Afrimoney, Cell-Lo Africa Launch ABOP Microloan to Empower Sierra Leoneans

By Kadiatu Samura

A new era of digital financial empowerment has begun in Sierra Leone as Afrimoney, in partnership with Cell-Lo Africa, officially launched the ABOP Microloan Service on October 30, 2025, at the Africell Conference Room in Wilberforce, Freetown.

The event marked a significant milestone in the country’s ongoing efforts to deepen financial inclusion and expand access to affordable credit for everyday citizens. The ABOP initiative which stands for “Hope” aims to provide instant and flexible microloans through Afrimoney wallets, helping Sierra Leoneans meet urgent personal and business financial needs.

Delivering the keynote address, Mr. Auron Sarpong, a representative from Cell-Lo Africa, described the occasion as “something truly special,” highlighting the purpose of ABOP as more than just a financial service but a symbol of empowerment and shared progress.

Real change happens when people are met at their point of need and at the right time,” he said. “ABOP is about meetings that need giving Sierra Leoneans, especially Afrimoney users, the means to access small but meaningful loans that can make a big difference in their daily lives.”

Mr. Sarpong noted that ABOP is designed for everyone from market women and commercial riders to students and small business owners offering them an opportunity to access funds quickly and conveniently through their mobile phones.

We all know the stories the market woman who needs capital, the keke and okada riders trying to make ends meet, and the young graduate seeking opportunity. These are the real heroes who keep this country moving. ABOP is our way of saying: we see you, we believe in you, and we’re here to support your growth,” he emphasized.

In his statement, Mr. Martison Obeng Augie, CEO of Afrimoney, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to driving financial inclusion across Sierra Leone. He explained that the ABOP microloan is designed to simplify access to credit, promote responsible borrowing, and empower individuals to take control of their finances.

He encouraged Sierra Leoneans to take advantage of the new service, saying:

If you have an Africell SIM card, simply dial *161# to open your Afrimoney wallet and start benefiting from this new opportunity.”

Mr. Augie also reminded users of the importance of responsible repayment to sustain the program’s long-term success:

Once you borrow, make every effort to pay back so that others can also benefit from this life-changing service.”

He expressed profound gratitude to Cell-Lo Africa for their partnership, the Bank of Sierra Leone for regulatory approval, and the Afrimoney team for their dedication in making the ABOP service a reality.

The launch of ABOP symbolizes more than the introduction of a product it represents a movement toward hope, opportunity, and shared prosperity for all Sierra Leoneans.