (SLBL), the country’s leading manufacturer of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages which majority of its esteemed customers have praised for their rich contents, has on the 18th December 2020 held it’s Long Service Awards Ceremony to recognize employees that have served the Brewery dedicatedly for 10, 15, 20 and 30 years.
Present at the occasion were the Head of Human Resources, Zorah Anthony, who chaired the program, the Marketing Manager, Aminata Kasim-Carew and the Corporate Affairs Manager Albert Collier, among other employees and well-wishers.
During the ceremony, the following employees were meritoriously awarded: Albert Ojo Collier for serving the company for 30yrs, Alimamy Jalloh for 20yrs, Isha Alghali for 15yrs, Alhaji Sankoh for 15yrs, Joseph Swaray for 10yrs and Mohamed Conteh for 10yrs.
The same occasion was used to award winners of a COVID-19 Family Audio Recording Competition which was organized among members of staff. The winners were John Taylor who emerged 1st, Christie & Godman who occupied the 2nd place and
Tamba (T-Boy) who took the 3rd place.
Managing Director of the Sierra Leone Brewery Limited, Laurent Bukasa, though physically absent, however, was part of the meeting virtually. He gave the key note address virtually via Microsoft teams.
In his statement, the Managing Director said he is extremely honored and privileged to be part of what he referred to as a very special celebration.
He maintained that the tradition of recognizing the good service that their employees are giving to the company is particularly a motivating factor and should be a stepping stone for continued service.
The MD stated that the pioneers who will receive various awards will join others before them to set bright examples to those who are yet to receive a Long Service Award.
“People are key to the success of our company and we will continue to recognize and acknowledge the role played by the long serving and loyal employees of our company,” he disclosed.
He intimated that during the special celebration they will be registering their thanks and appreciation to those employees who have put in 10, 15, 20 and 30 years of continuous service and qualified in the year 2020.
Laurent Bukasa, expressed gratitude for all their contributions to the company stating how they are very proud to celebrate such a milestone together with them and their loved ones.
“We would also like to recognize the support of the spouses and family members of our celebrating employees today, who without doubt have immensely contributed in their own way to make sure that the awardees could give their best in their various roles in the company,” he maintained also extending thanks to them.
He noted that the company, on its own part, will strive to continue to be an attractive employer for Sierra Leoneans.
According to him, the company has been here since 1961 … 59 years old saying currently over 90% of their employees are Sierra Leoneans.
“We have been a reliable employer in the economic landscape offering jobs and with a large focus on developing and training Sierra Leoneans,” he pointed out.
He said for the Long Service Award they will give a cash gift donation and some products to all the recipients, depending on the years of service.
The MD underscored how the gesture must be viewed as one of recognition and acknowledgement for good service to the Company over the years highlighted.
He expressed profound gratitude to all for attending the occasion stating that he hopes there will be many more Award presentation ceremonies in the years to come.
The MD once again extended thanks to all the long service award winners for their great contributions to the company saying it is their special day.
Chief Executive Officer NP-SL, Kobi Walker, awarded as the Best Chief Executive Officer of the Year 2020
By Amin Kef Sesay
In recognition of its outstanding dedication and passion for excellent service delivery in the country, the National Petroleum Sierra Leone Limited (NP-SL Ltd), which is the main importer and marketer of high quality petroleum products in the country, was the proud recipient of six (6) different Awards.
On the 18th December, 2020 the Chief Executive Officer NP-SL, Kobi Walker, was awarded as the Best Chief Executive Officer of the Year during the Diaspora Focus National Achievements Award 2020.
He was given the award for demonstrating exemplary leadership and for taking the company to higher heights.
Also, Kobi Walker was also recognized as one of 100 outstanding Sierra Leoneans at the Sierra Ovation Award team on the 10th December 2020.
Prior to that, the Human Resources & Admin Manager of NP-SL, Mrs Georgiana Williams as well as Saidu Mansaray of the same company and who happens to be the Finance Manager were also honored as one of the Top 100 Rising Stars and Emerging Leaders of the year 2019/2020 by the Sierra Ovation Awards.
The other award that NP-SL received was a meritorious award from NASSIT for Compliance to the Social Scheme. The event took place on Friday 11th December 2020 at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Aberdeen in Freetown during the annual NASSIT Employer Banquet and Award Ceremony.
