By Amin Kef (Ranger)

President Dr. Julius Maada Bio on Thursday 9 April 2026 intensified Sierra Leone’s global advocacy for climate finance, energy access and green industrialization during two separate high-level engagements in Vienna, Austria, where he called for practical implementation of global commitments and stronger partnerships to transform Africa’s economic future.

The first event took place at the Hofburg Palace in Vienna, where President Julius Maada Bio delivered a keynote statement at the International Vienna Climate and Energy Conference. Addressing world leaders, investors and development partners, the President stressed that the global energy transition must move beyond lofty declarations and produce real outcomes capable of generating jobs, creating value and improving lives across developing economies.

He underscored the strong link between prosperity, security and stability, noting that Africa must no longer be viewed merely as a source of raw materials but as a strategic centre for industrial expansion and value addition.

President Julius Maada Bio firmly stated that Africa should not serve as a warehouse for the global energy transition but must emerge as a hub for industrial growth, innovation and long-term value creation.

Speaking in his capacity as Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, President Julius Maada Bio highlighted ongoing regional efforts to reposition West Africa as an integrated, investment-ready bloc through policy harmonization, improved infrastructure connectivity and the development of coordinated industrial corridors.

He specifically pointed to the immense opportunities within the Mano River Union, bringing together Sierra Leone, Liberia, Guinea and Côte d’Ivoire, where integrated mining, transport, energy and port corridors could unlock large-scale industrialization, including aluminium refining and steel production.

At the national level, President Julius Maada Bio reaffirmed Sierra Leone’s commitment to energy transformation through the Mission 300 initiative, backed by the World Bank and the African Development Bank. He disclosed that Sierra Leone has developed a US$2.2 billion Energy Compact aimed at significantly expanding electricity access, scaling clean energy solutions and attracting increased private sector investment.

According to the President, Sierra Leone is targeting an increase in electricity access from 36 percent to 78 percent by 2030, while also expanding clean cooking access and ensuring no community is left behind through both grid and off-grid solutions.

He also made a strong case for affordable and accessible climate finance, lamenting that many viable African projects continue to struggle to reach financial closure because of high capital costs and persistent risk perceptions.

President Julius Maada Bio further announced plans for ECOWAS to deliver a pipeline of bankable cross-border energy and industrial projects within the next year, while also unveiling plans for a West Africa Integration and Investment Summit focused on execution and measurable outcomes.

In a separate but equally significant event held in Vienna on the margins of the International Vienna Climate and Energy Forum, President Julius Maada Bio spoke at a high-level roundtable on “Green Industrialization for Stability and Shared Prosperity,” where he again linked energy development to economic transformation, particularly for Least Developed Countries and Landlocked Developing Countries.

At that roundtable, the President emphasized that energy access should not be treated as an end in itself but as a direct catalyst for production, employment creation and livelihood enhancement.

He highlighted Sierra Leone’s strategy of aligning energy development with productive sectors through flagship initiatives such as Feed Salone, which supports irrigation, agro-processing, cold storage and rural enterprises. According to him, this integration is central to increasing productivity, boosting incomes and strengthening resilience within local communities.

President Julius Maada Bio also noted that while national grid expansion remains vital, distributed renewable energy systems, including mini-grids and stand-alone solar solutions, provide the fastest route to scaling electricity access in rural and underserved communities.

He further cited Sierra Leone’s clean cooking transition as a practical example of green industrialization creating new value chains, enterprises and opportunities, especially for women and small-scale entrepreneurs.

Looking ahead, President Julius Maada Bio announced that within the next 12 months Sierra Leone will operationalize a Distributed Renewable Energy and Clean Cooking Acceleration Initiative under its Mission 300 Compact. The initiative, he said, will focus on scaling solar energy for productive use, widening access to clean cooking and mobilizing blended finance through development institutions and private investors.

He concluded by reaffirming Sierra Leone’s readiness to serve as a demonstration country for impactful and scalable energy solutions, stressing that the ultimate objective remains improved livelihoods, economic resilience and long-term national stability.

