The Chief Executive Officer of Africell Sierra Leone, Shadi Gerjawi, has reaffirmed the company’s unwavering commitment to digital transformation, innovation and national development during the NaTCA Consumer Parliament 2026.
Speaking at the high-level event attended by the Honourable Minister of Communications and Innovation, Members of Parliament, the Director General of the National Communications Authority NaTCA, the Mayor of Kenema City, traditional leaders, civil society groups, media practitioners and consumers, Mr. Gerjawi emphasized Africell’s long-standing role in advancing Sierra Leone’s telecommunications sector.
The Africell CEO noted that the company is proudly commemorating 21 years of operations in Sierra Leone, describing the milestone as evidence of its sustained investment in connectivity and national growth.
“Twenty-one years of connecting people. Twenty-one years of building networks. Twenty-one years of investing in this country and its future,” Mr. Gerjawi declared.
He stated that Africell entered the Sierra Leonean market with a long-term vision and remains committed to supporting the country’s digital and economic transformation agenda.
Mr. Gerjawi also reflected on what he described as one of the most extensive network modernization projects in the company’s history.
According to him, the process, though technically demanding, was necessary to improve service delivery and expand digital access nationwide.
He acknowledged that the modernization exercise came with operational challenges but maintained that Africell worked diligently to minimize disruptions to customers while implementing critical upgrades.
The CEO disclosed that the investment has already produced significant improvements, including faster internet speeds, increased network capacity and enhanced quality of service across the country.
“Our customers deserved better, and we delivered better,” he said.
Highlighting Africell’s contribution to technological advancement in Sierra Leone, Mr. Gerjawi recalled that the company introduced 3G services in 2011 and later launched 4G technology in 2018. He further revealed that Africell became the first telecommunications company to acquire 5G spectrum in Sierra Leone, reinforcing its position as a leader in innovation.
He stressed that Africell’s development vision extends beyond the capital city of Freetown and aims to ensure that all districts benefit from modern digital connectivity.
“Sierra Leone is moving forward, and Africell is proud to help lead that progress,” he noted.
Beyond infrastructure development, the Africell CEO underscored the company’s commitment to empowering citizens through education and digital literacy initiatives.
He highlighted Africell’s free Learning and Training Centre located on Wilkinson Road, which provides digital skills training for students, job seekers and entrepreneurs.
According to Mr. Gerjawi, over 500 schoolgirls in remote districts have already benefited from Africell’s digital training programmes, while about sixty women entrepreneurs have received support and training to strengthen their businesses.
“This is not charity. This is investment in our people and investment in our future,” he emphasized.
In further efforts to promote digital inclusion, Mr. Gerjawi introduced AI EVA, Africell’s voice-powered artificial intelligence service designed to assist customers in local languages.
He explained that the innovation was created to bridge accessibility gaps for Sierra Leoneans who may not own smartphones or possess advanced literacy in English.
“With AI EVA, customers can ask questions in local languages. No smartphone required. No internet needed,” he stated.
Mr. Gerjawi reiterated Africell’s readiness to support the Government of Sierra Leone’s digital transformation agenda, stressing that the company sees itself not only as a telecommunications provider but also as a strategic partner in national development.
Addressing consumers directly, he assured customers that Africell remains committed to listening to feedback, improving service delivery and ensuring that all investments translate into better customer experiences.
He concluded by appealing for continued public trust and constructive engagement while reaffirming Africell’s dedication to innovation, inclusion and national progress.
The event ended with the CEO expressing appreciation to participants and offering prayers for continued peace, unity and development in Sierra Leone.