Africell Sierra Leone and Afrimoney Sierra Leone recently concluded a major digital outreach initiative across several Freetown tertiary institutions, dubbed the Digital University Connect and Africell Customer Experience (ACE) Exercise. This significant program marked a concerted effort by both companies to engage directly with the academic community. The initiative was successfully concluded after reaching a wide array of students and staff within the capital's higher education landscape. The program was led by Africell Sierra Leone Chief Executive Officer Shadi Gerjawi and Afrimoney Sierra Leone Chief Executive Officer Martison Obeng-Agyei, noting the joint commitment of both organizations. It encompassed Fourah Bay College (FBC), the Institute of Public Administration and Management (IPAM), the University of Management and Technology (UNIMTECH), Milton Margai Technical University, and Freetown Polytechnic, ensuring broad coverage across key educational establishments. "We have repeatedly said that we are a customer-centric company and our customers are at the heart of everything we do," said Shadi Gerjawi, emphasizing the core philosophy driving the initiative. "We want to provide solutions that customers can use and benefit from, and every Africell product should work for all customers." This outreach showed the companies' dedication to understanding and meeting the needs of their subscriber base, particularly within the youth demographic.
Initiative Details and Goals
The digital outreach initiative included educational sessions, interactive discussions, product demonstrations, and various giveaways for attendees at the participating universities. These components were carefully designed to maximize engagement and provide practical value to students and faculty. Africell designed the ACE programme as a monthly engagement exercise to strengthen direct communication channels between the company and its subscribers, fostering a continuous dialogue. Participants in the outreach expressed appreciation for digital solutions offered, specifically citing the AFRIGPT platform, indicating a positive reception to the innovative services presented. The programme aimed to bring Africell's services and products directly to the student population, fostering understanding and usage of digital tools that are increasingly vital in today's world. Africell's approach focused on demonstrating practical applications of their offerings, such as mobile money services and communication platforms, to address the specific needs of university students and staff, thereby enhancing their daily academic and personal lives. The full nature of the initiative ensured that participants received both theoretical knowledge and practical experience with the digital tools.
Student Engagement and Feedback
Students participating in the Digital University Connect and ACE Exercise initiative described it as a valuable platform. They noted its utility for sharing their experiences and learning about new products and opportunities offered by Africell and Afrimoney, which are key for their personal and professional development. Attendees found the program beneficial for sharing their experiences and learning about new products and opportunities offered by Africell and Afrimoney. The outreach sessions facilitated direct interaction, allowing students to provide feedback and gain insights into digital solutions relevant to their academic and personal lives. This engagement helped foster a direct line of communication between the service providers and the student community across Freetown's tertiary institutions, ensuring that student voices were heard. The interactive nature of the program, which included discussions and product demonstrations, contributed to this perception of value among the university population, making the learning experience more dynamic and impactful. The positive feedback from students shows the success of the initiative in meeting its engagement objectives.
Future Digital Vision
Africell Sierra Leone and Afrimoney Sierra Leone reiterated their shared vision for the future, emphasizing the goal of fostering a digitally empowered generation within the country. This commitment extends beyond the university campuses to the broader populace. The companies stated their commitment to expanding access to technology-driven services across Sierra Leone, aiming to bridge the digital divide. This vision aligns with the broader objective of integrating digital solutions into the daily lives of citizens, particularly focusing on the youth and academic communities who are key drivers of future innovation. The outreach initiatives, such as the Digital University Connect and ACE Exercise, serve as practical steps towards realizing this long-term digital strategy, laying foundational knowledge and access. Both Africell and Afrimoney aim to ensure that their services contribute to technological advancement and improved connectivity throughout the nation, thereby supporting socio-economic development. Their continued efforts demonstrate a dedication to building a more connected and digitally proficient Sierra Leone.