The strong engagements at two separate Vienna forums on the same day further reinforced President Julius Maada Bio’s growing international profile as a leading African voice on climate investment, regional energy integration and green industrial transformation. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/president-bio-pushes-climate-investment-and-green-industrialization-at-two-major-vienna-energy-forums/

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

The Sierra Leone Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC) has begun urgent recovery and rehabilitation efforts following a fire incident that destroyed the office of its Deputy Director General, Mohamed Asmieu Bah, at the national broadcaster’s headquarters in Freetown. The fire, which occurred on Wednesday 8th April 2026 at about 11:30 a.m., has been described by Management as a serious incident that could have escalated into a far more devastating disaster if not for the swift intervention of staff and the timely response of emergency services.

Speaking in separate exclusive interviews with The Calabash Newspaper, both Director General, Josephine Fatima Kamara and Deputy Director General, Mohamed Asmieu Bah, gave a detailed account of the incident, the suspected cause, the scale of the destruction and the urgent need for institutional support.

According to Director General Josephine Kamara, the incident occurred while she and the Deputy Director General were engaged in an official meeting with officials from the Anti-Corruption Commission’s Risk Assessment and Prevention Unit, who had visited the Corporation on a follow-up mission regarding governance and audit recommendations.

After the meeting, the Deputy Director General escorted the visiting officials to the Boardroom on the ground floor for a separate session with the Internal Auditor. As the Director General was proceeding downstairs to join them, two technical engineers suddenly rushed down the staircase shouting that there was a fire in the Deputy Director General’s office upstairs.

Josephine Kamara said her immediate response was to ensure the rapid evacuation of all staff from the affected floors in order to prevent casualties.

She commended SLBC staff for their courage and quick thinking, explaining that in the absence of readily available firefighting resources, some members of staff fetched water from nearby bathrooms and immediately began efforts to contain the flames.

According to her, the affected office door was forced open to allow staff gain access and fight the blaze, while others concentrated on moving personnel away from danger zones.

The fire service reportedly arrived within 15 to 18 minutes, but by then much of the visible flames had already been brought under control by SLBC’s technical staff, although smoke and heat continued to smolder inside the damaged office.

The fire officers subsequently carried out a cooling process and sprayed additional water to suppress remaining hotspots. However, Management later had to call them back for a second cooling operation after parts of the wooden roofing and planks continued to smolder.

The Director General revealed that the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) also visited the scene and conducted a preliminary assessment, with a formal report expected to guide the next phase of rehabilitation.

On the likely cause of the incident, both Management officials pointed to an electrical fault, with early indications suggesting that the fire may have originated from the air conditioning system or its electrical wiring.

Director General Josephine Kamara revealed that staff in an adjacent office heard a strange drilling-like sound inside the wall moments before a loud explosion was heard, after which flames rapidly engulfed the office.

She explained that the Corporation’s operations rely heavily on complex electrical systems, with thousands of cables powering studios, offices and technical installations across the building, making electrical safety a major concern.

Deputy Director General, Mohamed Asmieu Bah, whose office was destroyed, described the incident as deeply traumatic, noting that he remains in shock after losing virtually everything in the blaze.

According to him, he was seated in the Boardroom at the time of the incident when he suddenly heard a loud sound outside, followed by colleagues shouting “Fire, Fire…”

He said it was only after rushing upstairs that he discovered the fire had engulfed his office.

Mohamed Asmieu Bah disclosed that the blaze destroyed his laptop, phone, bag, furniture, office fittings and critical work materials, leaving him without a functional workspace.

He further noted that before the incident, the institution had been experiencing intermittent electricity fluctuations, with the power repeatedly going off and returning after short intervals.

Those unstable power conditions, he believes, may have contributed to a power surge, which investigators now suspect may have sparked the blaze.

Visible signs around the wall where the office air conditioner was mounted, he added, strongly suggest that damaged wiring or an electrical surge may have been the trigger point.

