Africell CEO Awarded Honorary award of distinction by Njala University has conferred an honorary award on the Chief Executive Officer of Africell Sierra Leone, Shadi Gerjawi, in recognition of his exceptional support to the institution and his transformative contribution to higher education and digital development in Sierra Leone.

The award was presented during the distinguished congregation of the university held on Saturday 20th December 2025, bringing together members of the University Council, senior management, faculty, students and invited guests.

Presenting the citation, the university described Shadi Gerjawi as a visionary leader with over two decades of distinguished service in the telecommunications sector. Appointed Chief Executive Officer of Africell Sierra Leone in 2011, he holds a Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Balamand in Lebanon and also studied at Fourah Bay College, University of Sierra Leone. Under his leadership, Africell has grown to become the country’s leading mobile network, serving more than three million subscribers with coverage reaching about 92 percent of the population.

The University highlighted Gerjawi’s strong belief in education as a catalyst for national transformation, noting that his partnership with the university has significantly strengthened its digital and technological capacity. Among the initiatives credited to his leadership are the implementation of an e learning big data project with zero rated access for students and staff, the establishment of an Innovation Lab and School of Coding with a strong focus on female empowerment, and the provision of SIM cards and specially designed data bundles to ensure seamless connectivity for students.

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The university also commended Africell’s role in advancing financial inclusion within the institution through the introduction of Afrimoney services for simplified payment of fees and the “Save to Buy” smartphone plans, which have made digital access more affordable for students. These interventions, according to the citation, have enhanced the university’s ICT infrastructure, supported online learning platforms and promoted academic excellence through various student recognition programmes.

Beyond his contributions to higher education, the university noted that Gerjawi has played a pioneering role in telecommunications innovation in Sierra Leone, with Africell being the first operator to launch 3G, 4G LTE and eSIM services in the country. His leadership has also embedded corporate social responsibility into the core of Africell’s operations, with support extending to healthcare, crisis response, community development and youth empowerment.

In his acceptance speech, Shadi Gerjawi said he was deeply honoured and humbled to receive the award from one of Sierra Leone’s most respected institutions of higher learning. He dedicated the recognition to the entire Africell family, whose commitment to national development, he said, continues to guide the company’s work.

He described Njala University as a symbol of excellence and innovation that has, over the decades, produced leaders and professionals who have shaped the country’s development across agriculture, science, technology and public service. According to him, being recognised by such an institution was both a privilege and a responsibility.

The CEO reaffirmed Africell’s belief that digital connectivity is not a luxury but a necessity for development, adding that the partnership with Njala University reflects this conviction. He said the collaboration had focused on strengthening digital infrastructure, supporting e learning platforms and ensuring that students and lecturers can access knowledge beyond the physical classroom.

He stressed that empowering universities with technology, research tools and digital access is essential to preparing students to compete in a global economy. He further noted that Africell remains committed to supporting education, innovation and youth empowerment, with particular attention to young women and underserved communities.

He said the award challenged the company to do even more in bridging the digital divide, expanding opportunities for learning and innovation, and working closely with institutions such as Njala University to unlock the full potential of Sierra Leone’s young people.

He expressed appreciation to the University Council, management, staff and students of Njala University for the honour, and called for sustained partnerships aimed at building a more connected, knowledgeable and prosperous Sierra Leone.

The honorary award underscores Africell’s growing reputation as a leading corporate partner in Sierra Leone’s development agenda. It reflects the company’s enduring commitment to supporting institutions of learning and shaping a digitally connected future for Sierra Leone.