The final award came on the 12th December, 2020 and it was dished out by the Vimetco Holdings Bauxite Mining Company, Gundama, in Sierra Leone for the company’s outstanding performance as well as for rendering assistance to the mining company when they were facing financial constraints particularly in 2013.
The mining company dished out the award on Saturday 12th December, 2020, when the Management and Staff were joined by stakeholders such as Paramount Chiefs, Parliamentarians, Council Chairmen, Councilors, community representatives etc to celebrate the company’s 10th Year Anniversary.
Receiving the award from Vimetco, Sales Manager of NP-SL, Vandy Bockarie, extended appreciation to the entity for bestowing the recognition on the charismatic and result oriented Chief Executive Officer of NP-SL.
He assured that NP-SL will continue to enhance the bilateral relationship between the two companies, adding that they are not only in the country to market their products but to also serve as a pillar of strength to other companies that are in dire need of assistance in order to sustain their operations.
He also disclosed that during those times when Vimetco was grappling with financial constraints to effectively operate it was NP-SL that was there for them and if for that they decided to reward NP-SL as a company then it is a way of expressing gratitude.
While celebrating its 10th year anniversary during which the award was dished out to NP-SL, Vimetco’s General Manager, Basudeb Datta, in his keynote address, stated that such a great gathering showed that the country and people, particularly the communities in which the mining company is operating do appreciate their good work. For that reason, the General Manager noted, they are very much pleased and happy with the working environment and the people.
On his part, the Leader of C4C in Parliament, Hon. Emerson Lamina, who also doubles as Chairman of the Mines Committee in Parliament congratulated Vimetco on their 10th Anniversary. Hon. Lamina commended the company for meeting all their obligations in the country and also in the three districts and five chiefdoms they are operating. He said Vimetco stands tall among other mining companies in the country for complying with their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Community Development Agreement (CDA).
The program was also witnessed by the Resident Minister South, Mohamed K. Alie, Chairman Bonthe District Council, Chairman Moyamba District Council and the Paramount Chief of Dasse Chiefdom, Moyamba District.
Climaxing the event was dishing out award of certificates to long serving employees and business partners.
Many that this medium engaged to comment on NP-SL’s wining of the aforementioned awards opined that indeed the members of staff awarded and the company in particular deserve such recognitions based on competency, efficient service delivery and for selflessness.
Some reiterated that it did not come as any surprise to them that NP-SL was honoured to receive the three covetous awards in a row because they are of the firm conviction that the company is indeed a successful indigenous business entity which most can boast of especially when consideration is given of the fact that this entity has stood the test of time weathering challenges that may have led to its downfall.
In another development, NP-SL has also installed the latest Helix T-Media calibrated pumping machine at its Siaka Stevens filling station. This Helix T-Media calibrated pumping machine seemingly works as an advertisement gadget. Its difference with the former or normal calibrated pumping machine is that it has a television screen which displays all the products that NP has for sale.
It avails customers the opportunity to have a thorough knowledge of what the company is offering for sale. It therefore enables customers to tap into a much wider pool of the company’s products like NP-SL Gas, NP Smart, Castrol Oil etc among a host of others.
Speaking to this medium, one of the operators of the Helix T-Media calibrated pumping machine, Margret Daloma, disclosed that NP-SL is the first Petroleum Company operating in this country to have introduced it, adding that with this new machine, customers can now see a display of the various products available at NP-SL filing stations while purchasing their fuel at their convenience.
“There are certain customers we wouldn’t be able to reach out to with our products without leveraging a powerful aggregated source of customer behavior display like Helix T Media. We have seen dramatic improvement in purchasing of our products since the installation of this machine at our filling station and it has become an integral part of our audience targeting strategy,” she revealed.
Vimetco Holdings Bauxite Mining Company, Gundama, Sierra Leone Awarded NP-SL for the company’s outstanding performance
Human Resources of NP-SL, Mrs Georgiana Williams honored as one of the Top 100 Rising Stars and Emerging Leaders of the year 2019/2020 by the Sierra Ovation Awards
NP-SL received a meritorious award from NASSIT for Compliance to the Social SchemeChief Executive Officer NP-SL, Kobi Walker, awarded as the Best Chief Executive Officer of the Year 2020Newly installed Helix T-Media calibrated pumping machine
Will Sierra Leone ever be blessed with good government? This is the question many critical minded Sierra Leoneans at home and abroad have asked after the release of the Auditor General’s 2019 Report into how monies released by Parliament to Ministries, Departments and Agencies for the financial year 2019 were utilized.