On the scale of the loss, Mohamed Asmieu Bah said Management is still carrying out a full assessment, but preliminary estimates indicate that the destruction runs into thousands of Leones, considering the damage to office infrastructure, electrical fittings, furniture and structural components.

Management, however, expressed relief that the flames did not spread into the adjacent engineering department, where critical broadcasting infrastructure is housed.

Both officials agreed that the immediate priority is to secure and reroof the damaged section, protect high-end equipment from further exposure and commence full rehabilitation of the upper floor.

Director General Josephine Kamara confirmed that the Minister of Information and Civic Education and his Deputy have already visited the scene and assured Management of Government’s support for the recovery process.

She also disclosed that the institution has started receiving support from well-wishers and partners, with some making cash contributions while others donated computers and office equipment.

The Deputy Director General also appealed to businesses, patriotic Sierra Leoneans and development partners to support the rebuilding of the institution.

He stressed that SLBC belongs to the people of Sierra Leone and therefore deserves collective support to restore its infrastructure and sustain uninterrupted national broadcasting services.

Despite the destruction, the incident has also highlighted the dedication and bravery of SLBC staff, whose rapid intervention prevented what could have been a catastrophic loss for Sierra Leone’s public broadcaster. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/slbc-appeals-for-urgent-support-after-fire-gutted-deputy-director-generals-office/

By Foday Moriba Conteh

Sierra Leone’s cherished seasoning brand, Onga, marketed by Premium Divine Trading Company Limited, an established food distribution company operating as an agent for Promasidor Holdings, on Monday 6th April 2026 successfully concluded the maiden edition of the Onga Awojor Fiesta Cooking Competition at the Prince of Wales School in Kingtom, Freetown, in what many described as a remarkable fusion of culinary education, entertainment and community celebration.

The colorful event attracted church groups from across Freetown, all competing in a vibrant showcase of cooking skills, hygiene awareness, creativity and teamwork, while highlighting the rich taste, aroma and versatility of Onga seasoning products. The competition was carefully designed not only to entertain but also to promote healthy cooking habits, proper nutrition and organized food preparation within homes and communities.

Participating in the highly competitive fiesta were church teams from National Pentecostal Church, Congo Cross, Zion Praise Tabernacle, Emmanuel Baptist Church, Ascension Town Baptist Church and Faith Assembly of God. Each team brought energy, innovation and exceptional culinary talent to the contest, impressing guests and judges alike with their meal presentation, hygiene standards and ability to creatively use Onga products.

At the climax of the competition, Zion Praise Tabernacle emerged as the overall winner, after dazzling the panel of judges with an outstanding display of presentation, taste and cooking excellence. The church walked away with a prize package valued at NLe17,000, including a prestigious trophy and other items.

Emmanuel Baptist Church secured the first runner-up position, receiving prizes worth NLe7,000, while Ascension Town Baptist Church emerged as second runner-up, taking home prizes valued at NLe5,000.

In a strong gesture of inclusivity and appreciation, all participating churches were also presented with assorted Onga hampers, ensuring that every team left recognized for its commitment and effort.

Speaking at the event, Kenneth Konuah, Country Manager of Premium Divine Trading Limited, underscored the importance of healthy eating, good nutrition and excellence in home cooking as key ingredients for building stronger families and healthier communities.

According to him, the initiative goes far beyond a simple cooking competition, stressing that it was intentionally created to inspire households to adopt better eating habits, maintain hygienic kitchens and embrace healthier lifestyles.

He explained that just as churches play a central role in preaching the gospel for spiritual growth, it is equally important to encourage messages around good health, nutritious meals and positive living.

Kenneth Konuah said the competition seeks to assure excellence in cooking by encouraging participants to prepare meals that are not only delicious but also nourishing and enjoyable for every member of the family.

“When we say cook, we are asking you to cook with excellence,” he emphasized, adding that meals prepared with the right ingredients and proper seasoning should always bring satisfaction to husbands, children and the entire household.

