Njala University has conferred a prestigious honorary award on Mr. Shadi Gerjawi, Chief Executive Officer of Africell Sierra Leone, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to higher education, digital innovation, and national development. The honour highlights the growing role of private-sector leadership in strengthening Sierra Leone’s academic and technological landscape.
The award was presented during the university’s distinguished congregation ceremony held on Saturday, 20 December 2025, an event that brought together members of the University Council, senior administrators, faculty, graduating students, alumni, and invited dignitaries. The ceremony served not only as a celebration of academic achievement but also as an acknowledgment of transformative partnerships that are redefining the future of education in Sierra Leone.
Delivering the citation, the university described Mr. Gerjawi as a visionary and impact-driven leader whose commitment to education has gone beyond corporate sponsorship to effect meaningful, structural change. Appointed Chief Executive Officer of Africell Sierra Leone in 2011, Gerjawi has more than two decades of experience in the global telecommunications sector. He holds a Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Balamand in Lebanon and also undertook academic studies at Fourah Bay College, giving him a deep appreciation of both international and local educational environments.
Njala University praised Africell’s role in advancing financial inclusion within the institution, particularly through the introduction of Afrimoney services, which have simplified tuition and administrative fee payments for students. The company’s “Save to Buy” smartphone plans were also cited as a game-changer, making digital access more affordable for students and staff and reducing barriers to participation in online learning.
Under Gerjawi’s leadership, Africell has grown into Sierra Leone’s leading mobile network, serving more than three million subscribers with network coverage reaching approximately 92 percent of the population. The university noted that this expansive reach has been critical in enabling digital learning initiatives, especially for students in rural and underserved communities.
The citation highlighted several flagship interventions credited to Africell’s partnership with Njala University. These include the enhancement of the university’s ICT infrastructure, support for online and blended learning platforms, and the introduction 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 emphasis on female participation and empowerment, was also singled out as a milestone in promoting technology-driven education.
Additional support has included the provision of SIM cards and specially designed data bundles to ensure seamless connectivity across campuses, helping students and lecturers access academic resources beyond the physical classroom. According to the university, these initiatives have strengthened teaching, research, and innovation, while fostering a culture of academic excellence.
In his acceptance speech, Mr. Gerjawi expressed deep gratitude for the honour, describing it as both a privilege and a responsibility. He dedicated the award to the entire Africell family, acknowledging the collective commitment of the company’s workforce to national development.
He described Njala University as a symbol of excellence and innovation, noting its historic role in producing leaders and professionals who have shaped Sierra Leone’s development in agriculture, science, technology, and public service. Being recognised by such an institution, he said, reaffirmed Africell’s belief that education is a cornerstone of sustainable development.
Gerjawi emphasized that digital connectivity is no longer a luxury but a necessity, particularly for countries seeking to compete in a global knowledge economy. He reiterated Africell’s commitment to strengthening digital infrastructure, supporting e-learning, and ensuring that universities are equipped with the tools needed for research, innovation, and skills development.
Beyond education, the university acknowledged Gerjawi’s broader impact in embedding corporate social responsibility into Africell’s operations, with support extending to healthcare, crisis response, community development, and youth empowerment. Africell’s pioneering role as the first operator to launch 3G, 4G LTE, and eSIM services in Sierra Leone was also highlighted as evidence of his forward-looking leadership.
Concluding his remarks, Gerjawi reaffirmed Africell’s long-term commitment 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 more in bridging the digital divide and unlocking the full potential of Sierra Leone’s young people through sustained partnerships with institutions like Njala University.
The honorary award underscores Africell’s growing reputation as a trusted corporate partner in Sierra Leone’s development agenda and reflects its enduring commitment to shaping a digitally connected and knowledge-driven future for the country.
