232News, 21 Krootown Road, Freetown (2026)

04/10/2026

Sierra Leone Eyes Tourism Boom: 400 Workers Trained, Jollof Competition Next

By Mackie M. Jalloh

FREETOWN, 4th Oct. (232news) -

Poor customer service has long been cited as one of the biggest killers of Sierra Leone’s tourism dream.

In a bold move to change that narrative, the Sierra Leone Association of Hotels has completed a massive nationwide training of over 400 hotel, restaurant, bar and casino workers.

The five-day intensive programme, which ended on Friday, October 3rd at Chapter One VIP Club in Freetown, brought together waiters, receptionists, cleaners, cooks, supervisors and managers from all five regions - North, South, East, North-West and Western Area.

It was facilitated by a French hospitality expert, Jean-Paul Hubert, from Agir ABCD - a France-based capacity-building organization working across Africa and Europe.

Speaking at the closing ceremony, the Chairman of the Federation of Allied Tourism Associations (FATA), an umbrella body of 19 tourism associations, did not mince words.

He said Sierra Leone cannot sell itself to the world if hotels, beaches and restaurants continue to offer poor service.

“Hotels have everything - the bar, the restaurant, housekeeping, rooms and the kitchen. We talk about front of house and back of house. But one thing unites all of them: customer service,” he told the gathering.

He warned that customer service is not only for receptionists, but for everyone who interacts with a guest.

President of the Hotels Association, Johnny Shallop, revealed that the French organization refused to just import a training package. They insisted on first conducting a needs assessment in Sierra Leone.

“That needs assessment made us able to deliver a training that is so well organized and beneficial to our people,” Shallop said.

He said the training signed under an MoU with Agir ABCD was just the beginning.

“This is just the start. We started with the basics. We will now move to advanced training for managers and senior managers,” he announced.

One of the participants, Samuel Kanu of CJ Tower, admitted he initially doubted the value of the programme.

“I wondered whether it would be worth the time. But I quickly changed my view. Leadership is not just giving instructions - it’s about guiding and motivating your team,” he said.

Fatmata Marah of Kabbana said the mixing of workers from different hotels allowed them to share common problems and solutions.

The climax of the ceremony was the launch of the Association’s new website - *www.slahotels.org* - by President Shallop, and the awarding of three best performers:

- *Onikeh W. Garrick – Chapter One*
- *Fatmata Marah – Kabbana*
- *Mohamed Kanu – Atlantic Hotel*

All 400+ participants received certificates, while facilitator Jean-Paul Hubert was draped in a traditional Sierra Leonean attire and given a certificate of appreciation.

In a surprise announcement, the FATA Chairman revealed that the federation will soon organize a *Sierra Leone Jollof Competition, Country Cuisine Competition and Cake Decoration Competition* to prepare local chefs for international competitions.

“If we don’t sell our country, if we don’t train the staff and promote each other, who else will do it for us?” he asked.

The training is being seen as a major step to reposition Sierra Leone as a competitive tourism destination.

02/10/2026

Happy Birthday, Mary! 🎉❤️
Wishing you joy, love, good health, and endless blessings.
Have a wonderful day! 🎂🥳

01/10/2026

“We Genuinely Care About Supporting the People
Who Bring our Culture to life” — Shadi Gerjawi
CEO AFRICELL SIERRA LEONE

