By AYV’s Amadu Lamrana Bah in Washington
His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio has said he is proud of the corporate social responsibility of Africell and its operations in Sierra Leone.
Speaking at an event organised by Africell on the sidelines of the U.S.-Africa Leadership Summit in Washington D.C, President Bio said the company has shown and exhibited itself as a good corporate organization that is associated with all social programs in the country which is why he tries to work with them all the time.
“I am very proud of their record, social corporate responsibility they take seriously and this is why on a cold winter night like tonight after having attended another long event I can afford to come here just to confirm to those who are financiers of Africell that you have a good corporate citizen in Sierra Leone and I am sure that will be the same in other countries,” he noted excitingly.
Africell organised the event to shine a spotlight on its four operating markets and connect African leaders with investors, diplomats, and policy-makers based in the United States.
The event brought together senior delegates from the U.S. and its operating markets. Representatives of NGOs, multinational institutions, arts organizations, and the media were also present.
It also showcased contemporary artwork from sub-Saharan Africa and presented a virtual reality experience of the National Museum of the Democratic Republic of Congo (developed in partnership with the Africell Impact Foundation).
In his address, Africell Group CEO and Chairman Ziad Dalloul said Africa and the United States of America have a huge amount to gain from a strong and open relationship.
“More trade and investment between Africa and the United States are good for both parties, creating opportunities for growth across the spectrum – including in Africell’s sector, telecommunications,” Mr. Dalloul said.
He added that Africell is proud to be the only U.S.-owned mobile operator in Africa and the company’s mission is to be seen as a positive example of international investment in Africa which inspires other businesses to follow.
The US government, through the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), is the company’s biggest external investor. Africell launched operations in Angola in April 2022 and also operates in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Sierra Leone, and The Gambia.
