Indian High Commissioner meets Sierra Leone’s Minister of Agriculture, discusses food processing mechanisms

Freetown, Thursday 12 June 2025 - Indian High Commissioner to Sierra Leone,  Baisnab Charan Pradhan has met with Sierra Leone’s Minister of Agriculture and Food Security to discuss agricultural initiatives, particularly food processing mechanisms.
 
During the meeting at Youyi Building, the Indian Envoy said that Sierra Leone’s agricultural sector was endowed with lot of potentials which India was standing ready to collaborate in. He said there was a need for the signing of Memorandum of Understanding between the two countries as part of setting the foundation for deeper cooperation in the food production field.
 
High Commissioner Pradhan also invited the Minister to the  India-Africa Business Conclave in New Delhi that would focus on agriculture and food processing, noting that the event would serve as an opportunity to market the agricultural potentials of Sierra Leone to both Indian and other foreign investors. He stated that many Indians were interested in investing in Sierra Leone’s food processing sector, adding that the Minister’s participation at the event in August this year would enable him meet with business and financial partners in India and attract investment.
 
Also at the meeting was Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates with accreditation to India, Rashid Sesay who spoke about the long history and synergies between the two countries. He said that India had been a long term partner to Sierra Leone offering huge potentials in the area of agriculture that both countries stood to benefit from. 
 
On his part, Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Henry Musa Kpaka described India as a power that had risen in population and other areas. He expressed optimism about the potentials that existed in the relations between Sierra Leone and the South-Asian state. Minister Kpaka also mentioned India’s success story in rice production which Sierra Leone could learn from and assured of his commitment to explore the opportunities for future cooperation.
 
For more enquiries:
Mohamed Lamin Massaquoi
Information Attaché, United Arab Emirates
+971 50 2089695
massaquoi@slembassyuae.com

Ambassador Rashid Sesay hands over Mpox vaccines to Ministry of Health

Lungi, Port Loko district, Tuesday 3 June 2025 - Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Rashid Sesay has handed over 20,000 doses of Mpox vaccines to the Ministry of Health and Sanitation at a brief ceremony held at the Freetown International Airport in Lungi, Port Loko district, Northwest, Sierra Leone. 
 
The vaccines were donated by the Government of the United Arab Emirates to bolster Sierra Leone’s response to the Mpox virus outbreak. The assistance from the UAE signifies the depth of bilateral relations between the two countries and more importantly, the strength of brotherly relations between President Dr. Julius Maada Bio and the UAE President, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan. 
 
Handing over the items, Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to the UAE, Rashid Sesay described the donation as a testament of the strong bonds of friendship between President Bio and his UAE counterpart. He said that with the rising number of Mpox cases, the donation was coming at a crucial time to strengthen the country’s response. He also thanked the UAE government and people for the support.
 
Receiving the items on behalf of the Government of Sierra Leone, Acting Minister of Health and Sanitation, Dr. Charles Senessie thanked the UAE for the timely donation adding that the gesture was a demonstration of the UAE’s confidence in President Bio and his government. He also reiterated President Bio’s passion for and commitment to the healthcare of every Sierra Leonean, while assuring that their ministry would continue to deliver on the President’s vision.  
 
World Health Organization Country Representative for Sierra Leone, Dr. George Ameh said that Sierra Leone’s response to the outbreak had been classical in line with the recommended scientific norms and best practices that obtained in other places. He described vaccines as critical component, noting that the UAE support was coming at a critical moment to boost the response. 
 
For more enquiries:
Mohamed Lamin Massaquoi
Information Attaché, United Arab Emirates
+971 50 2089695
massaquoi@slembassyuae.com

United Arab Emirates donates 20,000 Mpox Vaccines to Sierra Leone

PRESS RELEASE
 
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, Wednesday 28 May 2025 - The Government of the United Arab Emirates has donated 20,000 doses of Mpox vaccine to Sierra Leone to support the country’s response to the outbreak. The vaccines are expected to arrive at the Freetown International Airport on Sunday, 1st June 2025.
 
Reacting to the generous gesture from the UAE authorities, Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to the UAE, Rashid Sesay said that: “On behalf of His Excellency President Dr Julius Maada Bio and the people of Sierra Leone, I extend my deepest gratitude to our UAE friends for this kind and timely assistance. This move reinforces the strength of bilateral and friendly relationship between our two countries.” 
 
Over the years, the UAE has been a supportive partner to Sierra Leone. It could be recalled that during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Gulf-state donated seven metric tonnes of medical supplies to support Sierra Leone’s efforts to curb the pandemic. The UAE also made similar donations of sixteen metric tonnes of urgent medical items in response to the Wellington fire incident in 2021. Health authorities described the 2021 donation as timely, representing the largest foreign assistance to the incident and as crucial assistance in supporting the quick recovery of the fire victims.
 
In a bid to curtail the spread of the disease, the health authorities in Sierra Leone earlier this month, issued several guidelines including frequent handwashing and reducing overcrowding particularly in public places. So far, figures from health authorities report that the country has recorded a total of 3185 confirmed cases with 15 deaths. 
 
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For more enquiries:
Mohamed Lamin Massaquoi
Information Attaché, United Arab Emirates
+971 50 2089695
massaquoi@slembassyuae.com

Ambassador Rashid Sesay addresses 2025 Africa Day, discusses the continent’s investment opportunities

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, Sunday 25 May 2025 - Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Dean of the African Group of Ambassadors in the UAE, Rashid Sesay has delivered the keynote address at the 2025 Africa Day, marking the 62nd year commemoration since the founding of the Organisation of African Unity, now African Union.
 
The event was held under the Theme: ”Revisiting Our History, Shaping Our Future”, which sought to promote the African Union Theme of the Year: ”Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations”, reaffirming the African Union’s commitment to confronting historical injustices such as colonialism, the transatlantic slave trade, and the entrenched inequalities that continue to shape the global world order. 
 
Ambassador Sesay said that the Africa Day was deeply rooted in the pan-African ideals of unity, freedom, and solidarity among African nations and peoples. He added the event was special because it reminded Africans of their collective journey towards liberation and dignity, presented an opportunity to celebrate the continent’s rich heritage and achievements, and also to reflect on the challenges that lied ahead in the pursuit of peace, justice, and progress. 
 
The Dean also discussed Africa’s fast-growing population with an expanding middle class, and cities brimming with entrepreneurial energy, adding that when combined with its unique biodiversity, cultural richness, and vast natural landscapes, Africa offered compelling opportunities for investors and partners across a range of sectors, including agriculture and eco-tourism. He highlighted Africa’s investment opportunities and its vast mineral wealth such as lithium, cobalt, platinum, and copper, which would play a pivotal role in the global energy transition. 
 
“Africa is a continent of immense opportunities - stability is rising, governance is improving, and reforms are deepening and flourishing and we are witnessing emerging markets. Africa offers a favorable environment for investment and long-term partnerships.”
 
“That is why I stand before you today, not only to celebrate Africa’s achievements, but also to invite you to become active partners in its historic transformation. It is time for us to collectively move beyond outdated narratives and see Africa for what it truly is: a vibrant, rising continent ready to shape its own destiny,” he said.
 
Ambassador Sesay further lauded relations between many African countries and the UAE, grounded in shared aspirations for peace, progress, and prosperity. He stated that the strategic agreements and MOUs had expanded collaboration in trade, logistics, renewable energy, governance, and cultural exchange with trade volumes between many African countries and the UAE rising and with optimism that the momentum would only accelerate in the years ahead. 
 