He described the participation of the churches in the maiden edition as a major milestone for the Onga brand, noting that the event marks the foundation of what is expected to grow into a national culinary platform.

The Country Manager also commended the judges for their professionalism in assessing participants on hygiene, taste, creativity and cooking methods, while encouraging contestants to take pride in being pioneers of what may soon become a nationally recognized event.

He further noted that the fiesta was not solely about competition, but also about entertainment, fellowship and joyful celebration, with choir performances and other engaging activities helping to create a festive atmosphere.

Also speaking at the event, Philip Kanu, Marketing Lead of Premium Divine Trading Limited, disclosed that the Onga Awojor Fiesta is not a one-off initiative, but rather the beginning of a broader community engagement strategy that the company intends to organize on a quarterly basis.

Explaining the concept behind the branding, he said the term “Awojor” signifies a large celebration or feast, reflecting the event’s mission of bringing communities together around food, joy, nutrition and family values.

According to Philip Kanu, the initiative was created to celebrate not only culinary skills but also the spirit of togetherness and shared experiences within communities.

“This is the maiden edition and we are planning to continue programs like this every quarter,” he stated, adding that the fiesta also featured entertainment elements such as singing competitions and choir performances to make the day even more memorable.

He noted that the slogan “Cook Sweet” was deliberately chosen to reinforce Onga’s longstanding brand promise of helping families prepare meals that are tasty, aromatic and satisfying.

Philip Kanu also highlighted the company’s growing footprint across Sierra Leone, with expanding outlets in Freetown and beyond, all aimed at making quality and nutritious Promasidor products more accessible and affordable to consumers nationwide.

He proudly described Onga as one of the company’s flagship household brands, trusted in Sierra Leonean kitchens for its unmatched taste, aroma and versatility.

The Marketing Lead further used the occasion to educate participants on the different categories of Onga products, including tablets, powder seasoning and tomato paste, while engaging the audience in an interactive quiz on the various flavors available, such as beef, chicken, classic and stew.

He explained that the participating churches were selected through prior church activations and community demonstrations, which had already introduced congregations to the nutritional and culinary benefits of Onga products.

Looking ahead, Philip Kanu disclosed that future editions may target other sectors of society, including the security sector, Muslim communities and schools, as part of the brand’s strategy to deepen its connection with diverse communities across Sierra Leone.

Reacting to the victory, the Wife of the General Overseer of Zion Praise Tabernacle, Pastor Mrs. Esther Bangura, expressed gratitude to God and appreciation to the organizers after her church emerged as overall champion.

She described the win as a reflection of the unity, dedication and excellence displayed by the church team throughout the competition, noting that the triumph was a proud moment for the entire Zion Praise Tabernacle family.

Pastor Mrs. Esther Bangura praised Onga and Premium Divine Trading Limited for creating an inspiring platform that promotes healthy cooking habits, hygiene and family-centered values, while encouraging Sierra Leonean homes to continue embracing proper nutrition and organized food preparation.

She dedicated the trophy and prize package to the glory of God and commended the contestants for representing the church with distinction and showcasing the ministry’s spirit of excellence.

The maiden Onga Awojor Fiesta Cooking Competition has since been widely hailed as an innovative blend of culinary education, brand promotion and community celebration, further strengthening Onga’s reputation as a household favorite in Sierra Leone while reinforcing its broader commitment to promoting hygienic cooking, tasty meals and healthy living through practical, community-centered engagements. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/onga-awojor-fiesta-maiden-edition-ends-with-zion-praise-tabernacle-emerging-champion/

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

The Director General of the Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority (SLCAA), Musayeroh Barrie, has joined officials of Ethiopian Airlines in Freetown to commemorate the airline’s 80th anniversary, describing the milestone as a powerful symbol of resilience, consistency and Africa’s growing aviation legacy.