By: Francis Kargbo – Media Relations Intern

FREETOWN, 1st Oct. (232news) -
Africell Sierra Leone has announced a major partnership with Sierra Leonean music
star Drizilik to support the rollout of his highly anticipated new album, Audacity, in
a collaboration that brings together music, technology, brand experience and Sierra
Leonean culture. The partnership, announced on September 28, 2026, goes beyond
the conventional artist endorsement model. It forms part of a wider cultural
campaign designed to connect Drizilik’s music with audiences across Sierra Leone
and internationally, using Africell’s extensive outdoor advertising and media
network.
At the centre of the campaign is a city-wide billboard and outdoor activation
featuring codes that direct members of the public to Drizilik’s official website, where
they can gain exclusive access to Audacity ahead of its global release on September
30. The initiative represents an effort to create a stronger connection between Sierra
Leone’s entertainment industry, corporate brands and audiences, while providing
local artists with platforms to reach wider markets.
Speaking about the partnership, Africell Sierra Leone Chief Executive Officer, Shadi
Gerjawi, said the company recognises the importance of arts and culture in shaping
Sierra Leone’s identity and remains committed to supporting individuals
contributing to the growth of the creative industry.
“Sierra Leone's arts and culture are a big part of what makes us who we are, and at
Africell, we genuinely care about supporting the people who bring them to life,”
Gerjawi said.
He described Drizilik as an artist who has developed a distinctive musical identity
while maintaining a strong connection to Sierra Leone and its people.
“Drizilik has created a sound that is uniquely his own, while staying connected to
the place and people that inspire him. We are proud to be part of this journey and to
support him as he takes Audacity, a remarkable body of work, to an even wider
audience,” he added.
The collaboration comes at a time when Sierra Leonean musicians are increasingly
seeking opportunities beyond the domestic market, building audiences among Sierra
Leoneans in the diaspora and music lovers internationally.
Drizilik has emerged as one of Sierra Leone’s recognisable contemporary artists,
with his music and creative identity drawing heavily from the country’s culture,
language and everyday experiences. His partnership with Africell therefore places
the Audacity album rollout within a broader conversation about how local music can
be promoted through strategic partnerships and modern communication platforms.
For Drizilik, the collaboration also reflects the role of culture in bringing people
together and creating opportunities for young people within Sierra Leone’s creative
sector.
“My music has always been about what brings us together as a community, and
culture is at the heart of that,” Drizilik said.
He added that through the partnership, Africell had demonstrated its commitment to
supporting young people and contributing to the structural development of Sierra
Leone’s entertainment industry and culture.
The campaign is expected to continue beyond the September 30 release of Audacity,
with additional content and experiences planned throughout October. These will
include an AfriTV live session and a private partner showcase, providing further
opportunities for audiences and stakeholders to engage with the album and its
creative journey.
For Africell, the Drizilik collaboration forms part of its broader engagement with
Sierra Leone’s youth, entertainment and cultural sectors. Rather than simply placing
a brand alongside an artist, the campaign seeks to build an experience around the
music and create opportunities for audiences to interact with the album through
digital and physical platforms. The Audacity campaign consequently provides an
example of how collaborations between artists and brands can be structured around
cultural experiences, audience engagement and digital access.
With the global release of Audacity set for September 30 and further activities
planned throughout October, the Africell-Drizilik collaboration is expected to keep
the album at the centre of a wider cultural and digital conversation in Sierra Leone
and beyond.

27/09/2026

Ministry of Communications Leads UNGA Roundtable on Energy, Digital Sovereignty and Regional Trade; Africell Highlights Investment Role

NEW YORK, USA, Sept. 26 (232news) — Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Communications, Technology and Innovation has led a high-level cross-ministry and private-sector roundtable during the 2026 United Nations General Assembly week, bringing together key stakeholders to discuss energy security, digital sovereignty, connectivity and regional trade.

The roundtable, led by Minister of Communications, Technology and Innovation Madam Salima Monorma Bah, brought together the Ministries of Energy and Trade and Industry alongside leading private-sector and technology partners.

Africell Sierra Leone was among the key private-sector participants, contributing to discussions on the country’s telecommunications operations, digital infrastructure and future investment opportunities. The company’s participation underscored the important role of the private sector in supporting Sierra Leone’s digital transformation and expanding connectivity.

Minister of Energy Cyril Grant participated in person, while Minister of Trade and Industry Ibrahim Alpha Sesay joined virtually, reflecting the government’s coordinated approach to addressing the infrastructure and policy requirements of a growing digital economy.

The discussions examined the connection between reliable energy, telecommunications infrastructure, data centres, 5G deployment and regional trade, with participants exploring practical opportunities for investment across the digital value chain.