The event was attended by representatives of the UAE Government, the diplomatic corps, African diasporans and several business leaders in the UAE. The gathering was climaxed with cultural performances from various African countries, showcasing the continent’s rich culture. 
 
For more enquiries:
Mohamed Lamin Massaquoi
Information Attaché, United Arab Emirates
+971 50 2089695
massaquoi@slembassyuae.com
 
https://x.com/sierraleoninuae/status/1927026388416025078?s=12&t=6AHaqDUHPcsbS70XWIodQQ

Ambassador Rashid Sesay reiterates Sierra Leone’s commitment to global energy transition

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, Thursday 22 May 2025 - Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates and Permanent Representative to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), Rashid Sesay has attended the ‘IRENA Embassy Briefing’ in Abu Dhabi and reiterated Sierra Leone’s commitment to the global energy transition process. 
 
In his statement, Ambassador Sesay thanked IRENA for organizing the briefing and for its excellent coordination of the Accelerated Partnership for Renewables in Africa (APRA), a body established by African countries including Sierra Leone to coordinate and accelerate energy transition in Africa. He said that under the coordination of the Office of the President, Sierra Leone had fully embraced APRA as a strategic platform to accelerate its energy transition and green industrial development.
 
He also mentioned that following the national consultation and the development of the APRA Action Plan for Sierra Leone, IRENA, as APRA Secretariat had catalyzed financing for the Bumbuna 2 extension project by securing a 45 million USD commitment from the OPEC Fund after presenting the project at the first APRA Investment Forum in Kenya last year.
 
“APRA is also supporting Sierra Leone in expanding energy access through mini-grid models for rural electrification and local economic activities. We look forward to hosting the second APRA Investment Forum later this year in Freetown which will be a key moment to present emerging opportunities and deepen international collaboration in our APRA countries for achieving our Heads of State commitment as articulated in the Nairobi Declaration,” he ended.
 
Director General of IRENA, Francesco La Camera said that as the custodian agency of the global tripling target set by the UAE Consensus at COP28, IRENA was playing a central role in tracking progress of the global energy transition, noting that last year was another record-breaking year for renewables, accounting for more than 93% of new power capacity overall in 2024. 
 
“Our regional initiatives such as the IRENA SIDS Lighthouses Initiative (LHI), the Accelerated Partnership for Renewables in Africa (APRA), and the recently launched Accelerated Partnership for Renewable Energy in Central Asia (APRECA) demonstrate our commitment to context-driven partnerships and solutions. These initiatives have reinforced regional cooperation and conditions necessary for sustainable, long-term transformation aligned with national and regional investment goals,” he said. 
 
IRENA is an intergovernmental agency that provides support to countries in the energy transition. With a global membership of 170, IRENA also serves as the center for international coordination and policy development on global energy system.
 
For more enquiries:
Mohamed Lamin Massaquoi
Information Attaché, United Arab Emirates
+971 50 2089695
massaquoi@slembassyuae.com
 
 

Sierra Leone’s Mines Minister calls for non-politicization of the Kimberly Process Certification Scheme in Dubai

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Sunday 18th May 2025 - Sierra Leone’s Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources, who also doubles as the Chairman of the African Diamond Producers Association (ADPA), Julius Daniel Mattai has addressed the Kimberly Process Certification Scheme (KPCS), in Dubai where he stressed the need for non-politicization of the Scheme.  
 
While chairing the ADPA Pre-KPCS Intersessional Meeting, Minister Mattai, who led the Sierra Leone delegation, noted the gathering was significant because it reinforced their vision and resolve to see that the diamond market could serve as a catalyst for global peace and development. He mentioned that, among other things, the mandate of the KPCS as enshrined in the United Nations Resolution and the Interlaken Declaration was to provide a regulatory framework for rough diamonds. 
 
Minister Mattai also discussed the importance of global peace and stability, but stressed that the KPCS should not be used as a platform for settling geopolitical conflicts. He urged the participants to remain focused on the vision and objectives behind the KPCS’s formation adding that deviating from the vision would risk the Scheme’s unity and credibility and undermine its effectiveness to fight against conflict diamonds.
 
On the margins of the visit, Minister Mattai held bilateral talks with the Chairman of KPCS, H.E Ahmed Bin Sulayem where they both discussed wide range of issues on the global diamond market, Sierra Leone’s role in KPCS and the current state of the country’s mining sector. The mines minister furthered that his country was diversifying its mineral resources from more traditional minerals like diamonds and gold to other critical minerals like lithium to support economic growth. 
 
Sierra Leone is a member of the KPCS's Working Group on Monitoring (WGM); Working Group of Diamond Experts (WGDE); and the Working Group on Artisanal and Alluvial Production (WGAAP). The country is also playing an important role in the African Diamond Producers Association.
 
Minister Mattai and his delegation were joined by Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, Rashid Sesay.
 
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Sierra Leone Embassy, United Arab Emirates
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Ambassador Sesay discusses Sierra Leone’s efforts at global peace and security

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, Tuesday 29 April 2025 - Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, UAE, Rashid Sesay has said this week in Abu Dhabi, that Sierra Leone is currently playing a leading and respectable role in pursuing peace, security and reforms at both continental and international levels. 
 
Ambassador Sesay made this statement while addressing a gathering that included diplomats and members of the Sierra Leone community in the UAE, as part of the commemoration of Sierra Leone’s 64th-year Independence anniversary.  He said that as Coordinator of the African Committee of Ten (C-10), President Dr Julius Maada Bio is leading efforts at advancing Africa’s voice for reforms at multilateral institutions, especially the United Nations. 
 
“Sierra Leone is also a member of the non-permanent category of the United Nations Security Council pursuing efforts towards global peace and security and an equitable world where every voice matters and every opinion counts. In line with our C-10 mandates, Sierra Leone convened a high-level gathering of permanent representatives of C-10 member states at the United Nations. The event, which took place last week in Freetown, was geared towards harmonizing Africa’s position at the global stage,” he said.
 
Ambassador Sesay again discussed relations between Sierra Leone and the UAE, noting that in addition to Sierra Leone’s Independence, the event was also important as it marked the 10th-year anniversary since the opening of the Sierra Leone Embassy in the UAE. He stated that over the years, bilateral relations between the two countries had grown from strength to strength with several high-level visits between the two countries culminating in the signing of various agreements and MoUs providing the framework for deeper collaboration and engagements in diverse areas. 
 
“Trade between UAE and Sierra Leone increased by 12% for the period 2022 and 2023. This figure is projected to increase exponentially once the two nations sign the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), negotiations of which are now at an advanced stage. I want to use this platform to invite credible investors and partners to explore our untapped opportunities,” he said.
 
Ambassador Sesay furthered that Sierra Leone’s current development agenda was based on five thematic areas covering agriculture, human capital development, youth empowerment, public sector architecture, technology and infrastructure. He concluded that with a determined and progressive political leadership, Sierra Leone had enacted favorable laws to attract Foreign Direct Investment and increase its international competitiveness. 
 