The event, held at the Ethiopian Airlines office in Freetown on Wednesday 8 April 2026, formed part of a wider continental celebration marking eight decades since the airline launched its first scheduled international service in April 1946. From its humble beginnings with five Douglas C-47 aircraft flying the Cairo route via Asmara, Ethiopian Airlines has grown into Africa’s largest and most influential aviation group.

Speaking during the anniversary celebration, SLCAA Director General Musayeroh Barrie said Sierra Leone was proud to be associated with such a historic moment in African aviation.

She noted that it was particularly significant for Sierra Leone to be part of the celebration, expressing optimism that Ethiopian Airlines would continue to strengthen and expand its footprint in the country for many decades to come.

Musayeroh Barrie emphasized that the Government of Sierra Leone has remained fully supportive of the airline’s operations, creating an enabling environment for the carrier to thrive and deepen regional and international connectivity through Freetown.

“It is a momentous time and we are truly thrilled as the Civil Aviation Authority and as a Government to be part of this occasion,” she stated, while congratulating the airline on reaching the landmark anniversary and wishing it continued success.

In a further reflection on the significance of the celebration, the SLCAA Director General described Ethiopian Airlines’ 80-year journey as “a powerful symbol of consistency, resilience and legacy,” adding that Sierra Leone remains optimistic about the airline’s sustained growth and expanded services in the country.

Musayeroh Barrie also used the occasion to highlight the broader inspiration that leadership milestones within Sierra Leone’s aviation sector now represent for young women and girls across the country.

She expressed gratitude to President Dr. Julius Maada Bio for what she described as visionary leadership in opening doors for women in strategic institutions, noting that the appointment of the first female and youngest Director General of the SLCAA now allows young girls to aspire to similar heights within the aviation industry and beyond.

The Freetown celebration mirrored the main anniversary launch in Addis Ababa, where Mesfin Tasew, Group CEO of Ethiopian Airlines, officially kicked off a series of events at the Ethiopian Skylight Hotel to mark the historic milestone.

Describing the anniversary as a proud moment for both the airline and the entire African aviation industry, Mesfin Tasew said Ethiopian Airlines’ achievements over the last eight decades have been built on hard work, strategic partnerships and an unwavering Pan-African vision that continues to bridge nations, connect economies and strengthen trade links across the globe.

Today, Ethiopian Airlines operates one of the continent’s most modern fleets, including Boeing 737s, 777s, 787s, Airbus A350 variants and De Havilland Q400 aircraft, serving more than 160 domestic and international passenger and cargo destinations across five continents.

The airline continues to enjoy global acclaim, including repeated recognition as Africa’s best carrier, while pursuing its ambitious Vision 2035 strategy aimed at positioning the group among the world’s top 20 most competitive aviation institutions.

As part of that long-term strategy, the airline is also deepening its multi-hub African expansion model through partnerships and joint ventures in Togo, Malawi, Zambia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The anniversary celebrations are expected to continue in the coming days with a series of events honoring Ethiopian Airlines’ remarkable legacy as a true African success story and its future ambitions in global aviation.

This latest commemoration in Freetown also underscores the growing partnership between Sierra Leone’s aviation authorities and Ethiopian Airlines, with stakeholders expressing confidence that the relationship will continue to boost tourism, commerce and international connectivity for the country. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/slcaa-dg-commends-ethiopian-airlines-80th-anniversary-as-a-milestone-for-african-aviation-growth/

In a decisive move underscoring its growing resolve to safeguard public health and protect consumer rights, the National Consumer Protection Commission (NCPC) on Thursday 9 April 2026 supervised the destruction of a huge consignment of expired and unsafe goods confiscated from shops, stores and other business outlets across Freetown.

The destruction exercise took place at the Rokel Fire Training Ground, where officials of the Commission, supported by the National Fire Force, carried out a carefully controlled incineration process in the presence of representatives from several Civil Society Organizations and market stakeholders.

Items destroyed included large quantities of expired food products, canned goods, beverages, biscuits, dairy products, confectioneries and other consumer items seized during intensified market surveillance and inspection operations recently conducted across the Western Area.