The International Data Center Authority highlighted Sierra Leone’s efforts to develop data infrastructure aligned with international standards, while Africell Sierra Leone and Sierratel shared perspectives on current operations and future investment, including the recently approved partnership to relaunch Sierratel under an MVNO model.

Other participants, including Africa Climate and Energy Nexus, Aton Path and AEB, addressed the energy requirements needed to sustain digital infrastructure, while Bell Canada contributed to discussions around 5G deployment.

The roundtable builds on President Julius Maada Bio’s UNGA engagements, where he called for greater African ownership and governance of digital infrastructure and encouraged international investors to explore opportunities on the continent.

The discussions also support Sierra Leone’s broader ambition to position the country as a regional hub for digital infrastructure, investment and trade, ahead of the inaugural West Africa Integration and Investment Summit scheduled for November.

Africell’s participation further reinforces the telecommunications sector’s role in Sierra Leone’s digital transformation agenda, as government and private-sector stakeholders work together to build a more connected and investment-ready digital economy.

25/09/2026

“This Is Not A Gift, This Is Hope”…
AGL Invests Le 800,000 in Blind and Deaf Schools

By Shar I. Komba

FREETOWN, Sept. 25th (232news) –There was an emotional atmosphere both at the Milton Margai School for the Blind and School for the Deaf as AGL handed over a fully renovated administrative block and upgraded play ground in a Le 800,000 intervention.

General Manager, Mr. Maroun Abi Ad, said: “Today is not only about repairing and improving this school, or about the donations we are making. It is about investing in the children, their education, their dignity, and their future. Every child deserves a safe, decent environment where they can learn, grow, and develop their full potential.”

The Le 800,000 package for both blind and deaf schools included roofing, electrical wiring, plumbing, installation of electric fans, cleaning, water upgrade, renovation of playground and donation of food items, school kits and computers.

CFO Madam Fatoumata Bah said the gifts carry a message that blind and deaf pupils are valued.

Regional Director Captain Fabjanko Kokan delivered the emotional highpoint: “This is not a gift. This is hope, and it is a wake-up call. These blind and deaf children don’t need your pity – they deserve their right to a future. Together, we can turn silence and darkness into opportunity. You are valued, you are capable, you are loved and you are my life. You are my strength.”

Headmaster Mr. Sallieu Turay said the support has given hope and confidence to blind pupils, recalling that seven years ago AGL installed water tanks that transformed the school.

In a related development, the team also supported the School for the Deaf and Dumb in the same compound. The intervention included renovation of the school playing ground to address the children’s right to play.

Head teacher for the School for the Deaf and Dumb, Mrs. Cole, said the playing ground is critical for deaf children. “For deaf children, play is language, it is expression, it is freedom. Renovating the playing ground addresses our children’s right to play and inclusion which is often denied,” she said.

She added that the feeding situation has been dire. “The donated food items will address the feeding challenge the school is faced with. Many of our children come from vulnerable homes and struggle to have adequate meals. This donation will go a long way to support their welfare,” Mrs. Cole noted.
The school for the blind is celebrating 70 years of inclusive education

25/09/2026

AGL Renovate Milton Margai School for the Blind and upgrades playground for the deaf in Le 800,000 Intervention

By Sahr I. Komba

FREETOWN, Sept. 25th (232news) – – African Global Logistics (AGL) has completed full renovation of the administrative building of the Milton Margai School for the Blind and standardize playground for school for the deaf in a massive intervention valued at Le 800,000.

The works included complete replacement of roofing, electrical wiring, plumbing, installation of electric fans, general cleaning and upgrading of the water supply capacity. The companies also donated assorted food items, school kits and computers to support administration and learning.

Speaking at the handover ceremony, General Manager of Freetown Terminal, Mr. Maroun Abi Ad, said the intervention goes beyond repairing a building.

“Today is not only about repairing and improving this school, or about the donations we are making. It is about investing in the children, their education, their dignity, and their future. We believe that every child deserves a safe, decent environment where they can learn, grow, and develop their full potential,” Mr. Abi Add said.

He thanked all contributors and praised the school management and staff for their dedication and commitment.