The nation has been talking; with many stating that they knew that the SLPP Government would feature no better than the former APC Government that they accused of engaging in massive corruption when the Auditor General publishes her 2019 Audit Report.
What is appalling and very disheartening about the Auditor General’s findings in her 2019 Report is that they are generic and germane to all the malfeasances discovered in previous audits – meaning that the MDAs do not take the fight against corruption seriously.
The 2018 Auditor General’s Report made for an unpleasant reading as it was full of massive evidence of rampant corruption, maladministration and brazen theft of public funds.
One Hundred and Forty One Billion Leones in cash, was reported missing and unaccounted for.
With the 2019 report reporting that more than what was not accounted for in 2019 has to be accounted for in 2019, there are questions being asked about President Bio’s commitment to good governance, strict and prudent financial management, transparency and accountability.
It can be recalled that on assuming power in April 2018, one of the first pronouncements President Bio made was a raft of financial management measures across Government which, he said, were aimed at plugging financial leakages. From the findings of the 2018 and 2019 reports, it is obvious that these measures are not working.
As in the 2018 and all previous reports by the Auditor General, billions of Leones of the cash losses and irregularities that took place across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies are mainly attributable to the following:
Unsupported payments
Revenue not banked
Irregularities in payment of salaries to staff
Statutory deductions not paid to the appropriate authorities
Irregularities in payment of DSAs and other allowances
Unexplained expenditure, payments without approval and expenditure returns not submitted
Fuel not accounted for
Imprest not retired
Stores and fixed assets irregularities
Thus, what many people that are critical of the financial management practices of the current Government opine is that, despite sounding several warnings and making a plethora of recommendations in previous audit reports, it seems a change of Government has done very little to bring about culture change across public institutions in Sierra Leone.
Meanwhile, expectations of the Bio-led Government doing more to curb maladministration across Government have been very high, due largely to the ruling SLPP party’s election campaign manifesto pinned on the promise of good governance, financial discipline, transparency and accountability.
Although it is not within the mandate of the Auditor General to pass judgment as to whether there has been corruption by Ministers and senior officials, Parliament must now order the Anti-Corruption Commission to conduct a thorough investigation into the missing cash.
In a shocking development, eleven individuals have been sentenced to death by hanging, and three others, Abdul Rahman Kabba, Marian Bangura, and John B. Kamara, have been declared Most Wanted by the Sierra Leone Police in connection with a murder case linked to a Facebook initiation ceremony.
The Sierra Leone Police, in a press release issued on 12th December 2020, detailed that the trio declared Most Wanted were part of a group of fourteen individuals accused of murder following the tragic death of a 19-year-old boy during a college fraternity initiation ceremony.
The initiation event, organized by students, including Abdul Rahman and others, took place at Fouray Bay College (FBC) University of Sierra Leone in 2016. Tragically, a young life was lost during the initiation process, leading to a comprehensive police investigation.
Subsequently, eleven of the accused individuals were apprehended, underwent trial, and were ultimately sentenced to death by hanging in November 2020. The police have now declared Abdul Rahman Kabba, Marian Bangura, and John B. Kamara as Most Wanted, as they remain at large.
Abdul Rahman Kabba, identified with admission number ID. 13349, is particularly highlighted as a key figure in the college fraternity, and he has been evading authorities since 2016. A reward of Le50,000,000 has been announced for any information leading to the arrest of Abdul Rahman Kabba.
The Sierra Leone Police urge the public to come forward with any relevant information that could aid in the apprehension of the three individuals declared Most Wanted. The case continues to be a matter of significant concern, and efforts to ensure justice for the victim are ongoing.
Till press the whereabout of Abdul Rahman Kabba, Marian Bangura, and John B. Kamara remains unknown.
During an auspicious and well attended NASSIT Employer Banquet and Award Ceremony which was held at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Aberdeen in Freetown on the 11th December 2020, one of the outstanding corporate institutions to receive a meritorious award from NASSIT was XL Management Services Sierra Leone. The award was bestowed on the institution for effectively complying with the Trust’s Act No. 5 of 2001 for the Financial Year 2020.
The Human Resource Officer as XL Management Services Sierra Leone, Madam Massah Kebbie, after receiving the award on behalf of the institution expressed profound thanks and appreciation to NASSIT for what he described as the recognition and honour, saying they are indeed humbled by the gesture.
She furthered that as an institution they do place high premium on maximizing the welfare of their employees, also underscoring that ensuring that their workers NASSIT fees are regularly paid is something that they do not joke with.