Speaking during the exercise, Consumer Relations Manager of the NCPC, Bernadette Fullah, said the confiscated items posed serious health dangers to the public, particularly vulnerable groups such as children, pregnant women, nursing mothers and the elderly.

She emphasized that many of the products had exceeded their shelf life by significant margins and were therefore unsafe for consumption or use.

According to her, the public destruction was deliberately carried out in an open and transparent manner to reassure citizens that the Commission remains uncompromising in enforcing consumer protection laws and removing hazardous products from the market.

She warned traders and shop owners against the continued sale of expired products, stressing that the Commission would intensify inspections and clamp down harder on violators.

Representatives of Civil Society Organizations who witnessed the exercise commended the Commission for what they described as a transparent and confidence-building enforcement action.

Speaking to journalists at the site, Sonny Rogers, Head of Consumer Watch, said the open destruction exercise demonstrates that regulatory institutions are becoming more proactive in protecting the public from exploitation and dangerous commercial practices.

He noted that the presence of civil society observers helps strengthen accountability and public trust, while sending a strong signal that expired products confiscated from the market will no longer find their way back into circulation.

Officials of the National Fire Force deployed fire tenders, safety barriers and trained personnel to supervise the burning process and ensure that the exercise was conducted safely without posing risks to nearby communities or the environment.

Assistant Fire Chief, Mohamed Sannoh , explained that the Fire Force’s role in such operations is an extension of its broader public safety mandate, noting that the safe disposal of dangerous consumer goods is critical to both environmental protection and public health.

The latest destruction exercise forms part of the NCPC’s sustained enforcement campaign under the Consumer Protection Act 2020, which empowers the Commission to inspect markets, seize harmful goods, sanction violators and educate consumers on their rights.

Over the past year, the Commission has stepped up raids on shops, supermarkets, warehouses and street trading points, leading to the seizure of significant quantities of expired and counterfeit products.

Many residents across Freetown welcomed the development, describing it as a timely intervention amid growing concerns over the circulation of expired food items in markets and neighborhood shops.

A trader at Big Market, Aminata Conteh, said the action gives ordinary consumers renewed confidence, especially parents who often worry about unknowingly purchasing unsafe food products for their families.

She said many buyers do not always remember to check expiry dates before making purchases, making regulatory oversight extremely important.

Bernadette Fullah also used the opportunity to urge consumers to become more vigilant by checking expiry dates, packaging integrity and product labels before making purchases.

She further encouraged the public to promptly report suspicious, expired or unwholesome goods through the Commission’s hotline and its expanding network of community and market monitors.

The NCPC further reminded traders that repeat violations could attract stiffer administrative penalties, including fines, closure of business premises and possible prosecution.

The Commission maintained that while it remains supportive of legitimate business growth, it will not tolerate practices that endanger the health and wellbeing of Sierra Leonean consumers.

As the final batches of confiscated goods were reduced to ashes under the watch of regulators, firefighters and civil society observers, the operation sent a clear and unmistakable message that consumer protection enforcement in Sierra Leone is becoming more visible, more transparent and more uncompromising. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/ncpc-burns-seized-unsafe-consumer-products-as-crackdown-on-expired-goods-intensifies/

By Alvin Lansana Kargbo

AfriMoney, in partnership with the United Nations Capital Development Fund and with funding support from the European Union, has launched a pay-as-you-go smartphone initiative targeting farming communities across Sierra Leone.

The programme, branded “Tek Now, Pay Af Af”, introduces the Samsung Galaxy A06 bundled with 2.5 Gb of free data, enabling farmers to access digital tools and information services. The initiative was unveiled on Thursday 9th April, 2026 at Africell headquarters in Wilberforce, Freetown.

Under the scheme, farmers can acquire the device with an initial deposit of 365 Leones and complete payments over time through flexible daily, weekly, or monthly instalments aligned with their income patterns.