For more enquiries:
Mohamed Lamin Massaquoi
Information Attaché, United Arab Emirates
+971 50 2089695
massaquoi@slembassyuae.com

UAE Leaders congratulate Sierra Leone’s President on 64th Independence Anniversary

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, 27th April 2025 – President of the United Arab Emirates, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and other leaders in the Gulf-state have sent congratulatory messages to His Excellency Dr Julius Maada Bio, President of the Republic of Sierra Leone on the occasion of his country’s 64th Independence Anniversary on 27th April 2025. 
 
The move from the UAE leaders demonstrates the strength of bilateral relations between the two friendly nations that continue to collaborate in various areas of shared interests including, trade, education and healthcare. 
 
In a similar gesture, the African Group of Diplomats in the UAE also sent congratulatory messages to President Dr Julius Maada Bio, the Government and People of Sierra Leone. Received by Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to the UAE, Rashid Sesay, who also serves as the Dean of the African Group of Ambassadors in the UAE, the messages also conveyed best wishes for continued peace, prosperity and success in Sierra Leone.
 
In his Independence Address to the nation, His Excellency President Dr Julius Maada Bio discussed progress made by his government in the areas of education, healthcare, agriculture and infrastructure despite the stifling effects of COVID-19 pandemic and the global economic meltdown. 
 
“The spirit of independence is not just about our freedom; it is about taking responsibility in lifting our country and ensuring that no one is left behind in the nation’s development,” he said, while also appreciating his compatriots for their courage and determination to foster peace and harmony in the country.
 
Earlier, State House in Freetown announced that the theme for this year’s Independence Anniversary is: “Deepening national consciousness and national cohesion in a troubled world”. The commemoration is expected to be observed through prayers and services in mosques and churches across the country.
 
For more enquiries:
Mohamed Lamin Massaquoi
Information Attaché, United Arab Emirates
+971 50 2089695
massaquoi@slembassyuae.com

Chief Minister Dr. David Sengeh engages Elcome, advocates for monetization of social media contents in Sierra Leone

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Wednesday 12 February 2025 - Sierra Leone’s Chief Minister, Dr. David Moinina Sengeh has met with the leadership of Elcome International LLC to discuss their proposals for expanding internet access across the country, as part of government’s digital transformation efforts. 
 
Chief Minister Dr. Sengeh, who is also Sierra Leone’s Chief Innovation Officer, said that his country already has the platforms and systems in place for mobile money and electronic payments, noting that what was needed was the willingness of the Chief Executives of big social media platforms to prioritize Sierra Leone. He assured them that the government would be ready to work together to reach those important decisions. 
 
“Our people create, share and use content but they do not get money for it, so it is in our interest and His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio has made it a priority to make sure that we have connectivity, but also, our people can make money. If people are making money for their content, they will pay for the connectivity and it then becomes a win-win situation. We are ready to listen, learn and see how we can support our people,” he said.
 
On her part, Minister of Communication, Technology and Innovation, Ms. Salima Bah reiterated the need to monetize social media content as a way of providing employment and skill opportunities for young people, adding that the government would look forward to having deeper conversations and building partnerships to improve and expand internet access to citizens at affordable rates. She is due to have deeper engagements with some of the platforms at the sidelines of the ongoing summit. 
 
Managing Director of Elcome, Jimmy Grewal mentioned that their primary interest was to connect people by providing technology solutions and internet access to their customers so that more people could stay connected with family and access government services. He furthered they were leveraging their experience of providing connectivity to some of the remotest places of the world to address some of the connectivity challenges that existed globally.  He also expressed their interest to work with Sierra Leone to support its digitalization drive. 
 
Headquartered in Dubai, Elcome International LLC is a technology solution provider to customers with over 55 years experience and huge global presence in several countries.  Elcome also has a strong interest in investing in Sierra Leone’s technology industry. 
 
For more enquiries:
Mohamed Lamin Massaquoi
Information Attaché, United Arab Emirates 
Mob: +971 50 208 9695
massaquoi@slembassyuae.com

Chief Minister Dr. David Sengeh calls for global actions and financing in education

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Tuesday 11 February 2025 - Sierra Leone’s Chief Minister, Dr. David Moinina Sengeh has delivered the opening address at the ‘Future on Education Forum’ at the ongoing World Governments Summit, where he called on global leaders to take tangible actions and provide the requisite financing to support quality and inclusive education.
 
Dr. Sengeh said the world should be radially inclusive as a way to promote long-term solutions with high impacts that would work for the poorest, most remote, women and girls and those with disabilities. He said that until policymakers solve the problems affecting the most excluded and marginalized in society, the solutions would never be transformational. 
 
“Education is everybody’s business. Education is about finance and education touches on all the different ministries and sectors. Education is the only way in which we can transform our society, so we must keep thinking, talking, engaging and most importantly, working hard to transform education. We live in a world where inequality continues to be widened in many parts,” he noted.
 
Dr. Sengeh also discussed the impacts of climate change on education, describing climate issues as critically challenging for humanity. He mentioned reports of schools in his country and other coastal regions around the world been badly affected by floods. The former Basic and Senior Secondary Education Minister emphasized that climate change was real and that it would continue to pose constraint to the education sector if actions, that were required for transformation, were not taken. 
 
The ‘Future on Education Forum’ provided insightful conversations on aligning education with the demands of the labour market and using artificial intelligence to equip future generations. Other speakers at the Forum included Ministers of Education and Innovation from Malta, DR. Congo and Uzbekistan.
 
Later on, Dr. Sengeh also participated at the ‘Future on Education Roundtable’ a high-level gathering of various education Ministers and top education executives across the world. He spoke about President Dr. Julius Maada Bio’s passion for and commitment to affordable and accessible education for all Sierra Leoneans, while urging the participants to develop dynamic and innovative reforms. 
 
The Chief Minister was accompanied to both events by Deputy Minister of Finance, Madam Kadiatu Allie and Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, Rashid Sesay.
 
For more enquiries:
Mohamed Lamin Massaquoi
Information Attaché, United Arab Emirates
Mob: +971 50 208 9695
massaquoi@slembassyuae.com

Chief Minister Dr. David Sengeh speaks on Africa’s New Economic Revolution at the World Governments Summit in Dubai

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Tuesday 11 February 2025 - Sierra Leone’s Chief Minister, Dr. David Moinina Sengeh has said at the ongoing World Governments Summit in Dubai that there is urgent need for radically new solutions in the African continent to steer inclusive growth and development. 
 
Dr. Sengeh made the statement while speaking at the Summit’s opening session on the topic: “New Economic Revolution: An African Perspective”. He noted that to enable progress, the continent would need to adopt different policies, institutional reforms and radical social-democratic solutions that work for everyone. He added that inequalities cannot drive development and these infrastructural reforms must work for everyone.
 
The Chief Minister stated that the progress in Sierra Leone had been largely driven by the exemplary leadership of His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio who has made investments in human capital as his priority, noting that government’s investments and reforms in education, gender and good governance were all yielding dividends quite quickly. He further stated that a critical step in his country’s development process had been a focus on inclusion and impact.
 
“The President has told the world about radical inclusion. This not just a random idea. It is that the things that work have to work for everyone. I do feel that when there is economic progress positively for a few, there will be civil and political chaos for the majority. If we are speaking about new economic revolution, it has to be for everyone and the impact that we speak about must be felt by everyone,” Dr. Sengeh told the global audience, while also highlighting the reforms Sierra Leone has made to ensure its mineral resources benefit its citizens. 
 
