Orange Media Annual Engagement builds accountability

By Abdul Rahman Bah

Freetown, 6 February 2026 — The atmosphere at the Orange Digital Center on Alpha Wurie Drive, Hill Station, was one of reflection, dialogue, and renewed commitment as Orange Sierra Leone convened its Annual Media Engagement with regulators, journalists, and government officials. More than a routine meeting, the gathering unfolded as a frank conversation about trust, responsibility, and the future of digital communication in Sierra Leone.

At the centre of the discussion was Orange’s new Chief Executive Officer, Aisha Touré, who used her first major public engagement with the press to define the company’s direction. She portrayed the media as a foundational partner in national development and outlined Orange’s priorities around stronger networks, deeper digital inclusion, and more robust cybersecurity and data protection. Beyond infrastructure, she framed Orange’s role as social investing in digital skills, environmental sustainability, and community empowerment across the country.

Regulatory voices were equally prominent. Speaking on behalf of the Independent Media Commission, Khalil addressed Orange management, IMC staff, invited guests, and respected members of the media with appreciation for the platform created by the company. He said the event proved that meaningful communication is built less on technology and more on trust, openness, and consistent engagement. In a fast-changing digital landscape, he argued, the media remains the critical bridge linking citizens, regulators, government, and service providers.

Khalil acknowledged Orange’s longstanding support for journalism through training, structured interactions, and information sharing, crediting these efforts for a better-informed public and a more professional media environment. Still, he pressed for greater investment in community radio and rural media, calling for help with advertising support, reliable power solutions, and skills development for young journalists and technicians. In his view, such support should be treated as a strategic investment in democracy, not charity.

SLAJ President Alhaji Manika Kamara reinforced that message, describing Orange as one of the most dependable corporate partners of the media in Sierra Leone. He pointed to years of training, welfare assistance, and institutional backing that have kept many newsrooms alive in difficult economic times.

Minister of Information and Civic Education Chernor Bah struck a cautionary note, reminding journalists that credibility remains their greatest asset. While social media has expanded the flow of information, he said traditional journalism still shapes political discourse and public trust. He urged reporters to prioritise accuracy, balance, and ethics, warning that misinformation could deepen social divisions.

From the newsroom perspective, Awol Managing Editor Dauda Bangura praised Orange’s consistent investment in media capacity building, crisis communication support, and daily monitoring of news content. He said the partnership had improved professional standards and strengthened collaboration between corporate communications and independent media.

Liberty Online TV’s Kadija Bangura, speaking impromptu, welcomed Orange’s openness and called for more targeted support for women journalists and digital reporters operating in an increasingly online media environment.

As the session closed, there was broad consensus that the relationship between Orange, the IMC, and the media must move beyond periodic meetings to continuous engagement. The day ended not with speeches alone, but with a shared commitment to transparency, professionalism, and a more connected, inclusive, and digitally empowered Sierra Leone