Chief Finance Officer of AGL, Madam Fatoumata Bah, described the donation as a symbol of solidarity and compassion to show that the pupils are valued and their future matters. She thanked employees and business partners whose generosity made the project possible.

Regional Director for Sierra Leone, Guinea and Liberia, Captain Fabjanko Kokan, thanked all committee members and partners and called on other companies to support vulnerable children.

Headmaster Mr. Sallieu Turay thanked Freetown Terminal and AGL for their sustained support, recalling that seven years ago the company installed water tanks. He said the Le 800,000 support has transformed the learning environment and pledged to maintain it as the school celebrates 70th Anniversary.

In a related development, Freetown Terminal and AGL also extended similar support to the School for the Deaf and Dumb which shares the same compound. The intervention there included renovation of the school playing ground to address the children’s right to play and promote recreation and physical development.

Head teacher for the School for the Deaf and Dumb, Mrs. Cole, said the renovation of the playing ground restores the deaf children’s right to play and recreation. She added that the donated food items will address the serious feeding challenges the school is faced with and will make a huge difference to pupils’ welfare at a time when the school struggles to provide adequate meals.

24/09/2026

Chinese Embassy Hosts Mid-Autumn Festival Youth Open Day

By Max A. Konneh
Member, SISLAA

FREETOWN, Sept. 24th (232news) -- The Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Mooncake Festival, is a major harvest celebration in Chinese and other Asian cultures. The festival honours family reunion and celebrates the full moon, traditionally regarded as a symbol of togetherness and prosperity. It falls on the 15th day of the eighth month of the Chinese lunar calendar, usually in September or early October on the Gregorian calendar.

In recognition of this historic occasion, the Chinese Embassy in Freetown organised a ceremony dubbed “Autumn Festival Youth Open Day.”

Welcoming guests to the ceremony, which was attended by members of the public, including representatives of the Sino-Sierra Leone Alumni Association (SISLAA) and youth-led organisations in the country, Third Secretary at the Embassy, Xia Tianhang, said the initiative was aimed at helping young people in Sierra Leone better understand Chinese culture.

He described the ceremony as the “second family reunion programme” organised by the Embassy, apart from the annual Dragon Boat Festival.

He thanked the guests for what he described as an impressive turnout, saying, “Even though Sierra Leone and China are separated by distance, the bond of friendship between the two countries continues.”

Vice President of SISLAA, Foday Nangai, expressed his joy at being part of the programme and thanked the Embassy staff for the initiative. He added that the event was not entirely new to members of SISLAA who had studied in China.

According to Nangai, the ceremony would not only help promote family reunion and strengthen the existing cordial relationship between China and Sierra Leone, but would also provide an opportunity for participants to learn about and preserve cultural traditions.

He expressed his association’s desire to replicate the initiative for other members of the public and appealed for more programmes of this nature.

Other highlights of the ceremony included a video presentation, goodwill messages from the President of the National Union of Sierra Leone Students (NUSS) and the President of the Peace Society, FBC, as well as presentations of thought-provoking poems written by renowned Chinese poets and philosophers.

The programme also featured a short practical training session on the production of mooncakes.

22/09/2026

Street Child, Africell Launch 13th Marathon Edition
..Over 1,000 people have already registered for the 13th edition of the Sierra Leone Street Child Marathon, which will take place in Makeni on October 25, 2026.

By Marilyn King

FREETOWN, 22nd Sept. 2026 (232News) ---

Street Child Sierra Leone and Africell Sierra Leone officially launched the annual marathon on Tuesday, September 22, at Africell’s headquarters in Wilberforce, Freetown.

This year’s event will feature four race categories: the 5K, 10K, 21K half marathon and 42K full marathon.

The launch brought together representatives of Street Child, Africell, the Sierra Leone Athletes Association and other stakeholders.

Speaking at the event, Africell Sierra Leone Media Manager Abdul Karim Sesay reaffirmed the company’s continued partnership with Street Child, saying the collaboration has supported vulnerable children and communities across the country.

Sesay described the marathon as more than a sporting event, saying it provides a platform to promote children’s education, empowerment and wellbeing.