President of the African Development Bank, Dr. Akinwuni Adesina spoke on the significance of Africa’s youthful population, saying that with over 70% of its population being below the ages of 35, Africa was going to be the workforce and the labour workshop for the world with skills, talents, entrepreneurship that would unleash the world of innovation. He also stated that the continent was endowed with resources for the energy transition, saying that what Africa actually does with its resources would shape the future of the world.
 
Also at the panel was Founder of the Tony Elumelu Foundation, Tony Elumelu, who also spoke of the tremendous investment opportunities in the African region.
 
The World Governments Summit is an annual event that gathers key policy makers and private sector stakeholders from across the world to discuss issues facing humanity. This year’s edition is held under the theme: “Shaping Future Governments”.
 
For more enquiries:
Mohamed Lamin Massaquoi
Information Attachè, United Arab Emirates
massaquoi@slembassyuae.com
+971 50 2089695

High Commissioner Rashid Sesay meets Sierra Leonean students in India, inaugurates student body 

Visakhapatnam, India - Sierra Leone’s High Commissioner to the Republic of India has over the weekend met with Sierra Leonean students currently studying in various tertiary institutions in India, where he encouraged them to focus on their studies and serve as good representatives of Sierra Leone. 
 
Speaking at the event, held in Andrad Pradesh University, High Commissioner Rashid Sesay said that as his country’s principal representative to India, he was excited about meeting and engaging with his nationals to discuss their welfare, successes and challenges. He discussed His Excellency President Dr Julius Maada Bio’s Human Capital efforts stating that education was a key driver for nation building and economic development. 
 
The Envoy also inaugurated the Sierra Leoneans in India Students Association, SLISA saying that he was pleased that the students had been able to form such a group that would promote unity and solidarity among them.
 
“I am honored and privileged to be given the golden opportunity to inaugurate this executive on behalf of the President and Government of Sierra Leone as a way to foster peace and harmony among students. We are proud of you and the idea of coming together. I wish you all the best and be assured of our support,” he ended.    
 
President of the SLISA, Francis Mannah said that the Association would provide a platform for all Sierra Leonean students to feel connected, supported and empowered to achieve their dreams. He noted their vision was to serve as a bridge between students and opportunities, struggles and solutions and most importantly between Sierra Leone and the global stage. He also thanked High Commissioner Sesay for the move to meet with and for inspiring them to be better citizens. 
 
Dean of International Relations at the Andra University, Professor Dhanamjaya Rao 
said they were honored to provide a learning opportunity for students from Sierra Leone. He commended the Sierra Leonean students for displaying discipline, determination and commitment to their academic pursuit, while also assuring them of the university’s willingness to support students throughout their journey.
 
The event also included some cultural displays of Sierra Leonean attires, music and performances by the students (videos of which are attached to this text).
 
For more enquires:
Mohamed Lamin Massaquoi
Information Attachè
massaquoi@slembassyuae.com
+971 50 2089695

High Commissioner Rashid Sesay addresses India-Sierra Leone Trade Conference, assures of favorable investment climate in Sierra Leone

Kochi, India, Wednesday, 22 January 2025 - Sierra Leone’s High Commissioner to the Republic of India has addressed the maiden India-Sierra Leone Trade Conference in Kochi, India and assured participants, drawn from various business sectors, of a favorable investment environment in Sierra Leone. 
 
Delivering his keynote address, High Commissioner Rashid Sesay commended the participants for attending the event to learn about the various trade opportunities in Sierra Leone. He said that his visit to the South-Asian state was focused on meeting with potential investors whose activities would align with His Excellency President Dr Julius Maada Bio’s Big Five Agenda.
 
He informed the gathering that Sierra Leone’s development priorities were centered on the people with particular focus on agriculture, education, healthcare and youth empowerment. He also discussed ‘Feed Salone’ describing it as an initiative to increase food production and products value addition to reduce hunger, support the economy and provide jobs for people. 
 
“We have one of the most youthful population in Sub-Sahara Africa, so our government is interested in skills training and other employment opportunities to enable our young people contribute significantly to development. One area of partnership could be technology and innovation since India is a major global player in this sector. 
 
High Commissioner Sesay also discussed Sierra Leone’s energy demands saying that the country was desirous to use energy as an engine for sustainable growth. The Envoy added that the provision of reliable energy would support the country in its food productivity drive by helping local farmers to preserve and increase the value of their products. He assured the gathering of Sierra Leone’s readiness to welcome them on a win-win basis. 
 
“Over the years, our President has made several strides in making our country investment friendly. We have reviewed our laws and developed attractive investment regulations. We are supporting investments in several ways, including through the National Investment Board, to ensure businesses can thrive. We are open for business so, we welcome you all,” he stated.
 
Hon. Trade Commissioner of India-Africa Trade Council, Mr. C. Krishna Shankar said that the gathering was a testament of the relations between the two countries which were separated by distance but connected by shared values, aspirations and spirit of cooperation. He noted that the India-Africa Trade Council would provide a platform for collaboration, cultural exchanges and mutual growth aiming at creating sustainable and impactful partnerships between India and Sierra Leone. 
 
Later on, High Commissioner Sesay also met with the Director for Central & West Africa Division at the Indian Ministry of External Affairs, Sandip Kumar Kujur in New Delhi, the Indian capital. The two men discussed ongoing bilateral relations between the two countries and plans to further improve the ties. 
 
India and Sierra Leone continue to  partner in different sectors, including healthcare, training and research and the economy. In the past, India had also provided humanitarian assistance to Sierra Leone, more recently during the COVID-19 pandemic. The two countries have also exchanged high-level visits, notably among was the visit of the Indian Vice President to Sierra Leone in 2019, where he met with His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio at State House in Freetown. 
 
For more enquiries:
Mohamed Lamin Massaquoi
Information Attachè
massaquoi@slembassyuae.com
+971 50 2089695

High Commissioner Rashid Sesay inaugurates Trade and Investment Office, discusses Health Cooperation in India

Kochi, India, Wednesday 22 January 2025 - Sierra Leone’s High Commissioner to India has officially inaugurated the India-Africa Trade Office in Kochi, southern India, an initiative aimed at promoting tourism, trade and investment opportunities between India and Sierra Leone.
 
During the ceremony, High Commissioner Rashid Sesay welcomed the establishment of the Office describing it as a brilliant initiative that would play a pivotal role in enhancing investment opportunities in the two nations. He noted that the idea aligned with His Excellency President Dr Julius Maada Bio’s vision of economic diplomacy to make Sierra Leone a suitable destination for foreign direct investment and to boost economic growth.
 
“I am happy with the efforts you are making to promote Sierra Leone in India. The relationship between our two countries will blossom even further when we decide to work together. We will be ready to provide you with the support you need to advance Sierra Leone’s interests,” he said. 
 
President of the Indian Economic Trade Organization, Dr. Asif Iqbal added that the Trade Office would focus on promoting trade and economic cooperation in India and Sierra Leone. He discussed plans to organize an Indian trade delegation to Sierra Leone to assess the investment opportunities and to meet with various business stakeholders in the West-African state. 
 
Also at the event was Hon. Trade Commissioner, India-Africa Trade Council, Mr. C. Krishna Shanker who also assured of their commitment to promote trade relations between the two countries. 
 
Earlier on, High Commissioner Rashid Sesay also visited the Medical Trust Hospital in Kochi, a private medical facility that provides over 700-bed NABH accredited Multi-Specialty acute-cum-critical care referral, fully equipped with  advanced technology and internationally acclaimed medical practitioners. The hospital is renowned for providing excellent healthcare services over the last four decades.
 
