Africell Sierra Leone has taken a significant step towards advancing digital empowerment in the country by opening its cutting-edge Learning and Training Centre on Wilkinson Road in Freetown. The unveiling ceremony, scheduled for Monday, April 14, 2025, was organised by Africell’s Impact Foundation and marked a watershed moment in Sierra Leone’s ongoing journey toward digital transformation and inclusive development.
The newly established facility plans to provide free access to a diverse set of digital learning resources, skill-building programs, and training opportunities tailored specifically to students, job seekers, and aspiring entrepreneurs. The centre is outfitted with cutting-edge learning infrastructure intended to promote knowledge sharing and increase employability, particularly among young people and marginalised groups who might otherwise be left behind in the digital age.
The Learning and Training Centre will offer structured courses in digital literacy, ICT skill development, entrepreneurial training, and access to a wide range of e-learning platforms. The overarching goal is to close the digital divide and provide Sierra Leone’s youth with the skills they need to thrive in the global digital economy, ensuring they are ready for the demands of the future job market.
During the event, Madam Salima Bah, Minister of Communication, Technology, and Innovation, praised Africell for its unwavering commitment to corporate social responsibility and alignment with the government’s National Development Plans. She emphasised Africell’s ongoing support for women in leadership positions, pointing out that the company has surpassed the government’s 30% female representation target. This achievement serves as a model for private sector inclusion and empowerment, demonstrating how businesses can help with national development.
Madam Bah praised the Learning Centre as an important tool for improving collaboration between the government and the private sector, emphasising its potential to significantly contribute to youth employment and digital skills development. “This initiative complements our goal of creating 500,000 jobs, with 65,000 coming from the communications sector alone,” she said. She urged young people to embrace digital learning from a young age, emphasising the importance of acquiring the skills required to compete in the global digital economy.
Chernor Bah, the Minister of Information and Civic Education, also spoke to the audience, describing Africell as “a true partner to the people of Sierra Leone.”He praised the company for its significant infrastructure investments, efforts to expand connectivity, and dedication to promoting inclusive opportunities, even in the face of difficult circumstances. “This centre represents Africell’s unwavering belief in the potential of Sierra Leone and its people,” he said, emphasising the importance of the initiative.
Shadi Al-Gerjaw, CEO of Africell Sierra Leone, emphasised the company’s commitment to inclusion, empowerment, and long-term social impact. “Telecommunications is more than just connectivity—it is about creating long-term growth pathways,” he said. He announced the simultaneous launch of Africell’s new customer care centre and Learning Centre, both of which are critical components of the company’s overall strategy to improve lives and livelihoods across the country.
Al-Gerjaw elaborated on the learning initiative, which will offer a wide range of digital and technical courses, mentoring opportunities, and e-learning content. This initiative builds on Africell’s previous successes, such as digital training programs that have already resulted in job opportunities for many graduates. He also revealed that Africell has trained over 500 schoolgirls and 60 female entrepreneurs in remote districts in critical digital skills, demonstrating the company’s commitment to empowering women and girls through technology.
Al-Gerjaw also announced that Africell is set to launch Sierra Leone’s first AI-powered call centre, which will be open seven days a week and have a customer satisfaction rate of more than 98%. This innovative service aims to enhance customer experience while further establishing Africell as a leader in the telecommunications sector.
Maama Seiwoh-Koroma, Deputy Director General of the National Communications Authority (NaCTA), emphasised the initiative’s alignment with national goals such as improving connectivity and empowering citizens. “In a rapidly changing world, digital literacy is no longer optional; it is essential,” she stated. She encouraged future learners and entrepreneurs to fully use the centre’s resources and drive innovation for Sierra Leone’s transformation.
Certificates were awarded to 11 students who completed a previous digital training program funded by Africell through the Africell Impact Foundation in recognition of their recent accomplishments.
With the opening of this new facility, Africell strengthens its position not only as a telecommunications provider but also as a catalyst for national progress, providing Sierra Leoneans with the tools they need to thrive in the digital age. The Learning and Training Centre exemplifies Africell’s dedication to creating a better future for young people and the country.