Leon Obeng Nkansah, Device Manager, Business Development at Africell Sierra Leone, who doubles as the project lead said the initiative had been in development since 2024 and was designed to address persistent barriers to digital inclusion. He noted that farmers often lack access to smartphones while working in remote areas, limiting their ability to check market prices and weather updates.

Nkansah said the pay as you go model was introduced to remove affordability constraints and bring underserved groups into the digital ecosystem. He added that the programme reflects broader development priorities supported by international partners to ensure inclusive access to technology.

Chief Executive Officer of AfriMoney, Martison Obeng-Agyei, said agriculture remains central to Sierra Leone’s economy, with an estimated 60 to 75 per cent of the population engaged in the sector. He stated that the initiative targets not only farmers but the wider agricultural value chain, including traders, transporters, and households.

He said the distribution of smartphones is intended to improve access to information rather than entertainment, enabling users to benefit from digital content related to farming practices, market trends, and weather conditions. He added that increased connectivity would allow development partners to deliver timely information directly to rural users.

Obeng-Agyei said the initiative could evolve to include dedicated applications providing agronomic advice and market data. He noted that the flexible repayment structure was informed by transaction trends within the mobile money ecosystem, ensuring alignment with users’ earning cycles.

He said nationwide distribution would be supported by training and user education, with regional campaigns scheduled to begin on April 17 and device availability expected from April 20. He projected that within three to six months, the smartphones would reach farming communities across the country.

Speaking at the launch, Firus Shukorov, Team Lead at the United Nations Capital Development Fund, highlighted the structural gaps in Sierra Leone’s digital landscape despite widespread mobile connectivity. He said that while the country records approximately 8.94 million active cellular connections, internet usage remains low, with only a fraction of the population actively online.

He noted disparities in access between urban and rural areas and between men and women, as well as low levels of digital literacy. He said the initiative addresses both affordability and access barriers by combining device financing with mobile money services.

Shukorov said mobile money has become a key driver of financial inclusion, with significant growth over the past decade, but emphasized that most transactions remain basic and that deeper integration with digital services is still limited.

He said the PAYGO smartphone initiative is expected to improve access to market information, strengthen financial inclusion, and enhance resilience among rural populations through better access to digital tools.

He said that UNCDF support would focus on ensuring affordability, consumer protection, digital literacy, and interoperability with national systems to maximise impact and sustainability.

Representing the European Union, Franco Manso Marrah said the initiative reflects the EU’s commitment to supporting inclusive digital transformation in Sierra Leone.

He said the programme directly addresses inequalities in access to technology by targeting rural farming communities that are often excluded from digital and financial systems. He noted that affordability remains one of the biggest barriers to smartphone adoption and described the pay as you go model as a practical solution tailored to local economic realities.

He said the EU’s support is aimed at ensuring that digital tools translate into tangible economic benefits, particularly through improved access to market information, financial services, and communication channels.

He added that strengthening digital inclusion in agriculture has the potential to improve productivity, enhance food security, and create new economic opportunities across the value chain. He said the EU will continue to work with partners to support scalable solutions that empower communities and drive sustainable development.

The initiative is expected to play a significant role in bridging the digital divide in rural Sierra Leone by expanding access to smartphones, improving digital literacy, and strengthening the integration of farmers into the country’s growing digital and financial ecosystem. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/afrimoney-partners-launch-tek-now-pay-af-af-samsung-a06-smartphone-initiative-for-farmers/

By Ibrahim Sesay

Orange Sierra Leone, in partnership with the Ministry of Health, has officially commissioned a NLe1.8 million ultra-modern ten-room health centre in Wai Community, Sorogbema Chiefdom, Pujehun District, marking a major milestone in the drive to improve access to quality healthcare services in rural Sierra Leone.

The facility, which was officially inaugurated on March 28, 2026, is expected to significantly transform healthcare delivery in Wai and surrounding communities, where residents have for years grappled with limited access to essential medical services due to distance, inadequate infrastructure and insufficient resources.