After a conducted tour of the facilities, the Sierra Leone Envoy met with the management of the hospital, where he called on them to invest in Sierra Leone’s medical sector. He also invited the management to visit and develop similar facilities in Sierra Leone to support the government’s agenda of providing quality healthcare services for every Sierra Leonean. 
 
“I can see that you provide top class services here, so we want to explore partnerships to help solve our healthcare needs. We are also looking forward to training and research opportunities for our healthcare providers back home. So, I officially invite you to come to Sierra Leone,” he ended. 
 
On their part, Managing Director of Medical Trust Hospital, Dr. P.V Louis thanked High Commissioner Sesay for the visit, saying that he was pleased with the invitation to Sierra Leone. He mentioned that his team would like to visit very soon to look at opportunities for collaboration in Sierra Leone.
 
For more enquiries:
Mohamed Lamin Massaquoi
Information Attachè
massaquoi@slembassyuae.com
+971 50 2089695

Ambassador Rashid Sesay inaugurates new Sierra Leone Community Executive in United Arab Emirates

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Sunday 15 December 2024 - Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, UAE, Rashid Sesay has inaugurated the new Sierra Leone Nationals Association, SLeNA executive at a ceremony held in Dubai.
 
Delivering his keynote address, the Sierra Leone Envoy said that he was always honored and excited to meet and engage with his nationals, describing it as a core pillar of his work as Sierra Leone’s principal representative in the UAE. He mentioned that the event was special because it would usher in a new executive to steer the activities of the Sierra Leone Community for the next two years. He also thanked the erstwhile executive for their hard work, adding that their service had helped to bring sanity within the Community.
 
He encouraged the new executive to use the next two years to complete all internal arrangements to make SLeNA more effective and inclusive as a body within the UAE that would represent the interest of all Sierra Leoneans, while also calling on them to embark on membership drive and keep the Community active through organizing events. 
 
“I welcome you all to the leadership fold and wish you good luck as you serve the Community. We are here to recognize you as the only body responsible for serving Sierra Leoneans here in the UAE and to support your work. We want to see SLeNA moving forward strongly. Congratulations to the executive and we wish you good luck. Our doors are open at any time to support you all,” he assured.
 
Ambassador Sesay also addressed the meeting on the recent activities of the Embassy, including his last-week visit to Sierra Leoneans held in detention. He also advised his nationals about the need to be law-abiding residents and to protect the image and reputation of Sierra Leone. 
 
Delivering the vote of thanks, Chairman of SLeNA, Mohamed Gibrilla thanked Ambassador Sesay and the Embassy for their efforts in bringing Sierra Leoneans together and for the continued support to the Community. He assured that his team would work diligently to deliver for everyone, while also thanking his fellow nationals for attending the event, saying that that was a show of unity and solidarity.
 
For more enquiries:
Mohamed Lamin Massaquoi
Information Attaché, United Arab Emirates
+971 50 2089695
massaquoi@slembassyuae.com

Sierra Leone’s Deputy Energy Minister attends 40th ADIPEC in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, Monday 4 November 2024 - Sierra Leone’s Deputy Minister of Energy 2, Edmond Benjamin Nonie is attending the ongoing 40th edition of the Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition & Conference, ADIPEC in Abu Dhabi, capital of the United Arab Emirates, UAE.
 
ADIPEC is an annual event that brings together leaders, innovators, and policymakers across the energy sector to explore the energy needs of the world’s growing population and discuss the use of energy solutions to boost economic growth.
 
At the opening session, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and ADNOC MD & Group CEO, Dr Sultan Al Jaber said that for four decades and throughout a fast-evolving energy landscape, the forum had been a catalyst for action, transformation, progress, and real impact. He described the energy sector as the spinal cord of economies, a key driver of prosperity and fundamental to every aspect of human development, while adding that there was need to deliver more energy with fewer emissions to more people than ever before.
 
Addressing a high-level panel, Deputy Minister Nonie informed the gathering of Sierra Leone’s recent qualification for the Millenium Challenge Cooperation Grant which would be invested primarily in the southern corridor transmission line connecting the capital city and other parts of the country. He discussed the Airborne Electro Magnetic Survey carried out in 2019 adding that the report had provided a clear view of the minerals available in the country, including minerals needed for renewable energy products like solar panels and batteries. 
 
The Deputy Minister also spoke of the West Africa Power Pool Project describing it as great example of success in terms of regional trade and the Africa Free Trade Agreement. He said that Sierra Leone was looking for partnerships in its energy and critical minerals.
 
The Deputy Minister also participated at a Ministerial  Roundtable hosted by H.E Suhail Mohamed Faraj Al Mazrouei, UAE Minister of Energy and Infrastructure and HRH Abdulaziz bin Salman Al Saud, Minister of Energy for Saudi Arabia. The Ministerial Roundtable was also attended by H.E. the Secretary Geneal of OPEC, and Ministers of Energy from Ghana and Uganda. 
 
In the next couple of days, Deputy Minister Nonie is also expected to further his engagements with a focus on wooing investment for Sierra Leone’s energy sector.  
 
For more enquiries:
Mohamed Lamin Massaquoi
Information Attaché, United Arab Emirates
+971 50 2089695
massaquoi@slembassyuae.com

Ambassador Sesay engages UAE labour authorities on employment and migration issues

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Wednesday 30 October 2024 - Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, UAE has engaged the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation to discuss welfare of Sierra Leone workers in the Gulf-State.
 
Ambassador Rashid Sesay said that the visit was part of his continued engagements with the UAE authorities on welfare issues of his nationals working in the country with particular focus on the Memorandum of Understanding signed between the UAE and Sierra Leone in the Field of Manpower.
 
Signed in 2021, the MoU focused on enhancing the existing friendly relations between the two countries through cooperation in the field of manpower to promote mutual benefits, while also guiding the development of an institutional partnership between the two countries with a focus on practical outcomes from an improved administration of the contract employment cycle of Sierra Leonean workers in the UAE. 
 
“We want to further engage and see how we can reactivate the provisions of the MoU signed between our two countries by developing a concrete framework on recruitments and other related employment issues,” the Sierra Leone Envoy said.
 
Ambassador Sesay also used the occasion to discuss his recent engagements with Sierra Leoneans across the seven Emirates on the ongoing Amnesty program while also highlighting concerns of his nationals and exploring possible solutions.
 
On her part, Shayma Yousef Alawadhi, Assistant Undersecretary for Communication and International Relations at the Ministry of Human Resources said that since the signing of the MOU a lot had happened including a significant increase in the number of Sierra Leoneans working in the UAE. She assured of her Ministry’s commitment to work with their Sierra Leonean counterparts through a joint-committee to flesh out the provisions of the MoU. She also discussed the UAE’s efforts aimed at protecting the rights of migrant workers.
 
For more enquiries:
Mohamed Lamin Massaquoi
Information Attaché, United Arab Emirates
+971 50 2089695
massaquoi@slembassyuae.com
Ambassador Rashid Sesay engages the UAE Ministry of Human Resources to discuss welfare of Sierra Leonean workers.
 
https://x.com/sierraleoninuae/status/1851625426067554576?s=12&t=6AHaqDUHPcsbS70XWIodQQ
 

African Group of Ambassadors in UAE calls on Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, discusses UAE-Africa relations

Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates, Tuesday 29 October 2024 - The African Group of Ambassadors in the United Arab Emirates, UAE has paid a courtesy call on the Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah and Member of the UAE Supreme Council, His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, where they discussed the growing UAE and Africa relations.
 
