Africell CEO Reaffirms Commitment to Sierra Leone’s Digital Transformation
As Sierra Leone continues its drive toward digital transformation and improved telecommunications services, the Chief Executive Officer of Africell Sierra Leone, Shadi Gerjawi, has reaffirmed the company’s long-term commitment to investing in connectivity, innovation, and national development during the NaTCA Consumer Parliament 2026.
Delivering a statement at the high-profile event, Mr. Gerjawi addressed a gathering that included the Honourable Minister of Communications and Innovation, Members of Parliament, the Director General of the National Communications Authority, the Mayor of Kenema, traditional leaders, government officials, sector representatives, civil society organizations, members of the media, and consumers.
He noted that Africell is commemorating 21 years of operations in Sierra Leone, describing the milestone as a testament to the company’s enduring commitment to connecting people, building resilient networks, and investing in the country’s future.
“Twenty-one years of connecting people. Twenty-one years of building networks. Twenty-one years of investing in this country and its future,” Mr. Gerjawi stated, emphasizing that Africell entered Sierra Leone with a long-term vision and remains firmly committed to supporting the country’s development trajectory.
Reflecting on the company’s recent operational challenges, the Africell CEO disclosed that the past year witnessed one of the most extensive network modernization projects in the company’s history. He described the process as complex and demanding but necessary to improve service quality for consumers across the country.
According to him, despite the technical difficulties associated with the modernization process, Africell worked tirelessly to ensure that customer experiences were minimally disrupted. He maintained that the investment has now yielded significant results, including faster internet speeds, greater network capacity, and improved quality of service.
“Our customers deserved better, and we delivered better,” he remarked, while reaffirming the company’s determination to continuously improve telecommunications services in Sierra Leone.
Highlighting Africell’s pioneering role in the country’s telecommunications landscape, Mr. Gerjawi recalled that the company introduced 3G services in 2011 and later launched 4G technology in 2018. He further noted that Africell became the first telecommunications company to acquire 5G spectrum in Sierra Leone, underscoring its ambition to remain at the forefront of technological advancement.
He stressed that the company’s vision extends beyond the capital, Freetown, adding that Africell is committed to ensuring that all districts benefit from modern connectivity and digital opportunities.
“Sierra Leone is moving forward, and Africell is proud to help lead that progress,” he stated.
Beyond infrastructure and technology, the CEO underscored Africell’s commitment to human capital development through targeted investments in education and digital literacy.
He referenced the company’s free Learning and Training Centre located on Wilkinson Road, explaining that the facility was established to support students, job seekers, and entrepreneurs by equipping them with essential digital skills needed for the future workforce.
Mr. Gerjawi disclosed that more than 500 schoolgirls in remote districts have already benefited from Africell’s digital training programmes, while approximately 60 women entrepreneurs have also received training and support aimed at expanding their businesses.
“This is not charity. This is investment in our people and investment in our future,” he emphasized.
In efforts aimed at making digital technology more inclusive and accessible, Mr. Gerjawi also highlighted the introduction of AI EVA, Africell’s voice-powered artificial intelligence service designed to assist customers using local languages.
He explained that the innovation was introduced in recognition of the fact that not all Sierra Leoneans own smartphones or possess advanced literacy in English.
“With AI EVA, customers can ask questions in local languages. No smartphone required. No internet needed,” he said, stressing that technology should serve everyone and not only a privileged few.
Mr. Gerjawi further reaffirmed Africell’s readiness to support the Government of Sierra Leone’s digital transformation agenda whenever called upon, noting that the company sees itself not merely as a telecommunications provider but also as a strategic partner in national development, innovation, and progress.
Addressing consumers directly, the Africell CEO assured customers that the company remains committed to listening to feedback, improving service delivery, and ensuring that every investment ultimately benefits consumers.
He emphasized that every telecommunications tower, product launch, and service upgrade undertaken by Africell is aimed at improving the customer experience.
Concluding his statement, Mr. Gerjawi appealed for continued trust and honest feedback from consumers, while pledging that Africell would continue striving to earn and maintain public confidence.
He ended by expressing gratitude to participants and offering prayers for Sierra Leone’s
