📱 Over 80% of Sierra Leoneans now use mobile money
From Freetown to remote villages, mobile wallets like Orange Money and Afrimoney are changing how people handle money.
Here are the top 10 reasons why mobile money is essential in 2025:
Instant Transfers
Receive money from abroad in 1-3 minutes, not days. Perfect for emergencies, urgent bills, and time-sensitive needs.
Example: Family in UK sends £100 via SendHome → Arrives in your Orange Money wallet in 2 minutes ⚡
Works on Any Phone
You don't need a smartphone or internet. Mobile money works on basic feature phones using USSD codes (*151# for Orange Money, *155# for Afrimoney).
Benefit: Financial inclusion for everyone, regardless of phone type or tech skills.
Safe and Secure
PIN-protected wallets, instant SMS notifications, and verified accounts mean your money is safer than cash. No risk of theft, loss, or counterfeit notes.
Security features: PIN required for all transactions, SMS alerts for every activity, digital transaction history.
No Need for a Bank
Many Sierra Leoneans don't have bank accounts. Mobile money provides financial services to everyone with just a phone and SIM card.
Impact: Financial inclusion reaches rural areas where banks don't operate.
Available Everywhere
Mobile money works nationwide — from Freetown to Makeni, Bo to Kenema, and remote villages. If you have mobile network coverage, you can use mobile money.
Coverage: Orange and Africell networks reach 95%+ of Sierra Leone's population.
Faster Business Payments
Market vendors, taxi drivers, and small business owners receive payments instantly. No waiting for change, no cash handling delays.
Business benefit: Faster transactions mean more customers served and better cash flow.
Lower Costs
Mobile money transactions are cheaper than traditional banking. No monthly fees, no minimum balance, just simple per-transaction costs.
Example: Receiving remittances via mobile money is free. Withdrawing cash has small, transparent fees.
Perfect for Emergencies
When family abroad sends money for medical bills, school fees, or urgent needs, mobile money delivers in minutes — not days.
Real impact: Instant access to funds can be life-saving during emergencies.
Enables Savings
Keep money safe in your mobile wallet instead of cash at home. Some providers offer savings features and interest on balances.
Financial planning: Track spending with transaction history, build emergency funds digitally.
Ideal for Receiving Money from Abroad
Services like SendHome deliver directly to mobile wallets in minutes. No travel to collection points, no queues, no hassle.
Convenience: Receive remittances anywhere in Sierra Leone, use immediately for bills, shopping, or business.
Why Mobile Money Matters
Mobile money isn't just a payment method — it's financial empowerment for millions of Sierra Leoneans. From receiving remittances to paying bills, buying goods, and running businesses, mobile wallets are transforming daily life.
📱 The future is digital, and mobile money is leading the way.
Whether you're in Freetown or a remote village, mobile money gives you instant access to financial services — no bank account needed.
Send Directly to Mobile Money
Use SendHome to deliver money to Afrimoney or Orange Money wallets in minutes.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Mobile Money
What is mobile money and how does it work in Sierra Leone?
Mobile money is a digital wallet service that works on any phone (even basic feature phones) using your SIM card. In Sierra Leone, the main providers are Orange Money and Afrimoney. You can send, receive, and store money using simple USSD codes (*151# or *155#) without needing a bank account or internet.
Is mobile money safe to use?
Yes, mobile money is very safe. All transactions require a PIN, you receive instant SMS notifications for every activity, accounts are linked to verified phone numbers with ID registration, and digital records track all transactions. It's actually safer than carrying cash.
Can I receive international remittances directly to my mobile wallet?
Yes! Services like SendHome deliver money directly to Orange Money and Afrimoney wallets in 1-3 minutes. No need to travel to collection points or stand in queues. The money arrives instantly and you can use it immediately.
Do I need a smartphone to use mobile money?
No, mobile money works on any phone, including basic feature phones. You can access all services using simple USSD codes that don't require internet or apps. This makes mobile money accessible to everyone in Sierra Leone.