Africell Sierra Leone on Wednesday launched Kidzonet, a SIM-based child online protection service designed to help children access the internet safely while limiting exposure to harmful and age-inappropriate content.
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 Kidzonet reflects the company’s belief that connectivity should be safe, responsible and improve everyday life. He noted that Africell’s role goes beyond providing network access to shaping how families and communities experience the digital world.
Gerjawi added that the SIM-based design removes technical barriers, making the service inclusive and accessible, while giving parents peace of mind. He said the initiative places trust, responsibility and care at the centre of Africell’s digital ecosystem.
Maama Seiwoh-Koroma, deputy director general at the National Communications Authority (NatCA), described the launch as a major milestone in safeguarding children online. She said while the internet is essential for learning and communication, it also exposes children to risks such as harmful content, cyberbullying and online exploitation.
She said Kidzonet aligns with Sierra Leone’s legal framework, including the NatCA Act of 2022 and the Cybercrime Act of 2021. According to her, the service enforces safe search, restricts access to social media platforms, filters YouTube content and provides a secure browsing environment for children.
Hindowa Buakai Bindi, the deputy minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs, welcomed the initiative, describing it as timely in an increasingly connected and AI-driven world. He said the ministry has been advocating for stronger child online protection and views Kidzonet as a practical step forward.
Bindi called on 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.
Salima Bah, minister of Communication, Technology and Innovation, commended Africell for its innovative, first-mover approach. She said SIM-based filtering is critical, noting that children can often bypass device-level controls.
She stressed the need to balance internet access with safety and urged other mobile network operators to prioritise child online protection. The minister 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 highlights growing collaboration among telecom operators, regulators and government institutions to strengthen child online safety in the country’s expanding digital space.
