Njala University has conferred an honorary Award of Distinction on the Chief Executive Officer of Africell Sierra Leone, Shadi Gerjawi, in recognition of his exceptional support to the institution and his transformative contributions to higher education and digital development in Sierra Leone.
The award was presented during the university’s distinguished congregation ceremony held on Saturday, December 20, 2025. The event brought together members of the University Council, senior management, faculty, students, and invited guests.
Presenting the citation, the university described Gerjawi as a visionary leader with more than 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 into the country’s leading mobile network, serving over three million subscribers with coverage reaching approximately 92 percent of the population.
The university highlighted Gerjawi’s strong belief in education as a catalyst for national transformation, noting that Africell’s partnership with Njala University has significantly strengthened its digital and technological capacity. Key initiatives credited to his leadership include 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 tailored data bundles to ensure seamless connectivity for students.
Njala University also commended Africell’s role in advancing financial inclusion through the introduction of Afrimoney services for simplified fee payments and the “Save to Buy” smartphone plans, which have made digital access more affordable for students. According to the citation, these interventions have enhanced the university’s ICT infrastructure, supported online learning platforms, and promoted academic excellence through various student recognition programmes.
Beyond higher education, the university noted Gerjawi’s pioneering role in telecommunications innovation in Sierra Leone, with Africell becoming the first operator to launch 3G, 4G LTE, and eSIM services in the country. His leadership has also embedded corporate social responsibility at the core of Africell’s operations, extending support to healthcare, crisis response, community development, and youth empowerment.
In his acceptance speech, 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 team, 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 produced generations of leaders and professionals who have shaped the country’s development across agriculture, science, technology, and public service. According to him, recognition from such an institution was both a privilege and a responsibility.
Reaffirming Africell’s belief that digital connectivity is a necessity rather than a luxury, Gerjawi said the partnership with Njala University reflects the company’s commitment to strengthening digital infrastructure, supporting e-learning platforms, and expanding access to knowledge beyond the physical classroom.
He stressed that empowering universities with technology, research tools, and digital access is critical to preparing students to compete in a global economy, adding that Africell remains committed to supporting education, innovation, and youth empowerment, with particular attention to young women and underserved communities.
Gerjawi said the award challenges Africell to do more to bridge the digital divide, expand opportunities for learning and innovation, and work closely with institutions such as Njala University to unlock the full potential of Sierra Leone’s young people.
The honorary award underscores Africell’s growing reputation as a leading corporate partner in Sierra Leone’s development agenda and reflects the company’s enduring commitment to supporting institutions of learning and shaping a digitally connected future for the country.