Ras Al Khaimah is one of the seven Emirates of the UAE with an estimated population of 400,000 in 2023 and sits on the North of the country. 
 
Speaking at the meeting, Ambassador of Sierra Leone and Dean of the African Group, Rashid Sesay said that they were honored to be hosted by the His Highness. He also discussed UAE-Africa relations focusing on areas of collaboration. 
 
After the meeting, His Highness posted on his social media account: “I received His Excellency Rashid Sesay, Ambassador of the Republic of Sierra Leone to the UAE and Dean of The African Group of Diplomats in the country, today accompanied by a delegation of African Ambassadors and business leaders, and discussed opportunities to enhance relations across key sectors and foster enduring growth, progress and prosperity for all.” 
 
Ambassador Sesay and the delegation also made a visit to the Streit Group, an armored vehicle manufacturer with it headquarters based in Ras Al Khaimah. The delegation made a conducted tour of the facilities and also discussed possible partnerships in areas of defence, and security.
 
For more enquiries:
Mohamed Lamin Massaquoi
Information Attaché, United Arab Emirates
+971 50 2089695
massaquoi@slembassyuae.com

Ambassador Rashid Sesay discusses Sierra Leone’s renewable energy targets

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, Thursday 24 October 2024 - Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates and Permanent Representative to IRENA, Rashid Sesay has discussed his country’s ambitious renewable energy targets at the two-day IRENA Council Meeting in Abu Dhabi.
 
“Sierra Leone recognizes the transformative potentials of renewables and have set ambitious renewable targets. We have a clear vision to transition the country to a low carbon economy, achieve universal access to electricity, and reduce reliance on imported Heavy Fuel Oil generation while also driving economic development. The ambition is to grow grid generation capacity from 240 MW to 1 GW in 10 years and add 200 mini-grids to support energy access and productive uses in agriculture and mining sectors,” he said.
 
Ambassador Sesay mentioned that achieving affordable and clean energy, SDG7, was essential for meeting other United Nations SDGs, including those related to gender equality, poverty reduction, health, job creation, climate change mitigation and adaption, as well as protection of the environment, while emphasizing that gender equality and women’s empowerment were fundamental to achieving sustainable energy for all. 
 
The Permanent Representative also said that in Sierra Leone, women play a key part in raising awareness of the multidimensional nature of the gender-energy nexus while highlighting the impact of energy poverty on women, girls, and marginalized communities. He added that women play an active role in shaping energy policies and initiatives and identifying opportunities for national and local cooperation and collaboration in advancing just and inclusive energy transitions. 
 
Speaking at the opening session, Director General of IRENA, His Excellency Francesco La Camera said that the global energy transition was not just technical and economic challenge but a moral imperative. He reminded the gathering of the commitments made under the Paris Agreement, describing it as a framework that remained the cornerstone of their collective fight against climate change. He also renewed IRENA’s commitment to support its members to keeping global targets.
 
For more enquiries:
Mohamed Lamin Massaquoi
Information Attaché, United Arab Emirates
+971 50 2089695
massaquoi@slembassyuae.com

Ambassador Sesay speaks on Energy Transition in Africa

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, Wednesday 23 October 2024 - Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates and Dean of the African Group of Ambassadors has addressed a gathering on ‘Renewables Talk for IRENA Permanent Representatives’ in Abu Dhabi, where he spoke on the ongoing energy transformation in Africa.
 
Delivering his keynote address at the event, which was organized and co-hosted by the Italian Embassy in Abu Dhabi, IRENA and Women in Diplomacy, Ambassador Rashid Sesay described Africa as a continent with unmatched natural resources and immensely untapped potentials including rich renewable endowments which if effectively harnessed could play a catalytical role in fostering efforts to move from fossils to renewables. 
 
He said that over the past years, Africa had made steady and significant strides that aligned to the global call for the adoption of renewables as a reliable, affordable and sustainable source of energy, notably the establishment of the Accelerated Partnership for Renewables in Africa, APRA, in addition to other initiatives that had been introduced by the African Union. 
 
The Dean of the African Group also mentioned that APRA was established in Nairobi, Kenya in 2023 by seven countries including Sierra Leone as a vehicle to mobilize finance, provide technical assistance and capacity building, and engage with the private sector. He described the bloc as a perfect example of collaboration and partnership among governments, private sector and other key players in achieving tangible outcomes for the greater good of the African continent. 
 
“Let me remind us all here that if the world is to achieve its renewable objectives, there must be equitable distribution and access to funding particularly for smaller countries. To that end, I call on bigger countries, major global multilateral institutions, and financial agencies to support the individual and collective efforts of African countries in order to provide better livelihood opportunities for our people and save our planet from the many climate challenges we face today,” he ended. 
 
Director General of IRENA, His Excellency Francesco La Camera said that Africa was standing at a critical point in the energy transition as a region with immense potentials and one faced with substantial challenges. He said IRENA recognized the potentials in the continent and considered it their duty to ensure that all members effectively navigate energy transition and maximize benefits, adding that that was not only a matter of climate change but a matter of equality, fairness and inclusion. 
 
Deputy National Coordinator of the Mattei Plan, Lorenzo Ortana, said that they were aligned closely to initiatives like the APRA and focused on sustainable energy cooperation on fostering conducive environment for renewable energy investment, development and deployment across the continent. He said both Mattei Plan and APRA aimed to enhance energy access to promote an inclusive economic growth.
 
For more enquiries:
Mohamed Lamin Massaquoi
Information Attaché, United Arab Emirates
+971 50 2089695
massaquoi@slembassyuae.com

Ambassador Sesay engages Sierra Leoneans in UAE, intensifies Amnesty sensitization

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, Monday 14 October 2024 - Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, UAE, Rashid Sesay has over the weekend continued his engagement and sensitization with the Sierra Leonean Community in the UAE on the two-month ongoing Amnesty initiative issued by the local authorities. 
 
It could be recalled that earlier on, the UAE Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security announced a two-month amnesty period that started on the 1st September and would end on the 31st October 2024. The Amnesty initiative would allow those living illegally in the country to regularize their visa status or exit the country without facing fines.
 
Over the last weeks, Ambassador Sesay has engaged Sierra Leoneans in the various Emirates of the UAE to heighten awareness among his nationals about the two-month immigration exercise. Delivering a statement in Dubai, the Sierra Leone Envoy said that the visit was part of his usual engagement and interaction with the Sierra Leone Community, while adding that the move was geared towards raising awareness about the ongoing Amnesty program. 
 
“We have moved across this country to engage you and to speak on the Amnesty because the authorities here want to give chance for people to regularize their statuses. We want our citizens to know about the Amnesty and make good use of it and that is why we are moving around to clarify your concerns, issues, and doubts. We are here to provide you with the right information to ensure everyone understands the details of the Amnesty which you can use to make your individual decisions,” he noted.
 
Ambassador Sesay used the occasion to caution his compatriots against engaging in unlawful practices that would negatively impact the image of the country, while urging them to always strive to be good ambassadors for Sierra Leone. He also commended Sierra Leoneans who were doing well in various career fields especially education, hospitality, and trade. Ambassador Sesay encouraged them to support their families back home through remittances and pursue business ventures to support personal growth and national development.
 
