By Alvin Lansana Kargbo
Vice President of Sierra Leone, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, has officially joined the newly launched Sierratel Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) service after receiving a Sierratel SIM card during a courtesy visit by the leadership of Sierratel and Africell Sierra Leone at his office on Tower Hill in Freetown.
The delegation, led by Sierratel Managing Director, Joe Abass Bangura, alongside Africell Sierra Leone Chief Executive Officer, Shadi Gerjawi, and senior officials from both institutions, presented the SIM card to the Vice President as part of efforts aimed at promoting national ownership and strengthening public support for Sierra Leone’s newest telecommunications initiative.
Receiving the SIM card, Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh described the Sierratel MVNO project as a significant national initiative deserving widespread support from Sierra Leoneans. He emphasized that the venture represented more than a telecommunications service but a national development effort capable of contributing meaningfully to the country’s digital future.
“This is more than just a SIM card. It is a national project that deserves the support of every Sierra Leonean,” the Vice President stated during the engagement.
Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh commended the partnership between Sierratel and Africell, noting that the collaboration has the potential to improve access to affordable telecommunications services, enhance digital inclusion and strengthen national participation within the country’s telecommunications sector.
He further encouraged both institutions to continue prioritizing innovation, customer satisfaction and nationwide awareness in order to build public confidence and ensure broader acceptance of the service across Sierra Leone.
According to the Vice President, the success of the Sierratel MVNO initiative would significantly contribute to Sierra Leone’s digital transformation agenda while creating opportunities for citizens, particularly young people and entrepreneurs who increasingly depend on digital connectivity for education, business and communication.
During the engagement, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh also shared strategic ideas aimed at supporting the long-term growth and sustainability of the project. He assured the delegation of Government’s commitment to supporting initiatives that advance national development and improve service delivery.
In a lighthearted moment during the symbolic presentation, the Vice President jokingly requested to keep the presentation board in his office and positioned it behind his seat, saying it would remain visible to visitors as a sign of his support for the initiative.
“I will play my part as Government in ensuring that Sierratel succeeds because its success is in the interest of Sierra Leone,” he emphasized.
The engagement forms part of broader nationwide outreach efforts being undertaken by Sierratel and Africell following the launch of the Sierratel MVNO partnership, which seeks to provide Sierra Leoneans with more affordable and accessible telecommunications services under the theme, “Freedom of Choice.”
Since its launch, the partnership has continued to attract positive reactions from citizens and stakeholders, many of whom view the initiative as an important step toward strengthening local participation and expanding opportunities within Sierra Leone’s telecommunications industry.
