By Janet A. Sesay
The leading mobile company in the country, Orange Sierra Leone on Wednesday, 4th March, 2026 signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Sierra Leone Football Association for the 2026 SLFA tournament.
This event took place at the Orange Digital Center at Alpha Wurie Drive, Hill Station, in Freetown.
This milestone event formalized a strategic commercial partnership agreement between Sierra Leone’s leading telecoms company and the country’s National Football Association.
The ceremony was witnessed by key stakeholders from the government, corporate institutions and the football community, aiming at strengthening grassroots football, enhancing competition and promoting sustainable sports development nationwide.
In her statement, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Orange Sierra Leone, Madam Aicha Toure described the event as an important milestone for Orange Sierra Leone as the event also marks the formalization of a strategic commercial partnership with the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) for 2026 SLFA tournament.
Madam Toure went on to affirm the importance of the game to the people of Sierra Leone, pointing out that football is more than a sport in Sierra Leone as it is supported and watched with passion, unity and togetherness and that it invigorates hope especially among the youthful population.
CEO Toure further stated that football brings communities together, inspires young people, and creates moments of shared national pride. She said at Orange, they believe in the power of connection as football connects the nation in a manner few other platforms can.
CEO Toure further in her statements that the purpose of this agreement is clear as it will establish a strong and mutually beneficial partnership whereby Orange will sponsor and support the 2026 Sierra Leone FA Cup competition.
For the CEO of Orange Sierra Leone, the MoU “is not just a sponsorship; it is a strategic collaboration.”
She outlined that through this partnership, Orange Sierra Leone will contribute to the success of the organization and the promotion of the 2026 SLFA Cup tournament, and also that the company will support talents development at grassroots football and the continued growth of sports generally across the country.
“For Orange, this partnership aligns perfectly with our brand values. We stand for inclusion, opportunity, innovation, and national development. Football embodies all of these,” she maintained.
CEO Toure went on to disclose that over the past three years, Orange Sierra Leone has invested more than NLe 2,500,000 (Two Million, Five Hundred Thousand Leones) in football development across Sierra Leone and this investment reflects their unwavering belief in the power of football to unite communities, inspire young talents, and drive national pride.
She maintained that the company will support grassroots programs, league sports, and infrastructure development, while assuring that they will remain committed to strengthening the foundation of the game and supporting the long-term growth of football in Sierra Leone.
“We are particularly excited about the visibility and engagement opportunities this collaboration creates,” she pointed out.
Madam Aicha Toure further stated that the FA Cup is one of the most prestigious sport competitions in the country and associating the Orange Brand with the tournament will allow the company to connect even more deeply with their customers, communities and the youths of Sierra Leone.
She said what matters most is impact and they believe this partnership will strengthen the football ecosystem in Sierra Leone, Create opportunities for young talent to shine, Promote unity and national pride and drive positive engagement with fans across the country.
She said at Orange Sierra Leone, they are committed to bring more than a telecommunications company in the country and they are partner in national development.
Madam Aicha Toure continued that supporting sports, especially football, is part of how they invest in the social fabric of the country.
She thanked the leadership of the Sierra Leone Football Association for the trust in collaborating with them and for bringing the partnership to reality, noting that as a company, they are looking forward to working closely together to ensure that the 2026 SLFA Cup is a resounding success.
“To the players, the clubs, the fans, and the communities, Orange Sierra Leone is proud to stands with you because: ‘Orange dae ya!’ Together, let us make the 2026 SLFA Cup bigger, better and unforgettable,” she urged.
President of the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA), Babadie Kamara, described the partnership as a game-changer, stressing that it represents more than a formal agreement.
“This is not just about signing documents, it is a bold step towards sustainable football growth and community transformation,” Kamara noted, emphasizing that football remains a powerful tool for unity, discipline and national pride, adding that leadership in football is about dedication, sacrifice and long-term vision.
According to him, credible partnerships are essential in building a strong foundation for young athletes and preparing them for regional and continental competitions.
He reaffirmed that good governance, transparency and inclusive participation of all clubs remain central to the SLFA’s reform agenda, noting that development cannot happen in isolation but through collective effort and strategic alliances.
Delivering her remarks at the event, Minister of Sports Augusta James-Teima called for bold leadership, clear policies and long-term reforms to reposition sports in Sierra Leone.
“This is the moment to make a promise to take the right direction with the right information and the right people,” she said, describing the partnership as a “marriage for progress” that must be protected and nurtured.
Minister James-Teima further states that the MoU is expected to boost grassroots competition, improve management structures and expand opportunities for clubs and young talents nationwide. She added that Stakeholders at the ceremony described the agreement as a renewed era of cooperation between corporate institutions and football authorities built on courage, trust and a shared vision to move Sierra Leone football forward.