He said Africell would provide technical, media and graphic design support to promote this year’s marathon and encouraged journalists and other stakeholders to use their platforms to increase public awareness and participation.

Street Child Sierra Leone Country Director Emmanuel Kelfa Kargbo said the marathon combines sport with the organisation’s efforts to improve children’s access to education.

He disclosed that Street Child was nearing completion of 55 schools across the country as part of its education programmes.

Kargbo said more than 1,000 people had already registered for this year’s marathon even before its official launch, adding that the organisation was considering how to accommodate the growing interest.

He encouraged people of different ages and abilities to participate, noting that those unable to run could walk.

Kargbo also highlighted the challenges faced by children in some communities, including long journeys to school and the need to cross rivers to access education.

He said such challenges demonstrated the importance of creating better opportunities for children to attend school safely and consistently.

National Race Manager of the Sierra Leone Athletes Association Ibrahim Moses Kargbo commended Street Child for using the marathon to promote athletics, healthy lifestyles and sporting talent.

Reflecting on his involvement in the event since 2017, he said two athletes he worked with had progressed from competing in the 5K to the 10K, before eventually representing Sierra Leone at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.

He said their progression demonstrated the opportunities that the marathon could create for emerging athletes and expressed his willingness to strengthen collaboration between Street Child and the Sierra Leone Athletes Association.

Afrimoney Marketing Director John Konteh also encouraged the public to participate, saying the event promotes healthy living while supporting children’s education.

Registration can be completed through Afrimoney by dialing 1614 # and entering the marathon merchant code 760817. Participants can then select their preferred race category and complete payment using their Afrimoney PIN.

Registration fees are Le40 for the 5K, Le50 for the 10K, Le60 for the half marathon and Le75 for the full marathon.

Participants will receive a transaction ID after successful registration and are advised to keep it, as it will be required when collecting their marathon race materials from designated Street Child locations.

The 13th edition of the Sierra Leone Street Child Marathon will take place in Makeni on Sunday, October 25, with participants competing in the 5K, 10K, 21K half marathon and 42K full marathon categories.

22/09/2026

Happy Birthday to a truly beautiful and inspiring lady! 🎂🎉 I. Bangura.

May your special day be filled with love, laughter, happiness, and unforgettable moments.

Keep shining, keep inspiring, and may this new chapter bring you even greater success and countless reasons to smile. ❤️🥂

Wishing you a fabulous birthday and a wonderful year ahead! 🌟🎈

18/09/2026

President Bio Appoints Hotel Association President John Shallop to National Tourist Board

By Stanley Bangs Jr.

FREETOWN, Sept. 18 (232news) --- Excellency, President Rtd. Brigadier Julius Maada Bio has appointed the President of the Sierra Leone Association of Hotels and founding member of the Federation of Allied Tourism Associations (FATA), Mr. John Shallop, to serve as a Board Member of the National Tourist Board (NTB).

The appointment comes at a crucial time for the tourism sector.

Mr. Shallop has in recent months intensified nationwide capacity-building programmes for hotel staff, aimed at improving service delivery and professional standards across the country. He is also currently leading consultations and sensitization drives with other key players in the tourism industry on the formation of a private sector-led federation that will serve the best interest of all operators in the tourism landscape.

The move is seen by industry observers as a recognition of Mr. Shallop's long-standing contribution to hospitality development and his push for unity in the sector. Mr. Shallop has been a vocal advocate for collective bargaining, reduction of multiple taxation on tourism businesses, and for private sector collaboration to attract investment into the country's hospitality industry.

Members of the Sierra Leone Association of Hotels and the Federation of Allied tourism Association have since sent congratulatory messages to Mr. Shallop, describing the appointment as well-deserved and timely.

In his response, Mr. Shallop commended President Bio for the confidence reposed in him and pledged to serve diligently.

He said he wholeheartedly accepts the appointment and will deliver on the expectations of the President.

"I thank His Excellency the President for this consideration. I pledge to serve in the best interest of the nation and in the interest of the sector, and will work with other Board members to take the National Tourist Board to greater heights," Mr. Shallop stated.

232News

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