By Shadrach Aziz Kamara
Africell Sierra Leone, in partnership with Ecobank Sierra Leone, has launched a smartphone asset financing scheme aimed at making Samsung smartphones more affordable and accessible to Sierra Leoneans as part of efforts to promote digital and financial inclusion across the country.
The initiative, launched on Wednesday, 5 August 2026, during a ceremony attended by senior officials from both institutions, will enable eligible customers to acquire genuine Samsung smartphones through flexible financing arrangements provided by Ecobank. Customers will have the opportunity to repay the cost of their devices over a period of up to 24 months, reducing the pressure of making full upfront payments.
Delivering the welcome address, Africell’s Digital Marketing Supervisor and Digital Pillar Lead, Fatmata Jaria Bah, said the partnership demonstrates the company’s commitment to providing affordable digital solutions for its customers.
She noted that Africell has consistently explored ways to improve access to smartphones, including previous price reductions on Samsung devices.
Bah expressed appreciation to Ecobank, the media and Africell’s management team for their support in making the initiative possible, describing the partnership as a major milestone for both institutions and their customers.
Speaking at the event, Africell’s Device Manager, Leon Obeng Nkonsah, described the scheme as an important step towards advancing digital inclusion in Sierra Leone.
“As an authorized reseller of Samsung smartphones in Sierra Leone, Africell remains committed to providing customers with genuine smartphones, reliable connectivity and trusted after-sales support,” he said.
Nkonsah explained that the high cost of smartphones remains a major challenge for many citizens, adding that the financing scheme provides a practical solution by allowing customers to spread payments over time.
He emphasized that smartphones have become essential tools for accessing education, healthcare information, digital financial services, employment opportunities, entrepreneurship and communication, noting that increased smartphone ownership would enable more Sierra Leoneans to participate in the growing digital economy.
Head of Consumer and Commercial Banking at Ecobank Sierra Leone, Kate Thompson, described the partnership as a strategic collaboration that reflects the shared commitment of both institutions to improving access to digital services.
She noted that although Sierra Leone has millions of mobile devices in circulation, many people still lack access to smartphones due to affordability challenges.
According to Thompson, the financing arrangement is designed to bridge that gap by allowing customers to acquire smartphones without paying the full cost upfront.
She added that the initiative is particularly timely as customers can use smartphones to access banking and financial services conveniently from their homes, especially during the rainy season.
“A smartphone today is no longer a luxury; it is a necessity,” Thompson stated, stressing that smartphone access plays a key role in expanding financial inclusion by bringing banking, mobile money and other digital services closer to communities.
She further explained that the financing package is also available to businesses that require smartphones for their employees to improve productivity and access digital banking services.
Chief Executive Officer of Africell Sierra Leone, Martison Obeng Agyei, highlighted the growing relationship between telecommunications companies and financial institutions, noting that both sectors are increasingly connected through digital technology.
He said mobile phones have become the foundation for mobile money, mobile banking, internet access and other digital services, making them among the most important tools in modern society.
“The mobile phone is the most used screen in the world today. It has created employment, facilitated healthcare, supported education and transformed communication,” Agyei said.
He disclosed that the partnership builds on the existing relationship between Africell and Ecobank, including the recently launched Afrimoney Visa prepaid card.
Agyei said customers can now visit any Africell outlet or Ecobank branch to begin the process of acquiring Samsung smartphones through the financing scheme.
He expressed confidence that the partnership between Africell, Ecobank and Samsung would provide customers with trusted products, flexible financing options and greater opportunities to participate in Sierra Leone’s digital economy.
The smartphone financing scheme is expected to contribute to Sierra Leone’s digital transformation agenda by increasing smartphone ownership and expanding access to financial technology, online services and digital opportunities for individuals and businesses.
