Africell, a leading mobile network provider, officially launched its “Future Leaders” programme on Thursday, 9 January 2025, at the New Brookfields Hotel, aimed at offering exceptional young graduates valuable work experience and professional skills development.
During the launch event, Africell’s CEO, Shadi Gerjawi, emphasized the company’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of leaders. “Africell is not just implementing a programme; we are initiating a movement to identify and cultivate future leaders,” he stated. Gerjawi highlighted the company’s collaboration with local universities, noting that Africell had signed Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) to identify outstanding graduates and provide them with opportunities.
“Africell has always stood as a beacon of progress, weaving its identity with the hopes and dreams of young people across Africa. Education, innovation, and the transfer of knowledge are the foundations of our contribution to society,” he added.
The Minister of Labour and Social Security, Mohamed Rahman Swaray, praised the Future Leaders programme, noting its alignment with the ministry’s objectives for the year. “As a ministry, we emphasize localization and aim to leverage leadership development to address career advancement and succession planning,” he remarked.
Mr Swaray also announced plans for a tripartite dialogue involving universities, employers, and the government to discuss essential skills for the labour market, which, he believed, would help reduce youth unemployment.
Mr Kebbie, the Deputy Vice Chancellor and Principal of the University of Sierra Leone (USL), commended Africell for its ongoing support, stating that it had significantly enhanced the university’s performance. “Being granted this opportunity to acquire skills and develop professional careers even before graduation is a significant milestone,” he said, urging interns to maintain professionalism and integrity.
Linda Mvoko, Africell’s Group Chief People Officer, elaborated on the programme’s dual focus on internal and external talent. “The Future Leaders programme serves as a vehicle for creating a succession plan and providing opportunities for students,” she explained.
Ms Mvoko reported that Africell had partnered with universities nationwide to recruit 80 students for the program, with 50% being women, underscoring the company’s commitment to gender empowerment.
She also revealed that the Future Leaders programme had already been launched in DR Congo and Angola, with plans to expand to The Gambia following its implementation in Sierra Leone.
One of the programme’s beneficiaries, Fatimatu Jalloh, expressed her gratitude for the opportunity, stating that, “You didn’t just create an opportunity for us; you created an environment where we can thrive, flourish, and grow.” She encouraged her fellow interns to seize the moment as a stepping stone toward leadership.
The event concluded with the signing of MOUs with representatives from USL, Milton Margai Technical University, Njala University, and Limkokwing University, marking a significant step in the collaboration between Africell and local academic institutions.