By Sallieu S. Kanu
Africell Sierra Leone has recently launched Kidzonet, a pioneering SIM-based child online protection service designed to safeguard children’s internet use by limiting exposure to harmful and age-inappropriate content.
Unlike traditional app-based solutions, Kidzonet operates directly at the SIM level, requiring no mobile applications or complex device configurations. Parents and guardians can activate the service easily, ensuring protection across all mobile data usage. Africell described Kidzonet as Africa’s first SIM-based child online protection service, embedding safety directly into connectivity.
Speaking at the launch, Africell CEO Shadi Gerjawi said the initiative reflects the company’s belief that connectivity should be safe, responsible, and improve everyday life. “Kidzonet places trust, responsibility and care at the centre of Africell’s digital ecosystem,” he noted, adding that the SIM-based design removes technical barriers and makes the service inclusive and accessible.
Maama Seiwoh-Koroma, deputy director general at the National Communications Authority (NatCA), hailed the launch as a major milestone in safeguarding children online. She emphasized that while the internet is essential for learning and communication, it also exposes children to risks such as harmful content, cyberbullying, and online exploitation. She added that Kidzonet aligns with Sierra Leone’s legal framework, including the NatCA Act of 2022 and the Cybercrime Act of 2021, enforcing safe search, restricting social media access, filtering YouTube content, and providing a secure browsing environment.
Hindowa Buakai Bindi, deputy minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs, welcomed the initiative as timely in an increasingly connected and AI-driven world. He urged parents and guardians to actively supervise children’s online activities, warning that inappropriate content can quickly cause harm. He assured that the ministry will monitor the rollout to ensure the service serves the best interests of children nationwide.
Minister of Communication, Technology and Innovation Salima Bah commended Africell’s innovative approach, stressing that SIM-based filtering is critical since children can often bypass device-level controls. She called on other mobile network operators to prioritize child online protection and pledged government support to raise awareness and scale adoption through inter-ministerial collaboration.
Kidzonet can be activated by dialing *499#, selecting option 8, and following the prompts, at a fee of NLe9, payable via Afrimoney or airtime.
The launch underscores growing collaboration among telecom operators, regulators, and government institutions to strengthen child online safety in Sierra Leone’s expanding digital space.