Africell Sierra Leone has made a significant investment in the future of the country’s sports by officially sponsoring the national Under-16 basketball team as they prepare for the FIBA AfroBasket Zone 2 Qualifiers in Conakry, Guinea. The sponsorship agreement was signed on Monday, July 7, 2025, at Africell’s headquarters on Pivot Street in Wilberforce, representing a watershed moment in Sierra Leone’s youth sports development.
The signing event drew a large crowd of notable attendees, including high-ranking officials from the Sierra Leone Basketball Federation (SLBF), players, media representatives, and various stakeholders who all expressed their support for the young athletes. The AfroBasket U16 tournament, organised by FIBA Africa, is Africa’s premier youth basketball competition and a critical step towards the prestigious FIBA U17 Basketball World Cup. The Zone 2 qualifiers will feature teams from several West African nations, including Senegal, Guinea, Mali, and Sierra Leone—regions known for their basketball talent.
During the ceremony, Africell’s Chief Operating Officer, Malek El Koussa, stated that the sponsorship is more than just corporate responsibility; it represents Africell’s firm belief in the potential of young people. “This team represents not only their dreams, but the aspirations of the entire country,” he said. “Investing in youth sports promotes discipline, teamwork, and national pride.”
El Koussa also acknowledged Africell’s ongoing support for the SLBF, which has included the establishment of Sierra Leone’s first national basketball league. He praised the Federation’s efforts and pledged ongoing support for initiatives aimed at developing young athletes in the country.
SLBF President Ali Hijazi praised Africell’s unwavering commitment to the development of basketball in Sierra Leone. “From the beginning, they have been with us—providing jerseys, equipment, and support during difficult times,” Hijazi stated. “Their involvement has significantly increased the visibility of basketball in our country, inspiring both players and fans.”
Nancy Toure, Africell’s Event and Sponsorship Manager, also spoke to the audience, emphasising the importance of supporting a variety of sports beyond football. “Our commitment to basketball is consistent with our overall mission of uplifting communities through education, parenting, and sports,” she said. “These young athletes have the potential to represent Sierra Leone proudly on the international stage.”
Ishmeal Bangura, Secretary General of the Sierra Leone Basketball Federation, emphasised Africell’s critical role in the establishment of Sierra Leone’s first indoor basketball gym. “When the U16 team faced the prospect of being excluded from regional competitions due to funding shortages, Africell stepped in—providing kits, refurbishing the national basketball court, and ensuring our participation,” he said.
The U16 team is now heading to Guinea with high hopes, having recently won a silver medal in a preparatory tournament. They are aiming to qualify for the final competition in Rwanda later this year.
Officials claim that Africell’s assistance has been far more than financial; it has served as a source of motivation, a symbol of hope, and a critical component in their journey. As Sierra Leone continues to carve its niche in the African basketball landscape, the collaboration between Africell and the SLBF exemplifies how corporate investment can drive youth development and instill a sense of national pride.