Chairman of the Sierra Leone Community in the UAE, Mohamed Gibrilla thanked the Ambassador and his staff for making time to meet Sierra Leoneans across the country and listen to their concerns. He also called on his fellow nationals to make use of the Amnesty opportunity and stay law-abiding. 
 
For more enquiries:
Mohamed Lamin Massaquoi
Information Attaché, United Arab Emirates
+971 50 2089695
massaquoi@slembassyuae.com

Deputy Education Minister discusses Sierra Leone’s Human Capital Development

Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, Wednesday 9 October 2024 - Sierra Leone’s Deputy Minister of Basic and Senior Secondary Education, 2, Madam Mamusu Patricia Komeh-Massaquoi has addressed the Regional Data and Community Development Forum in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates where she highlighted ongoing government’s efforts in improving the Human Capital through educating Sierra Leoneans. 
 
The inaugural Forum, which focuses on the use of data for sustainable community development and enhancing the quality of life is held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah.
 
While addressing a panel on “Overcoming Unemployment with a Click”, the Deputy Minister said that the government’s Free Quality Education initiative and its components like the free tuition, school feeding, provision of teaching and learning materials had all increased access to education in the country notwithstanding the challenges. 
 
She also discussed key government initiatives already introduced to provide skills training and job opportunities for young people including the Youth Employment Support Project, National Youth Service, Sierra Leone Opportunities for Business Action, Boosting Agriculture and Food Security Project among others. She added that these interventions had enabled young people to start up small businesses, improved access to market, built networks and contributed to national development.
 
The Deputy Minister again spoke of President Dr Julius Maada Bio’s policies and reforms on women empowerment and economic participation, while adding that the recent Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Act had helped to increase the number of women in politics and governance, protect the welfare of women and girls, improve the educational standards among girls and create space for women’s participation in national development.
 
For more enquiries:
Mohamed Lamin Massaquoi
Information Attaché, United Arab Emirates
+971 50 2089695
massaquoi@slembassyuae.com

United Arab Emirates Two-Month Amnesty

The Embassy of the Republic of Sierra Leone in the United Arab Emirates wishes to draw to the attention of its nationals the recent announcement of a two-month period of amnesty by the United Arab Emirates Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security.
 
The amnesty period has started on the 1st September and would end on the 31st October 2024. During this period, individuals staying in the country illegally after their tourists or residency visas had expired, would be allowed to regularize their visa status without facing fines for overstay, administrative fees or ban.
 
Different immigration centers have been set up in all the Emirates where individuals can apply from or online through the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security website.
 
Accordingly, we encourage all Sierra Leonean nationals in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and all the other Emirates in the United Arab Emirates to make use of this opportunity before the deadline.
 
The Embassy reaffirms its commitment to serve the interest and welfare of its nationals in the UAE.
 
-END-

Ambassador Sesay engages Sierra Leoneans in the UAE, encourages compatriots to be law-abiding

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, Thursday 15 August 2024 - Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, UAE, has engaged executive members of the Sierra Leone Community in the Gulf-State, where he encouraged his compatriots to conduct themselves within the confines of the UAE laws. 
 
While welcoming the executive members, Ambassador Rashid Sesay said that the Embassy was happy to provide support to its nationals on various welfare issues. He also provided update on the work of the Embassy, including his recent visit to several correctional centers in Dubai, where Sierra Leonean nationals were held on various offences. 
 
He said the purpose of his visit to the correctional centers was to get firsthand information from his nationals, adding that since that visit, he had already started conversation with the UAE authorities in finding solutions where possible.  
 
He also spoke of the Embassy’s willingness to support the effective functioning of the Sierra Leone Community, including efforts being made to assist the Community in developing its constitution. Ambassador Sesay also called on the Community executive to join the Embassy in heightening sensitization among Sierra Leoneans in the UAE on important issues such as immigration, labor and employment. 
 
In recent years, the UAE has become a tourism destination for many Sierra Leoneans. Additionally, there is a considerable number of Sierra Leoneans residing in the country employed in various sectors. It could be noted that in his usual engagements with Sierra Leoneans, Ambassador Sesay had always stressed the need for his compatriots to be peaceful, law-abiding, and serving as good examples.
 
For more enquiries:
Mohamed Lamin Massaquoi
Information Attaché, United Arab Emirates
+971 50 2089695
massaquoi@slembassyuae.com

Ambassador Rashid Sesay presents Letters of Credence to Director General of IRENA

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, Monday 1 July 2024 – Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, Rashid Sesay has today presented his Letters of Credence to the Director General of the International Renewable Energy Agency, IRENA, at its headquarters in Abu Dhabi.
 
With a membership of 169 countries, IRENA is a global intergovernmental agency for energy transformation that provides a platform for international cooperation and supports countries in their energy transitions. 
 
IRENA is currently supporting Sierra Leone in developing a grid-connected solar PV park in Newton, outskirt of Freetown, with a capacity of six (6) megawatt. Recently, IRENA was also part of the High-Level Investment Roundtable on Renewable Energy and Food Security in Vienna that raised $800 million in pledges to support Sierra Leone’s energy and agricultural sectors.  
 
Director General of IRENA, Francesco La Camera congratulated Ambassador Sesay on assuming the role as Sierra Leone’s Permanent Representative to IRENA. He discussed his recent visit to Sierra Leone, saying that the country had lot of potentials in its energy sector. He also noted that they would be ready to collaborate with Sierra Leone in addressing its energy needs. 
 
During the ceremony, Ambassador Sesay thanked the IRENA Director General for his recent visit to Sierra Leone noting that his country recognized with excitement the role of IRENA in supporting Sierra Leone’s energy sustainability drive. Ambassador Sesay assured of his availability and commitment to work with IRENA to actualize Sierra Leone’s renewable energy drive. 
 
For more enquiries:
Mohamed Lamin Massaquoi
Information Attaché, United Arab Emirates
+971 50 2089695
massaquoi@slembassyuae.com

Ambassador Sesay speaks at Africa Day Event, calls for unity to boost growth in Africa

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, Saturday 25 May 2024 – Sierra Leone’s Ambassador and Dean of the African Group of Ambassadors and Charges d’Affaires in the United Arab Emirates, UAE, Rashid Sesay has addressed this year’s Africa Day Event in the UAE, where he called on his fellow Africans to stay together as a unified family to pursue the common goal of making Africa a destination for growth, economic development, and stability.
 
The Africa Day is an annual event to celebrate the formation of the African Union, AU, and has over the years also served as a unique platform for celebrating the achievements of the AU. The African Union Theme for this year is “Educate an African fit for the 21st Century: Building resilient education systems for increased access to inclusive, lifelong, quality, and relevant learning in Africa.”
 
Ambassador Sesay said that 61 years ago, the great visionary leaders within the African continent saw the need to create the African Union as a Pan-African vehicle to promote regional integration, peace, unity, and cultural diversity within the continent adding that since the establishment of the AU, it had been visible in championing numerous peacekeeping missions as well as mediation efforts.
 
“At global level, the AU has played a critical role in relentlessly projecting the African position and interests within international and multilateral bodies. It is worth noting that the AU has been vocal in calling for reforms at major platforms, including the United Nations Security Council to ensure that the interests and voices of the 1.5 billion people in our continent are well represented,” he said.
 
