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Remittances from the diaspora are one of the key pillars of Sierra Leone’s economy, accounting for nearly 30% of the country’s GDP. This figure highlights the critical role these funds play in supporting the national economy and ensuring financial stability for households.
Approximately 75% of households in Sierra Leone receive remittances—either fully or partially—making them a vital source for meeting essential needs such as food, housing, education, and healthcare.
The allocation of remittances is mainly distributed across:
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Education (45%): Covering tuition fees, school supplies, and related expenses.
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Healthcare (30%): Paying for medical treatments and healthcare services, which are top priorities for families.
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Small businesses (25%): Funding startups and expanding local enterprises, fostering job creation and economic growth.
Challenges of Traditional Money Transfers to Sierra Leone
Despite their importance, sending money to Sierra Leone through traditional channels still faces several obstacles:
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Slow processing: Bank transfers can take up to five business days, delaying access to much-needed funds.
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High fees: Charges typically range from 7% to 12% of the Transfer amount, significantly reducing what recipients actually receive.
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Limited access: Only about 60% of Sierra Leone’s population has access to a bank account, making it difficult for many to receive money easily.
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Tracking difficulties: Traditional systems often lack transparent, real-time tracking, leaving both senders and receivers uncertain about transaction progress.
Technical Requirements for Sender and Recipient
Party | Requirements |
---|---|
Sender | - iPhone 6 or newer, running iOS 15 or above. - A supported Visa, Mastercard, or American Express card. - A verified TOWB account with completed KYC (Know Your Customer) process for secure transactions. |
Recipient | - A bank account with one of the following partner banks: Sierra Leone Commercial Bank, Rokel Commercial Bank, EcoBank. - Or a registered mobile wallet such as Orange Money or AfriMoney, providing fast and flexible options. |
How the System Works
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Data Encryption: All transactions are secured using AES-256 encryption combined with two-factor authentication (2FA) for maximum protection.
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Funds Flow:
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The sender pays via Apple Pay to TOWB.
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TOWB transfers the funds to a partner bank in Sierra Leone.
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The funds are then delivered to the recipient’s bank account or mobile wallet.
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Settlement Time: Depending on the receiving method, transfers are completed within 15 to 90 minutes, far faster than traditional banking channels.
Step-by-Step Guide to Sending Money
1. Preparing Your TOWB Account
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Download the TOWB app from the App Store.
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Register with your email and create an account.
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Verify your identity by uploading a clear passport photo and a selfie, ensuring compliance and security.
2. Executing the Transfer
Step 1: Choose destination and amount
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Select Sierra Leone as your target country.
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Use TOWB’s currency calculator to check the amount your recipient will receive in Sierra Leonean Leone (SLL).
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Note Transfer limits:
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$500 daily cap for new users.
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$5,000 monthly for fully verified accounts.
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Step 2: Enter recipient details
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Input the recipient’s full legal name (as per official documents).
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Add their phone number (including country code +232) for direct SMS notifications.
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Provide bank account details or mobile wallet ID.
Step 3: Review and confirm
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Double-check:
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Transfer amount in USD.
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Converted amount in SLL.
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Total applicable fees.
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Confirm payment via Apple Pay.
Step 4: Authenticate and complete
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Authorize using Face ID or Touch ID.
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Instant confirmation and tracking notifications are sent to both sender and receiver.
3. After the Transfer: Tracking and Management
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Real-time tracking with color codes:
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Blue: Processing – please wait.
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Green: Completed – funds successfully delivered.
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Red: Action needed – contact support.
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Problem management and support:
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Built-in claims form within the app.
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24/7 live chat with TOWB’s support team.
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Security and Protection
1. TOWB’s Advanced Security Measures
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Data protection in transit: All communication is encrypted using TLS 1.3, the latest global standard.
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Secure storage: Data is hosted on AWS servers, with advanced protection against DDoS attacks.
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AI-powered fraud detection: Real-time monitoring of all transfers to identify and stop suspicious activities.
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Transaction insurance: TOWB offers up to $10,000 insurance coverage for transfers, adding an extra financial safety net.
2. Essential Security Tips for Users
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Use strong, unique passwords with numbers, symbols, and mixed-case letters.
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Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for added protection.
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Always double-check recipient details before confirming a transfer.
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Start with a small test transfer before sending larger amounts.
Customer Support and Troubleshooting
1. Available Support Channels
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Live chat through the app/website.
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Email support.
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Dedicated WhatsApp groups.
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Emergency phone support.
2. Common Issues and Solutions
Issue | Suggested Solution | Timeframe |
---|---|---|
Transfer declined | Check card limits and retry. | Immediate |
Incorrect recipient details | Contact support to update. | 15–60 minutes |
Transfer delays | Track with reference number or contact support. | 1–3 hours |
Conclusion: Why Choose TOWB with Apple Pay?
After analyzing more than 10,000 transactions, TOWB consistently proves its reliability:
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94% of transfers are completed in under one hour.
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99.2% customer satisfaction, reflecting trust and service quality.
Next Steps:
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Download the TOWB app from the [App Store].
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Enjoy our special offer: your first Transfer is 100% fee-free!
At TOWB, we believe every Leone counts. We are your secure bridge to loved ones in Sierra Leone.
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