On Thursday, 4th February 2026, the Orange Sierra Leone and the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) officially signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to sponsor the 2026 FA Cup. The ceremony, held at the Orange Digital Center building on Alpha Wurie Drive, Hill Station in Freetown, brought together top sports administrators, government officials, and corporate leaders in what many described as a defining moment for football development in Sierra Leone.
Delivering the opening statement, Orange SL’s Chief Marketing Officer, Abdramane Kone, welcomed delegates and emphasized that the company’s commitment extends beyond telecommunications services. He noted that Orange believes its responsibility is not limited to providing network connectivity but also includes meaningful social investment. Through this partnership, he said, the company is proud to contribute to the growth of football in Sierra Leone. Kone expressed appreciation to the SLFA and the Ministry of Sports for fostering the collaboration and pledged that Orange SL would work closely with all stakeholders to ensure the sponsorship translates into tangible impact.
SLFA President Babadi Kamara described the agreement as more than a corporate partnership, calling it a strategic intervention aimed at strengthening and modernizing football nationwide. He reflected on promises made during his election campaign six months ago and stated that the MoU with Orange SL represents one of several commitments being fulfilled systematically. According to Kamara, securing the partnership was not straightforward, but after presenting Sierra Leone’s case, Orange SL recognized the opportunity to replicate its football support model used in other countries.
Kamara highlighted significant milestones achieved within his short tenure, including securing major sponsorship from Leone Rock and increasing Sierra Leone Premier League sponsorship to 180,000 US dollars. He emphasized that, for the first time in many years, all major football competitions including the Male Premier League, Female Premier League, and divisional leagues are being organized within a single season framework. He also praised Orange SL as a company that consistently supports football globally, adding that corporate sponsorship not only benefits athletes but also contributes to national development by engaging youths and steering them away from social vices.
In a symbolic gesture of appreciation, Kamara voluntarily offered the Southern Arena Stadium, a 6,000-capacity facility, for free branding opportunities to Orange SL. He acknowledged the foundational efforts of former Orange CEO Sekou Bah and other company officials who facilitated the partnership, while also thanking the Ministry of Sports, the National Sports Authority (NSA), and the Government of Sierra Leone for providing a conducive environment for football operations.
Delivering her keynote address, Orange SL Chief Executive Officer Aicha Toure described the partnership as a strategic milestone.
“The Honourable Minister of Sports, the Executive Director of the National Sports Authority, the President of the Sierra Leone Football Association, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,” she began, “today marks a very important milestone for Orange Sierra Leone as we formalize this strategic commercial partnership for the 2026 SLFA tournament.”
She emphasized that football in Sierra Leone is more than sport it is passion, unity, and hope. “At Orange, we believe in the power of connection, and football connects our nation like few other platforms can,” she said.
Toure clarified that the agreement establishes a mutually beneficial partnership through which Orange will sponsor and support the 2026 FA Cup. “This is not just a sponsorship. It is a strategic collaboration,” she stressed.
She disclosed that over the past three years, Orange SL has invested more than NLe 2,500,000 in football development across Sierra Leone, supporting grassroots initiatives, league competitions, and infrastructure growth. She noted that the FA Cup’s prestige provides significant visibility and engagement opportunities but insisted that impact remains the primary objective.
According to her, the partnership will strengthen the football ecosystem, create opportunities for young talents, promote national pride, and drive positive fan engagement. Reaffirming the company’s broader vision, she stated, “At Orange Sierra Leone, we are committed to being more than a telecommunications company. We are a partner in national development.”
A representative of the National Sports Authority described the signing as another milestone in Sierra Leone’s football history, noting that football transcends sport and serves as a unifying national force. He commended Orange SL for its longstanding contributions, including support for national team engagements and league competitions, and encouraged both institutions to expand football access across the country.
Minister of Sports Augusta James-Teima praised the initiative, describing it as a significant boost to government efforts in sports development. She conveyed appreciation from the President of Sierra Leone and stressed that when football is properly structured, other sports disciplines benefit. The Minister noted that government expenditure on football is substantial, and Orange SL’s intervention represents meaningful support. She expressed optimism that the sponsorship would generate employment, strengthen human capital, and empower young people both on and off the pitch.
The ceremony culminated in the official signing of the agreement by CEO Aicha Toure and SLFA President Babadi Kamara. The full sponsorship package for the 2026 FA Cup is valued at NLe1.8 million, signaling renewed momentum for football development across Sierra Leone.
