Africell Sierra Leone and Freetown Polytechnic have signed a strategic partnership at the Polytechnic’s Jui Campus in Freetown, taking a significant step toward modernising the institution’s digital infrastructure and creating a technology-driven learning environment. The signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the two organisations demonstrates a shared commitment to replacing traditional lecture-centric practices with more dynamic, digitally enabled educational approaches, as well as to transitioning the campus to a cashless model.
Representatives from both institutions attended the event, which marked the formalisation of a collaboration aimed at increasing access to digital learning tools, strengthening administrative systems, and providing students and staff with hands-on experience with modern technological solutions. Martina Foday, Registrar of Freetown Polytechnic, expressed the institution’s enthusiasm for the partnership and highlighted its numerous benefits in her welcome address. She described the agreement as a critical step toward modernising the academic environment, emphasising that the collaboration will create new pathways for digital learning, streamline administrative processes, and increase access to innovative technology for the entire campus community.
Africell’s Director of Talent and Creativity, Dr Fatu Taqi, praised the campus leadership for its forward-thinking approach. She singled out Dr Samba Moriba, the campus Principal, for championing a vision of digital transformation that is closely aligned with Africell’s mission of promoting innovation and technological advancement in Sierra Leone’s educational institutions. Her remarks emphasised the importance of leadership buy-in as a foundation for long-term change, citing the partnership as an example of how private-sector expertise can supplement institutional ambitions.
According to the terms of the partnership, Africell will implement a variety of digital services aimed at modernising both teaching and learning at Freetown Polytechnic. Planned initiatives include improved connectivity across the Jui Campus, the implementation of digital payment systems to facilitate a cashless campus experience, and the introduction of innovative training tools to enhance classroom engagement. These measures aim to transition the institution from the traditional chalk-and-talk model to a more interactive, technology-enabled educational system that improves teacher development, increases student engagement, and better prepares graduates for participation in an increasingly digital economy.
Abdul Aziz Kamara, Marketing and Communications Manager at AfriMoney, emphasised the importance of integrated digital financial solutions in academic settings. He stated that the partnership will allow for seamless financial transactions across campus operations while also encouraging students and staff to use mobile financial services. According to Kamara, the agreement marks the beginning of a mutually beneficial relationship that is expected to deepen and grow over time.
Africell CEO Shadi Gerjawi described the agreement as a “signature of willingness,” indicating that both parties are eager to embrace innovation and collaborate on practical solutions. Gerjawi cited Africell’s track record of collaboration with multiple organisations in Sierra Leone and expressed a desire to replicate this collaborative model in other academic institutions. He also mentioned the possibility of broader international collaborations, including links with global institutions such as Fourah Bay College and the University of Oxford, as part of Africell’s larger ambition to strengthen educational development through technology.
Responding on behalf of Freetown Polytechnic, Principal Dr Samba Moriba described the signing as the realisation of a long-held institutional vision. He stated that one of his primary goals since taking over campus leadership has been to drive digital transformation. He thanked the Polytechnic Council for supporting the initiative and approving the partnership, noting that the collaboration with Africell will significantly improve learning opportunities and institutional efficiency on the Jui Campus.
The MOU establishes the framework for implementation work, which will include infrastructure upgrades, digital skill development, and the gradual rollout of cashless payment solutions. If successful, the partnership could serve as a model for how telecommunications companies and educational institutions can collaborate to modernise higher education in Sierra Leone.
