Africell

What Africell does

Africell is a privately held pan-African mobile telecommunications operator headquartered in Freetown, Sierra Leone, operating across four markets: Sierra Leone (since 2005), The Gambia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Angola. The company positions itself as the market leader in Sierra Leone, and holds a 27.8% market share in Angola as of January 2025. It is part of the Lintel Group and is led by Group CEO and founder Ziad Dalloul, with Shadi Al-Gerjawi serving as CEO of the Sierra Leone operations.

The company's core product is a 4G+ mobile network with commercial 5G services, layered with FTTH fiber broadband (5 Mbps to 1 Gbps), eSIM, mobile devices, and enterprise solutions including Private APN, toll-free, short code, SMPP, and PBX connectivity. A central adjacent platform is Afrimoney, a mobile money service offering P2P transfers (free of charge), cash-in/cash-out via 47+ POS and agent locations, bill payments (EDSA, DSTV, WAEC, Guma Valley Water, Njala University), merchant payments, AfriCredit micro-loans, bank interoperability, and a PYYPL-integrated Visa Card for international payments. Distribution combines company-owned retail shops in Freetown, Bo, Makeni, Kenema, and Kono with a wide agent network and USSD self-service.

Africell monetizes through a hybrid model: usage-based voice and data bundles, transaction fees on mobile money (notably free P2P as a hook), recurring enterprise subscriptions, hardware sales, and a recent expansion into crypto/blockchain services via a partnership with Binance. The company runs a heavy CSR and community-events program (sports sponsorships, digital literacy training, UN Women's Empowerment Principles signatory status) that doubles as brand and talent pipeline investment. Customer segments are primarily mass-market consumers, financially underserved unbanked users, and an emerging enterprise/government cohort, with a hybrid go-to-market spanning direct-to-consumer retail, USSD self-service, the MyAfricell mobile app, and an enterprise field sales team.

Name

Africell

Legal name

Africell

Website

https://africell.sl

Company type

Private

Founded year

2000

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

251–500 employees

Short description

Africell is a privately held pan-African mobile telecom operator serving consumers, enterprises, and the unbanked in Sierra Leone, The Gambia, DRC, and Angola via 4G/5G, FTTH, and the Afrimoney mobile money platform.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Freetown

HQ country

Sierra Leone

Offices9 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Voice and Data Services: Core mobile telecommunications revenue from voice calls, SMS, and mobile data bundles for individual consumers. Revenue generated through prepaid airtime purchases and data bundle subscriptions.
2. Mobile Money Transactions: Transaction fees from P2P transfers, cash in/out services, bill payments, merchant payments, and banking integrations through the Afrimoney platform. Free P2P transfers advertised but cash-out and bill payments generate fees.
3. Enterprise Business Solutions: B2B services including dedicated internet, FTTH, Private APN, toll-free numbers, short codes, SMPP messaging, PBX connectivity, and data hosting for corporate customers.
4. Device Sales: Sale of mobile devices including smartphones, modems, routers, and related hardware through retail channels.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels7 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Africell is a pan-African mobile telecommunications operator delivering mobile voice, data, and SMS services over 4G/LTE and 5G networks across Sierra Leone, The Gambia, Democratic Republic of Congo, and Angola. Its core commercial offering is complemented by the Afrimoney mobile money platform, FTTH fiber-to-the-home broadband, and a portfolio of enterprise connectivity services (Private APN, Toll Free, Short Code, SMPP, PBX, Dedicated Internet, Data Hosting). Customer-facing access is provided through retail shops, authorized agents, the MyAfricell self-care app, and USSD codes.

Product overview

Africell is a pan-African telecommunications company operating across four markets (Sierra Leone, The Gambia, Democratic Republic of Congo, and Angola) with a portfolio centered on mobile network services and mobile money. The core offering comprises Voice, Data & SMS services delivered over 4G/LTE and 5G networks, complemented by FTTH fiber broadband for homes and businesses. The Afrimoney mobile money platform serves as a critical adjacent service, integrating P2P transfers, bill payments, merchant services, AfriCredit micro-lending, and bank interoperability. Enterprise offerings include Private APN, Toll Free, Short Code, SMPP SMS, and PBX Connectivity solutions for business communications. Additional services span device sales (smartphones, modems/routers), eSIM technology, and the MyAfricell self-care app. The product architecture combines a unified telecom network infrastructure with the Afrimoney financial services platform as a distinct but integrated sub-brand.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Afrimoney: Mobile money service for secure money transfers, bill payments, and financial inclusion
• MyAfricell App

