By Janet A. Sesay
Africell Sierra Leone and Ecobank Sierra Leone on Wednesday, 5th August, 2026 at the Africell Headquarters at Wilberforce village in Freetown officially launched the Asset Financing Scheme aimed at making quality Samsung smartphones more accessible and affordable for Sierra Leoneans.
The launch ceremony was well attended by the managements and staffs of Africell, Ecobank Sierra Leone, and Samsung.
Delivering the welcome address, Africell’s Digital Marketing Supervisor, Fatmata Bah, described the partnership as a significant milestone in advancing digital inclusion across Sierra Leone.
She said Africell is proud to partner with Ecobank Sierra Leone to introduce the financing scheme, which will enable eligible customers to acquire Samsung smartphones through a convenient and flexible financing arrangement provided by Ecobank.
According to Madam Bah, Africell remains committed to providing customers with genuine Samsung devices, reliable connectivity, and trusted after-sales support.
She noted that the high upfront cost of smartphones has remained a major barrier for many individuals and families, but the new financing scheme would ease that burden by offering an affordable pathway to smartphone ownership.
“This initiative is much more than just owning a smartphone device. It is about enhancing a gateway to education, digital financial services, healthcare information, entrepreneurship, employment opportunities and stronger connections with family and friends,” Madam Fatmata Bah stated, adding that expanding access to smartphones would empower more Sierra Leoneans to participate meaningfully in the country’s growing digital economy.
She maintained that the partnership is a combination of Africell’s connectivity and digital expertise, Ecobank’s financial capabilities and Samsung’s innovative technology, is a manifestation of what can be achieved when institutions collaborate toward a common purpose.
She thanked Ecobank Sierra Leone, Samsung and everyone whose dedication made the initiative possible, expressing confidence that the partnership would create greater opportunities for people across the country.
Delivering the keynote address, CEO of Afrimoney Sierra Leone, Martinson Obeng Agyei, described the initiative as a reflection of how the banking and telecommunications sectors have evolved over the years.
He said such collaboration would have been difficult in the past because banks and telecoms companies were traditionally operating independently and interacting only when financial services were required.
“Today the world is increasingly becoming digital. Mobile phones are no longer just for making calls; they are essential tools for accessing data, mobile money, mobile banking and other digital services,” he said.
Agyei stressed that smartphones are now central to financial inclusion, noting that without mobile devices there would be no mobile banking, mobile money or digital connectivity.
He encouraged Sierra Leoneans to take advantage of the partnership by visiting any Africell dealer outlet or Ecobank branch to begin the application process and acquire Samsung smartphones through flexible repayment plans.
He described the initiative as a strategic partnership that would make smartphones more accessible, affordable and reliable while improving the lives of customers.
Agyei commended Africell’s leadership, Ecobank and Samsung for taking what he described as a bold step toward expanding digital access and reaffirmed Afrimoney’s commitment to developing innovative solutions that make life easier for subscribers.
Speaking on behalf of Ecobank Sierra Leone, Head of Consumer and Commercial Banking, Maya Thompson, said the partnership reflects the shared commitment of both institutions to improving lives and creating opportunities for Sierra Leoneans.
She noted that Ecobank has operated in Sierra Leone since 2006 while Africell has served the country since 2005, giving both institutions more than two decades of combined experience.
Thompson observed that although mobile phone usage continues to increase, many Sierra Leoneans still lack smartphones because of affordability challenges.
She explained that the financing scheme would allow eligible customers to acquire Samsung smartphones and repay over a period of up to 24 months instead of paying the full purchase price upfront.
According to her, the initiative will benefit salaried workers, entrepreneurs, business owners, first-time smartphone users and customers seeking to upgrade their existing devices.
She further noted that smartphones now provide access to banking services, mobile money, education, healthcare information, business opportunities, employment and government services, making them indispensable tools in today’s digital economy.
Thompson added that the partnership would also strengthen financial inclusion by expanding access to digital financial services, reaffirming Ecobank’s commitment to developing innovative products that improve the lives of its customers.