The commissioning ceremony was officiated by the Deputy Minister of Health I, Dr. Charles Senesie, alongside Orange Sierra Leone Chief Executive Officer, Madam Aïcha Touré, in the presence of the Paramount Chief, local authorities, traditional leaders and hundreds of community residents who turned out to witness the historic event.

Delivering the opening remarks, Orange Sierra Leone’s Corporate Social Responsibility Officer, Mohamed Santos Bangura, gave a detailed overview of the project, tracing its journey from the groundbreaking ceremony held on April 17, 2025, to its successful completion.

He described the commissioning as a landmark achievement that reflects Orange Sierra Leone’s unwavering commitment to impactful social investment and sustainable national development.

According to Mohamed Santos Bangura, the new health centre is specifically designed to address critical gaps in rural healthcare delivery, with a strong focus on maternal and child health services.

He emphasized that the expansion of life-saving healthcare services in Wai would play a vital role in reducing preventable illnesses while contributing significantly to the reduction of maternal and child mortality rates in Pujehun District.

The Paramount Chief of Sorogbema Chiefdom, Mustapha Jeangay Massaquoi III, expressed profound appreciation to Orange Sierra Leone for what he described as a timely and transformative intervention.

He assured all stakeholders that the chiefdom would take full ownership of the facility, ensuring proper maintenance, protection and effective monitoring so that it continues to serve both present and future generations.

Speaking during the commissioning, Orange Sierra Leone CEO Madam Aïcha Touré reaffirmed the company’s dedication to community wellbeing and national development, noting that the health centre was deliberately designed to respond to the urgent healthcare needs of Wai and neighbouring communities.

She disclosed that the ten-room facility is equipped with a labour ward and other essential medical infrastructure, enabling it to provide a broad range of healthcare services including maternal and child health care, outpatient consultations, emergency response and basic diagnostic services.

Madam Aïcha Touré further highlighted that the initiative aligns with the Orange Foundation’s maternal mortality reduction programme, under which the Wai facility will continue to benefit from targeted interventions aimed at improving outcomes for pregnant women, nursing mothers and newborns.

In his keynote address, the Deputy Minister of Health I, Dr. Charles Senesie, commended Orange Sierra Leone for complementing Government’s efforts to strengthen healthcare systems across the country.

He noted that the project fits squarely within the Ministry’s broader strategy of expanding access to quality healthcare, particularly in underserved and hard-to-reach rural communities.

Dr. Charles Senesie also announced that the former Wai Maternal and Child Health Post (MCHP) has now been officially upgraded to a fully equipped Community Health Centre (CHC), a development expected to significantly improve service delivery capacity and save more lives in the district.

The ceremony also featured remarks from philanthropist Mr. Salim Feika, one of the key contributors to the project, who expressed appreciation to all partners involved, including the Ministry of Health, the District Health Management Team, Orange Sierra Leone and local authorities.

As part of his contribution, Salim Feika donated two large waste disposal containers, chairs and a motorbike to improve sanitation management and strengthen emergency response capabilities at the health facility.

He further appealed to stakeholders and development partners to support additional priority needs, including the construction of staff quarters, the provision of an ambulance and continued capacity-building for healthcare workers, all aimed at ensuring efficient and sustainable service delivery.

In his closing remarks, Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to Liberia, Eddie Sidikie Mansaray, urged residents of Wai and surrounding communities to take full ownership of the facility by utilizing its services responsibly and supporting healthcare workers in maintaining high standards of care.

The well-attended commissioning ceremony brought together Government officials, traditional leaders, development partners, health professionals and community members, and concluded with the formal handover of the health centre to the Wai community and the people of Sorogbema Chiefdom.

With support from the Orange Foundation, the Wai Community Health Centre is now expected to significantly improve healthcare access, strengthen maternal and child health services and contribute meaningfully to Sierra Leone’s ongoing national efforts to reduce mortality rates and improve public health outcomes in rural communities. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/orange-commissions-nle1-8-million-ultra-modern-health-centre-in-wai-community-boosting-rural-healthcare-access/