Products and services

• Voice, Data & SMS Services Core mobile telecommunications service providing voice calls, SMS messaging, and mobile data connectivity to individual and business subscribers across Sierra Leone, The Gambia, DRC, and Angola.
• Afrimoney Mobile Money Mobile money platform enabling P2P transfers, cash-in/cash-out, bill payments (EDSA, DSTV, WAEC, water), merchant payments, bank interoperability, international remittances, and access to AfriCredit micro-lending. Accessible via USSD *161# without a smartphone.
• FTTH (Fiber-to-the-Home) High-speed fiber optic internet service for homes and businesses offering symmetric speeds from 5 Mbps to 1 Gbps on monthly subscription plans with competitive pricing and free installation on select tiers.
• 5G Mobile Network Service Fifth-generation mobile network service offering ultra-fast speeds and low latency for enhanced mobile broadband experiences to compatible devices.
• Private APN (Access Point Name) Enterprise-grade private network service providing secure gateway data connections for POS terminals, fleet tracking, and M2M applications with MPLS circuit design and public IP leasing options.
• Toll Free Service Enterprise voice and SMS service allowing customers to contact a business free of charge, with the business bearing all traffic charges on behalf of callers.
• Short Code Service Reverse-billing communication service enabling customers to contact businesses with the customer paying for calls and SMS; requires authorized short code from NaTCA.
• SMPP Bulk SMS Service Bulk SMS messaging service using Short Message Peer-to-Peer protocol for secure, large-scale campaign communications with guaranteed delivery to active recipients.
• PBX Connectivity Voice service delivered over multiple aggregated channels via customer-premises PBX, enabling virtual line assignment, unlimited SIP calls, simultaneous call capability, and customized voice rates.
• Dedicated Internet Connection Enterprise internet connectivity solution providing consistent, dedicated bandwidth for business operations and government institutions.
• Data Hosting Enterprise data hosting service for businesses requiring secure infrastructure for data storage and management.
• AfriCredit Micro-Lending Mobile micro-lending service accessible through Afrimoney, allowing eligible users to check loan limits, request loans, view loan statements, and repay loans via USSD.
• Afrimoney Cash-In / Cash-Out Cash deposit and withdrawal services for Afrimoney subscribers through authorized agents, kiosks, and partner banks nationwide; cash-in is free.
• Afrimoney Money Transfer (P2P) Person-to-person money transfer service allowing Afrimoney subscribers to send money to registered and unregistered users, including cross-network transfers, with free P2P transactions up to LE 15,000.
• Afrimoney Merchant Payments Service enabling merchants to receive payments from customers via Afrimoney using payment amount and reference ID, supporting digital commerce.
• eSIM Service Embedded SIM technology allowing subscribers to activate Africell services without a physical SIM card on compatible devices.
• MyAfricell Self-Care App Mobile self-care application for Android and iOS that enables subscribers to manage their Africell account, buy data bundles, and perform transactions on the go.
• Device Offers (Smartphones) Sale of mobile handsets and smartphones from partner brands through Africell's retail and online channels.
• Modems & Routers Mobile broadband devices including 4G MiFi devices and routers for internet connectivity, typically bundled with data plans.
• Mobile Data Bundles Prepaid data package offerings in daily, weekly, monthly, and long-validity options including social media bundles, sold via USSD and the MyAfricell app, with prices from LE 0.40 for 15 MB.
• Telephony (Business Telephony) Business telephony service providing reliable voice communications for enterprise and government customers.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 500 schoolgirls and 60 female entrepreneurs trained in digital skills in remote districts
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers8 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration4 records

