By: yusufibrahimkamara@hopemediasl.com
In a bold move to strengthen child protection in the digital space, Africell Sierra Leone has launched Kidzonet, a groundbreaking SIM-based child online safety service designed to give young internet users secure and age-appropriate access to the digital world. The service was officially unveiled on Wednesday, 7 January 2026, at the Africell E-Learning Centre on Wilkinson Road in Freetown, drawing government officials, regulators, child-rights advocates, and media practitioners.
Kidzonet is being hailed as Africa’s first SIM-level child online protection service, marking a significant shift from traditional app-based or device-dependent parental controls. By embedding safety features directly into the SIM card, the service ensures that children remain protected across all mobile data usage, regardless of the type of phone or device they use. This innovation removes technical barriers for parents and guardians, offering a simple yet powerful solution to one of the most pressing challenges of the digital age.
Unlike conventional controls that can be easily bypassed by tech-savvy children, Kidzonet works automatically once activated. The service filters harmful and explicit content, restricts access to inappropriate social media platforms, and ensures that YouTube content is suitable for a child’s age. With no need to download applications or configure complex settings, Kidzonet places online safety at the very core of connectivity.
Speaking at the launch, Shadi Gerjawi, Chief Executive Officer of Africell Sierra Leone, described Kidzonet as a reflection of the company’s commitment to responsible digital inclusion. He emphasized that while internet access is essential for learning and innovation, it must not come at the expense of children’s safety.
“Connectivity should improve everyday life without exposing our children to unnecessary risks,” Gerjawi said. “Kidzonet is simple, inclusive, and designed to give parents peace of mind, even if they have no technical expertise.”
From a regulatory perspective, the launch was described as a milestone in Sierra Leone’s digital safety journey. Maama Seiwoh-Koroma, Deputy Director General of the National Communications Authority, warned that children are increasingly vulnerable to cyberbullying, harmful content, and online exploitation as internet penetration grows. She noted that Kidzonet aligns with key national legislation, including the Cybercrime Act 2021 and the National Communications Authority Act 2022, ensuring that child protection measures are both practical and legally compliant.
Adding a child-welfare lens to the discussion, Hindowa Buakai Bindi, Deputy Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs, welcomed the initiative as timely and necessary. He urged parents and guardians not to rely solely on technology but to remain actively involved in guiding children’s online behavior.
“Harmful content can influence children very quickly,” he cautioned. “Kidzonet is a strong tool, but parental supervision and guidance remain essential.”
The Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs, he said, will closely oversee the rollout of the service to ensure it delivers real benefits to children across the country, including those in underserved communities.
Delivering the keynote address, Salima Bah, Minister of Communication, Technology and Innovation, praised Africell’s innovative approach, noting that SIM-level filtering is particularly effective because children often find ways around device-based controls. She called on other mobile network operators to prioritize child online safety and pledged government support to scale awareness and adoption nationwide.
“Protecting children online is a shared responsibility,” she said. “This is the kind of innovation we want to see technology that serves society and safeguards our future generation.”
Kidzonet is affordable and easy to activate. Parents and guardians can dial *499#, select option 8, and follow the prompts. The service costs Le9 and can be paid via Afrimoney or airtime, making it accessible to a wide range of households.
The launch of Kidzonet signals a growing collaboration between telecom providers, regulators, and government institutions to build a safer digital ecosystem for children. As Sierra Leone’s digital landscape continues to expand, initiatives like Kidzonet demonstrate how innovation, policy, and social responsibility can come together to protect the most vulnerable users ensuring that the internet remains a tool for learning, growth, and opportunity, not harm.