A delegation from the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) of the Republic of The Gambia on Thursday, 26th March 2026, paid a courtesy visit to the headquarters of Qcell Sierra Leone in Freetown. The visit formed part of efforts to strengthen regional collaboration and share insights on telecommunications regulation and innovation.
Welcoming the delegation, Mr. Lawrence Mendy expressed appreciation for their time and the significance of their visit to Qcell’s operations in Sierra Leone. Speaking on behalf of the company, he highlighted the remarkable progress Qcell has made since entering Sierra Leone’s market in 2019.
According to Mr. Mendy, when Qcell began operations, one gigabyte (1GB) of data cost Le50 equivalent to approximately one US dollar. However, through strategic innovation and commitment, the company has significantly reduced costs, making data services more affordable and accessible, even for people in remote communities. He described this achievement as a major milestone in bridging the digital divide.
He further noted that Qcell has grown into a household name in Sierra Leone, particularly admired for its pro poor approach to service delivery. “Our success is driven by dedication, honesty, and a strong commitment to serving the people diligently,” he stated, adding that the company continues to work towards the vision of its chairman to make communication accessible across Africa.
Mr. Mendy emphasized that the visit by the Gambian delegation provided an opportunity for them to witness firsthand the improvements and impact Qcell has made in Sierra Leone’s telecommunications sector.
Speaking on behalf of the visiting delegation, Dr. Njogou L. Bah, Director General of the Authority for the Regulation of Public Services in The Gambia, expressed gratitude for the warm reception and commended the work being done by Qcell in Sierra Leone. He noted that it was encouraging to see familiar faces and professionals with whom they had previously collaborated in The Gambia.
Dr. Bah also praised the Chief Executive Officer of the Qcell Group, Mohammed Jah, for his visionary leadership and contributions to the telecommunications industry across Africa. He lauded his foresight in expanding beyond The Gambia to establish a strong presence in Sierra Leone.
“We appreciate his vision and the trust he has placed in you to represent him. Your work here reflects that confidence, urging staff to remain committed and uphold high standards of performance”, Mr. Bah stated
He encouraged the Qcell Sierra Leone team to maintain strong relationships with regulators and ensure compliance with national laws and policies, stressing that such cooperation is essential for sustained growth and stability in the sector. He also acknowledged the competitive nature of the Sierra Leonean market, noting that Qcell has successfully positioned itself as a key player while improving affordability and access.
Also speaking at the event, Edward Nelson Pratt, Head of Marketing at Qcell Sierra Leone, thanked the delegation for the visit and highlighted the importance of knowledge sharing across the region. He noted that Qcell Sierra Leone closely follows developments in The Gambia’s telecommunications sector, particularly regulatory advancements that have enhanced investor confidence and sector performance.
He emphasized that despite being a regulated entity, Qcell views regulators as partners in development and remains open to sharing ideas that will benefit the broader telecommunications landscape.
The visit concluded on a positive note, with both parties reaffirming their commitment to collaboration, innovation, and the continued growth of the telecommunications sector in West Africa.