Feature4 records

Partnerships

15 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• BinancecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 20 February 2026Partnership to expand blockchain education, cryptocurrency literacy, and digital asset services across African markets. Combining Binance's global blockchain expertise with Africell's local mobile infrastructure. Initiatives include crypto-as-a-service solutions for digital payments, co-branded educational courses via Binance Academy, and enhanced P2P trading integrations. The collaboration may extend to other Lintel Group companies.
• Volleyball Federation of Sierra Leone (VFSL)coreGTM or Marketing Partner · 30 July 2025Partnership spanning nearly 15 years supporting national volleyball teams. Includes sponsorship of U18 Continental Cup team, construction of Africell Beach Arena as training and competition venue. VFSL has qualified for World Championships and Youth Games with Africell support since 2008.
• Africell Impact FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 14 April 2025Foundation manages Africell's social impact initiatives including Learning and Training Center for digital skills, web design courses, education support at university convocation ceremonies, and women empowerment programs.
• Street Child Sierra LeonecoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 4 April 2025Long-standing partnership for annual Street Child Marathon (12th edition). Digital registration and payment via Afrimoney (*162*4#). Partnership includes empowerment loan scheme facilitation and family relocation assistance funded by German partners, processed through Afrimoney platform.
• Sierra Leone Basketball Federation (SLBF)coreGTM or Marketing Partner · 15 January 2025Strategic partnership for basketball development including constructing nation's first-ever indoor basketball court in Aberdeen. Collaboration to develop basketball at national levels with expected completion within three years. Africell Group Chairman Ziad Dalloul approved project funding.
• Njala UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Landmark partnership for digital transformation of university financial and administrative operations. Afrimoney enables seamless payment services for tuition, fees, and other university transactions.
• Denk PharmaminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 14 November 2024Collaboration for diabetes testing event at Africell Wilberforce office in recognition of World Diabetes Day. Initiative provided free testing and educational resources on diabetes prevention for employees.
• Guma Valley Water Company (GVWC)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 2 October 2024Partnership enabling water bill payments through Afrimoney platform. Allows customers to pay GVWC bills from home via dial *161*2*11*9#, entering GVWC account number and confirming with Afrimoney PIN. Available throughout GVWC service areas.
• PYYPLcoreTechnology or Integration · 1 July 2024Partnership introducing exclusive Visa Card integrating with Afrimoney mobile service, providing virtual or physical cards for local and international transactions. Service merges Mobile Money with Visa Card functionalities, granting global access without bank accounts through the Afrimoney mobile wallet.
• Media Matters for WomencoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 8 May 2024Joint launch of Digitruck Salone - mobile unit aiming to narrow digital gender gap in deprived communities and foster female leadership by teaching computer and entrepreneurship skills.
• United States Trade and Development Agency (USTDA)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 6 May 2024Feasibility study to expand internet access throughout Sierra Leone, funded by U.S. Trade and Development Agency. Study aims to connect more communities, empower individuals, and symbolizes commitment to a more digital-friendly and inclusive Sierra Leone. Launched at Africell-American Corner at Bathurst Street.
• United States Embassy / American CornercoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Partnership establishing Africell-American Corner at Bathurst Street, providing access to digital resources and supporting USTDA internet expansion feasibility study.
• Ministry of Communication, Technology and Innovation (Sierra Leone)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Government partnership for digital development including Sierra Leone Innovates Tech Summit sponsorship, Careers in STEM initiatives, and national digital transformation goals.
• UN WomencoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Partnership for women's empowerment including signing UN Women's Empowerment Principles. Collaborated on International Women's Day 2025 celebration alongside UNDP and ILO representatives.
• Well Woman ClinicminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 21 October 2023Annual Breast Cancer Family Fun Walk partnership raising awareness about breast cancer. Joint effort demonstrating community health commitment and women's health empowerment.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights7 records

Broad incumbents

• Orange: Global telecommunications group with a significant African footprint, including Orange Money. Comparable as a broader incumbent offering voice, data, mobile money and enterprise services across multiple African markets.

Direct peers

• MTN Group: Pan-African mobile operator with dominant positions across West and Central Africa and a large mobile money platform (MTN MoMo). Most directly comparable to Africell on multi-country mobile + mobile money model.
• Unitel: Dominant mobile operator in Angola with ~65.7% market share — the primary competitor Africell faces in the Angolan market and the most direct peer for that geography.
• Safaricom: Kenyan mobile operator and pioneer of M-Pesa, the most successful mobile money platform globally. Comparable to Africell on the convergence of mobile network operations with a scaled mobile money ecosystem.
• Econet Wireless: Pan-African mobile operator with operations across multiple African countries including DRC and similar emerging markets. Comparable multi-country mobile footprint with adjacent financial-services offerings.
• Airtel Africa: Pan-African mobile operator with presence across multiple West and Central African markets including DRC, offering Airtel Money. Directly comparable on geographic footprint and integrated mobile money strategy.

Others

• IHS Towers: Major African telecom tower company with operations across multiple African markets including DRC and Côte d'Ivoire. Comparable as tower-sharing infrastructure enabling network rollout economics.
• Helios Towers: Telecom tower infrastructure operator across Africa. Comparable as enabling infrastructure provider supporting the kind of 4G/5G network expansion Africell is pursuing.
• Onafriq (formerly MFS Africa): Mobile money interoperability and cross-border payments hub connecting African wallets. Comparable as ecosystem infrastructure that enables Afrimoney's bank-to-wallet and cross-network transfer integrations.

Emerging players

• Wave: Mobile money operator expanding across West Africa (Senegal, Côte d'Ivoire, Gambia). Comparable to Afrimoney on USSD-first mobile money targeting unbanked populations, though as a mobile-money pure play rather than integrated telco.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/AfricellSalone
• Facebookfacebook.com/AfricellSierraLeone
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/africell
• Instagraminstagram.com/africell

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles13 records

Subsidiaries2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Africell