“We are inspired by this award and see it as a source of motivation to continue to honour our obligations, fulfil our mandate as well as to offer qualitative services to all our clients,” she confidently stated.
XL Human Resource Outsourcing is an institution with a focus on supporting cost efficient human capital development, deployment and management for corporate organizations in different sectors of the economy through professional services intervention in staff outsourcing, training, recruitment and placement, and integrity management services.
The company is recognized by the Government of Sierra Leone under license by the Ministry of Labor.
XL Management Services Sierra Leone Limited provides a wide range of services across the human resource management value chain, such as support, staff outsourcing, recruitment and placement, staff training and development, managed services (accounting, IT, Sales and Marketing), integrity management and related services to clients in public and private sectors.
It is equipped with a deep knowledge of the Sierra Leone labour market, industry trends and dynamics and a large pool of pre-tested candidates covering different job functions and locations in Sierra Leone.
The company also offers a wide range of complimentary services on a distinctly robust ultra-modern technology platform, custom designed for excellence.
Through consistent conformity to global best practices in aptitude test administration, recruitment and placement, staff training and other value added services in the human resources value chain, XL Management Services Sierra Leone Limited consistently guarantees to clients and potential clients, business enabling services that meet and exceed strategic targets over the long-term in terms of measurable performance criteria acceptable in the industry.
As part of their mission to provide sustainable education and care to underprivileged children through the power of sport in the country, We Yone Child Foundation, with support from The SOL Foundation, on Thursday 17th December, 2020, crowned We Yone Primary School, Kroo Bay, 2020 champions in their just concluded inter-primary school Football competition.
The programme formed part of their Sport for Social Change Project, where six schools participated in their inter-primary school Football, Boxing and Martial Arts competition. This was organized within the Kroo Bay and George Brook Communities in Freetown.
It could be recalled that We Yone Child Foundation, with support from The SOL Foundation on Friday 8th February, 2020, launched a two year Sport for Social Change Project for schools in Kroo Bay and George Brook communities. During which school items and sport kits worth millions of Leones were donated to school-going pupils in six primary schools within the Kroo Bay and George Brook communities.
Speaking to this medium, Founder/Executive Director of We Yone Child Foundation, Santigie Bayo Dumbuya, expressed profound appreciation to The SOL Foundation for supporting the project, adding that the Foundation is using the power of sport on their mission to provide sustainable education and care to underprivileged children in Kroo Bay and George Brook Communities in Sierra Leone. The project, he said, is a sport based programme that uses Football, Boxing and Martial Arts, which in an upgraded version, to benefit children in these communities.
He noted that this project is designed to benefit 1,900 direct beneficiaries, aged 8-18 years, 50% girls and 50% boys, who are at risk of dropping out of school and prone to teenage pregnancy/rape within the two slum communities of Kroo Bay and George Brook. He added that as part of the project beneficiaries, 100 teenage girls will be trained in Boxing and Martial Art skills, which, he said, is on-going as a self-defense strategy against sexual abuse.
Giving a brief background about the Foundation, he said We Yone Child Foundation was founded in 2009 and since then they have been impacting the lives of young people in Sierra Leone, underscoring how they have welcomed new staff and volunteers, introduced new social development programs, trained teachers and other staff, created a plan to guide their projects and nourished long-lasting partnerships.
He revealed that the said project, Sport for Social Change, will use Football, Boxing and Martials Arts to spread key messages concerning sex education and child protection within these communities, as they have already been doing since they commenced the project.
He noted that six schools participated in the Football, Boxing and Martials Acts competition, namely: Way of Truth Primary School, City Mission Methodist Primary School, We Yone Primary School George Brook, Kroo Bay Orthodox Primary School, and We Yone Primary School Kroo Bay, of which We Yone Primary School Kroo Bay (both boys and girls) emerged as winners in the said competition.
A teacher, who also doubles as the coach for the We Yone Primary School George Brook Team, Mary Davies, expressed her deepest appreciation to the two organizations for launching the two year Sport for Social Change Project for schools in Kroo Bay and George Brook communities, adding that such a gesture is really helping them and their children.
She assured the organizations of their commitment as teachers to ensure that they monitor their children, and promised that they will make good use of this available opportunity.
She called on other humanitarian organizations to support We Yone Foundation, as many other children in slum communities are really challenged in terms of accessing school items and sport kits.
