Guild of Editors Forges Strategic Ties with Africell

The Guild of Newspaper Editors – Sierra Leone (GoNE-SL) has taken a significant step toward strengthening media–industry relations through a courtesy visit to Africell, one of the country’s leading telecommunications companies. The engagement took place on Friday, 3rd October 2025, at Africell’s headquarters in Wilberforce, Freetown.

The meeting marked a renewed commitment to fostering collaboration between the telecommunications giant and the media sector—two vital drivers of Sierra Leone’s socio-economic development.

Introducing the delegation, GoNE-SL Public Relations Officer Komba Fillie underscored the importance of strategic partnerships, noting that such engagements are crucial for the growth, sustainability, and modernization of the media industry. He thanked Africell for its continued openness to dialogue and support for press development.

In his keynote remarks, Guild Chairman Thomas Dixon commended Africell’s consistent contributions to national progress, describing the company as a “veteran partner” in development. He outlined the Guild’s new strategic plan, which includes establishing a permanent secretariat and launching a communal printing press. The facility, he said, will operate on a cost-recovery basis to enhance affordability and efficiency for media houses while improving the overall quality of print journalism in the country.

Dixon reaffirmed the Guild’s commitment to ethical journalism, emphasizing its dedication to self-regulation, credible reporting, and capacity building as essential pillars of a strong and independent press.

Africell’s Media Manager, Abdul Karim Sesay, welcomed the editors warmly and expressed appreciation for the Guild’s outreach. Reflecting on his professional ties with the media, Sesay acknowledged the challenges journalists face and reaffirmed Africell’s readiness to partner with media institutions in areas of mutual interest.

He highlighted Africell’s longstanding support for the media, including collaborations with the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) and more than 70 radio stations nationwide. Sesay also emphasized the company’s digital-first strategy, expressing Africell’s eagerness to help the Guild leverage digital platforms for news dissemination, audience engagement, and professional development.

He further noted that the media serves as a watchdog and feedback mechanism that helps institutions like Africell innovate and improve service delivery.

The meeting concluded with strong assurances of future collaboration, as both parties pledged to maintain open communication and explore practical partnerships to advance the country’s media ecosystem.

This engagement is expected to open new pathways for media development, positioning Africell not only as a corporate ally but also as a catalyst for technological growth within Sierra Leone’s journalism landscape.