By: Alex Lansana Claye
The Minister of Sports Madam Augusta James-Teima has described the recent partnership between Orange and the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) as a significant milestone in the history of sports in Sierra Leone
Speaking at the signing ceremony held at the Orange office at Hill Station on Wednesday, 4th March 2026, the Minister expressed gratitude, on behalf of President Julius Maada Bio, to Orange for its continued support toward the development of football and sports in the country.
She emphasized that sport is more than entertainment, noting that it is a business, craft, science, and art that requires proper management through planning, organization, leadership, and evaluation.
Highlighting the importance of football to the nation, Madam Augusta James-Teima stated that the sport remains central to the identity of Sierra Leoneans because it unites the country. She added that the government strongly believes that if football grows successfully, other sports disciplines will also benefit and develop.
The Minister commended Orange and the Sierra Leone Football Association for prioritizing grassroots football development. According to her, the partnership will help reduce the financial burden the government often carries in funding football and other sporting activities.
She further linked the sponsorship to the government’s five national priorities: feeding the nation, creating jobs for youth, human capital development, infrastructure development, and public sector reform.
She explained that the Ministry of Sports plays a direct role in job creation and human capital development. She noted that the football sponsorship will create opportunities not only for players but also for coaches, administrators, medical staff, transport operators, and other sectors connected to the sport.
In her closing remarks, Minister Augusta James-Teima encouraged the Sierra Leone Football Association to continue working responsibly with Orange, describing the partnership as a strong and positive relationship capable of further improving sports in the country. She concluded by thanking the company for its commitment to supporting sports and national development.
The signing ceremony was attended by officials from the Ministry of Sports,National Sports Authority, representatives of Orange, and executives of the Sierra Leone Football Association.
