Africell Sponsors SLBF to Elevate U16 Squad

The official sponsorship agreement between Africell and the Sierra Leone Basketball Federation (SLBF) was signed on Monday, July 7, 2025, at Africell’s headquarters on Pivot Street, Wilberforce. The signing ceremony drew senior SLBF officials, team players, media representatives, and various stakeholders who came together to celebrate what many hailed as a landmark moment for youth basketball in Sierra Leone.

The FIBA AfroBasket U16 tournament is Africa’s premier youth basketball championship and serves as a qualifying pathway to the FIBA U17 Basketball World Cup. Competing in the Zone 2 Qualifiers, Sierra Leone will face regional basketball giants such as Senegal, Mali, and Guinea.

Africell’s Chief Operating Officer, Malek El Koussa, delivered a powerful message during the event, emphasizing that the sponsorship was not just financial support but a strategic investment in the future of Sierra Leone’s youth.

This team represents not just themselves but the aspirations of an entire nation,” El Koussa said. “Supporting youth in sports is about investing in discipline, teamwork, and national pride. We believe in these young athletes and what they stand for.”

He also highlighted Africell’s longstanding collaboration with the SLBF, including their role in launching the country’s first national basketball league. El Koussa reaffirmed Africell’s commitment to supporting both grassroots and elite basketball programs.

SLBF President Ali Hijazi expressed heartfelt gratitude to Africell, underscoring the company’s pivotal role during challenging times.

Africell has stood by us in tough times supplying jerseys, equipment, and support when few others would. Their belief in basketball has not only uplifted the sport but also inspired countless young players across the country,” Hijazi stated.

Nancy Toure, Africell’s Event and Sponsorship Manager, placed the initiative within the company’s broader social mission.

Our support for basketball is part of a larger vision that includes education, parenting, and community upliftment,” she noted. “We believe in empowering youth through multiple avenues not just football. These U16 boys have shown resilience, talent, and the potential to make Sierra Leone proud on the African stage.”

SLBF Secretary General Ishmeal Bangura pointed to a critical moment when Africell’s support proved indispensable.

When funding gaps threatened to exclude us from the qualifiers, Africell stepped in. They provided new kits, refurbished the national court, and ensured we could compete. That support wasn’t just financial it was symbolic,” Bangura emphasized.

The U16 squad, brimming with talent and national pride, recently clinched a silver medal in a preparatory tournament. They now set their sights on qualifying for the AfroBasket finals in Rwanda later this year. Their journey has become a symbol of hope for youth empowerment and sports development in Sierra Leone.

Officials agree that Africell’s role transcends traditional sponsorship. It is a catalyst for national pride, youth engagement, and long-term transformation.

As Sierra Leone strengthens its presence in African basketball, the Africell-SLBF partnership stands as a shining example of how visionary corporate support can transform not only sports but futures.