Africell Sierra Leone on Wednesday, 7 January 2026, launched Kidzonet, a SIM-based child online protection service designed to help children access the internet safely while limiting exposure to harmful and age-inappropriate content.
The service was unveiled at the Africell E-Learning Center on Wilkinson Road, Freetown, and is being described by the company as Africa’s first SIM-based child online protection service, embedding safety directly into mobile connectivity.
Unlike app-based controls, Kidzonet operates at the SIM level, requiring no downloads or complex device configurations. Parents and guardians can easily activate the service, ensuring protections are enforced across all mobile data usage.
Speaking at the launch, Africell Sierra Leone Chief Executive Officer, Shadi Gerjawi, said Kidzonet reflects the company’s belief that connectivity should be safe, responsible, and designed to improve everyday life.
He said Africell’s role goes beyond providing network access to shaping how families and communities experience the digital world, adding that the SIM-based design makes the service simple, inclusive, and accessible to all.
“This initiative places trust, responsibility, and care at the centre of Africell’s digital ecosystem,” Gerjawi said, noting that Kidzonet gives parents peace of mind without technical barriers.
The Deputy Director General of the National Communications Authority (NCA), Maama Seiwoh-Koroma, described the launch as a major milestone in safeguarding children online.
She said while the internet is essential for learning and communication, it also exposes children to risks such as harmful content, cyberbullying, and online exploitation. According to her, Kidzonet aligns with Sierra Leone’s legal framework under the National Communications Authority Act 2022 and the Cybercrime Act 2021.
She explained that the service enforces safe search, restricts access to certain social media platforms, filters YouTube content, and provides a secure browsing environment for children.
The Deputy Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs, Hindowa Buakai Bindi, welcomed the initiative, describing it as timely in an increasingly connected and AI-driven world.
He said the Ministry has been advocating for stronger child online protection and sees Kidzonet as a practical step forward. Bindi also urged parents and guardians to actively supervise children’s online activities, warning that exposure to inappropriate content can quickly become harmful.
He assured that the Ministry would monitor the rollout to ensure the service serves the best interests of children nationwide.
Minister of Communication, Technology and Innovation, Salima Bah, commended Africell for its innovation and first-mover approach, noting that SIM-based filtering is critical because children can often bypass device-level controls.
She stressed the importance of balancing internet access with safety and urged other mobile network operators to prioritise child online protection. The Minister pledged government support to raise awareness and scale adoption through collaboration with relevant ministries.
Kidzonet can be activated by dialing *499#, pressing 8, and following the prompts for a fee of Le9, payable via Afrimoney or airtime.
The launch highlights growing collaboration between telecom operators, regulators, and government institutions to strengthen child online safety in Sierra Leone’s expanding digital space.