Ibrahim Kamara, a pupil of the We Yone Foundation primary school, who was also a beneficiary, applauded the Foundation and The SOL Foundation for staging the Football, Boxing and Martial Art Competition, adding that such a gesture is really helping them as children.
He urged other beneficiaries to take their studies serious and make good use of the opportunity in order to enhance their development as children.
The event was climaxed by the distribution of trophies and certificates to deserving participants.
One of the leading telecommunications companies in the country, Orange Sierra Leone, on Thursday 17th December, 2020 held its Final Media Update for 2020 with media practitioners on the company’s achievements over the years. The event took place at their Head Quarters on Hill Station in Freetown.
In her statement, Head of Public Relations of Orange Sierra Leone, Annie Katta, said that the GSM company predicted that 80% of the 800 million people in Sub-Saharan Africa will have a mobile device by 2020, two times more than today. A major reason for this trend, it was said, is the growing popularity of OTT services and mobile banking.
She noted that Orange is one of the leading telecommunications operators in the world with presence in 29 countries, with a revenue base of 21 billion euros and 154,000 employees worldwide and more than 20, 000 employees in 22 countries in Africa. It was noted that in Africa, one out of 10 people is an Orange customer.
Annie Katta added that Orange acquired the Airtel operations in Sierra Leone in July 2016. The company is owned at par by SONATEL Group, a listed company based in Senegal and by Atlas Countries Support (ACS) (a 100%-owned subsidiary of the French company Orange), adding that the Company in Sierra Leone is operated by 191 permanent and 144 Temporary staff. There are 8 Directors in Executive Committee, in addition to 2 non-executive committee directors.
Underscoring the company’s key milestone, Annie Katta said in 2016 Orange bought Airtel and in 2017 Orange Rebranded from Airtel, in 2018 the company launched a Company Project ‘Sunrise 2021’, in 2019 they launched the Digital Revolution and Di Real 4G, and in 2020 the company launched Orange Energy & Lajor (Soft loan) with Orange Money and Oversea Money.
Highlighting the company’s Covid-19 Response & Support, Head of CSR Orange-SL, Desmond Spaine, said that they distributed Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) at Regional Level via stakeholders (City and District Councils inclusive of MPs in Const. 112 & 128) – Hand wash machines, Veronica Buckets, Soap, Hand Sanitizers, adding that they also provided e-Educational Portals to MBSSE/MTHE – Zero Rated e-Learning Links for Pupils & Students, Offering 3 months of Top Up & Data Bundle for the Content developers (Teachers).
Desmond Spaine added that the company collaborated with the CDC, WHO, MOHS, MIC, UNICEF in the dissemination of COVID-19 information and also Zero Rated their Links as well as donated Android phones to EOC for security personnel to track e-Pass along the checkpoints.
He further revealed that Orange donated One Billion Cash to the National COVID Emergency Response Centre.
Underscoring other CSR activities of the company, Desmond Spaine, said they adopted 50 (6mthns – 18yrs) Ebola Orphans (Kids) nationwide in the three SOS Villages (North/South/Freetown).
He added that they also provided Ramadan Iftar donations to mosques, the underprivileged, Disables & Homeless people around the country further disclosing how they also partnered with Thinking Pink Breast Cancer Foundation on an Awareness and Fundraising Half Marathon yearly.
Desmond Spaine revealed that they also launched FQE super coders in 10 schools nationwide, adding that they also initiated the Women Digital School in partnership with NAYCOM and the Orange Social Venture Price, which created a platform for young entrepreneurs to showcase their talents, both on national and international platforms.
Head of Planning & Engineering Department Orange-SL, Daniel Fornah commenting on the company’s modernization of RAN Active equipment said in 2017, 238 sites were modernized, in 2018, 5 sites were modernized, In 2019, 3 sites were modernized and in 2020, 6 sites were modernized.
He further noted that Orange SL launched a new Data Centre and changed all core equipment of which a new switch to handle voice traffic was deployed, a new packet core for the internet traffic was deployed with a new intelligence network platform for prepaid billing management.
He said they also had 4G deployment, of which in 2019 Orange introduced 4G technology with 85 sites and in 2020, 115 additional 4G sites were also deployed.
Daniel Fornah, maintained that 925 new localities were connected and thousands of Sierra Leoneans accessing data and voice services for the first time, and that transition network expansion and modernization ongoing, furthering that, 210 hops have been modernized and upgraded and Fiber is extended to about 100km within Freetown to improve transmission.