The Dean, on behalf of the African Group, also commended the UAE for its strong interest in Africa. He said that in recent times, there had been significant increase in trade and investment flows between the UAE and several countries, in addition to mediation and humanitarian supports to conflicts and disaster affected African countries. He described the UAE’s friendly posture towards Africa as undoubtedly an example of an effective partnership that was based on mutual respect and trust. 
 
President of the Republic of Mauritania and Chairman of the AU, His Excellency Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani, who delivered a goodwill message via video, said that the Africa Day provided an opportunity to honor the forefathers whose vision still inspired their reflection on shared future and energized their actions to fulfill collective aspirations.
 
Also at the event was His Excellency Sultan Mohammed Al Shamsi, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Development Affairs and International Organizations and other Ambassadors and members of the Diplomatic Corps in the UAE.
 
For more enquiries:
Mohamed Lamin Massaquoi
Information Attaché, United Arab Emirates
+971 50 2089695
massaquoi@slembassyuae.com

Deputy Mines Minister participates in Mineral Summit in Dubai

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, 15 May 2024 - Deputy Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources, Umaru Napoleon Koroma is leading Sierra Leone’s delegation at this year’s Kimberley Processing Intercession Meeting in Dubai to discuss transformations undertaken by government to improve the mining sector.
 
Deputy Minister Koroma said that Sierra Leone would use the various engagements to lend its voice to topical issues and other key areas of reform needed for the Kimberley process, noting that Sierra Leone was already playing major role in the event as a member of the panel for the benefit of diamond mining communities, together with representatives from DRC, Russia, South Africa, and other industry players. The Deputy Minister had also co-chaired, alongside the Minister of Mines from Zimbabwe, a meeting of African Diamond Producing Countries (ADPA).  
 
“The Kimberley Certification Process was established in 2002. Since then, the process has worked effectively, helping Africa diamond-producing countries to realise the benefit of diamonds produced in their countries by charging taxes on the exports. The Kimberley Process has 85 countries as members,” he said.
 
Deputy Minister Koroma also paid a courtesy visit on the Sierra Leone Embassy in the UAE, where he commended the Ambassador and staff for promoting Sierra Leone’s interest in the Gulf-state. He noted that over the years, there had been significant investment interests from the UAE to Sierra Leone adding that that was a testament of the Mission’s hard work. He encouraged everyone to continue in that direction to support President Julius Maada Bio’s Big Five Agenda.
 
Ambassador of Sierra Leone to the UAE, Rashid Sesay welcomed Mr. Koroma saying that as an Embassy, they were excited to host him. He also used the occasion to provide updates on the work of the Mission, especially on the relations between Sierra Leone and the UAE, ongoing developments between the two countries and the welfare of Sierra Leoneans living in the country. 
 
Ambassador Sesay conveyed his appreciation to President Bio for his support to the Mission and his development initiatives in Sierra Leone, while commending Mr. Koroma for his service to the country in different capacities. The Sierra Leone Envoy also discussed his new role as Dean of the African Group of Ambassadors in the UAE, noting that that feat had helped to elevate Sierra Leone’s status in the UAE.
 
“I have no doubt that issues being discussed in this mining meeting are very pertinent to Sierra Leone as a country that has a lot to offer in the mining sector. I trust in your capability that you will make meaningful contributions that will influence the key outcomes that you will take back home to transform the mining sector in the interest of our country,” he ended.
 
For more enquiries:
+971 50 2089695
massaquoi@slembassyuae.com

United Arab Emirates’ Minister of State Sheikh Shakhbout Meets Sierra Leone's President Julius Maada Bio, Expresses Delight in Positive Bilateral Relationships

State House, Freetown, Thursday 4 April 2024 – His Excellency Sheikh Shakhbout bin Nahyan Al Nahyan and his delegation have paid a courtesy call on His Excellency President Dr Julius Maada Bio as a follow-up to the many meetings and technical engagements they hope will have positive outcomes. 
 
His Excellency Sheikh Shakhbout bin Nahyan Al Nahyan, while convening felicitation for and on behalf of the government and people of the United Arab Emirates, said, “His Excellency, I bring warm greetings from His Excellency Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahya, President of the United Arab Emirates, to you, your government and the people of Sierra Leone”.
 
The Minister of State reminded the President that their visit to the country Sierra Leone resulted from the multiple bilateral engagements President Bio had had with the President of the UAE, His Excellency Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahya with ministers of the two countries. 
 
He said those engagements had produced positive outcomes that had also led to their state visit. 
 
His Excellency Sheikh Shakhbout also conveyed that the government of the UAE was eager to see the growth of the bilateral relationship between the two countries while also expressing his admiration for the generosity of President Bio and confirming that there was a lot from which the UAE and Sierra Leone could benefit from the principles of a win-win solution.
 
President Julius Maada Bio congratulated and welcomed the UAE delegation to Sierra Leone, extending his warm felicitations to them on behalf of the government and people of Sierra Leone. 
 
He also extended special thanks and appreciation to His Excellency Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahya, President of the UAE, for his high consideration in sending a team on a state visit and a follow-up to their bilateral engagements. 
 
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State House Media and Communications Unit
info@statehouse.gov.sl

UAE and Sierra Leone Presidents Discuss Bilateral Relations

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, Monday 26 February 2024 - President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan of the United Arab Emirates today met with His Excellency Julius Maada Bio, President of the Republic of Sierra Leone, to discuss ties between their two countries and ways to enhance them further. 
 
For more enquiries:
Mohamed Lamin Massaquoi
Information Attaché, United Arab Emirates
+971 50 2089695
massaquoi@slembassyuae.com

Trade Minister reaffirms Sierra Leone’s commitment to inclusive and equitable trade

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, Monday 26 February 2024 - Minister of Trade and Industry, Alpha Sesay has told the ongoing 13th session of the World Trade Organization Ministerial Conference in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates that Sierra Leone is committed to the principles of multilateralism, inclusivity and equitable trade.  
 
The Trade Minister said that the gathering was taking place at a time of significant challenges in the world, including climate change, geopolitical tensions and rapid technological changes, noting that Sierra Leone was standing ready to contribute constructively to the discussions and decisions that would shape the future of international trade. He added that as a developing nation, Sierra Leone recognized the transformative power of trade in fostering economic growth, creating jobs, and alleviating poverty.
 
“However, we also acknowledge the challenges and disparities that persist, particularly for the least developed and fragile states. In this regard, Sierra Leone emphasizes the importance of addressing the needs and concerns of vulnerable economies within the WTO framework. We advocate for measures that promote the integration of these states into the global trading system, ensuring that no nation is left behind.
 
“Our efforts must speak to new strategy that is guided by a new paradigm and reform agenda that places inclusivity at the centre. It must be geared towards a future of equitable and shared growth and development consistent with the overdue sustainable development goals (SDGs). Of key importance, such a reform should promote diversification of productive capacities of developing countries, propel transformation into higher productivity sectors, and ensure resilience to future shocks,” he urged the gathering.
 
Earlier on, the Director General of the World Trade Organization, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala thanked the United Arab Emirates for their excellent preparations leading to the Conference and expressed optimism that the four-day event would yield meaningful results. She also welcomed Comoros and Timor-Leste as new members into the World Trade Organization taking the organization’s membership to 166. 
 
For more enquiries:
Mohamed Lamin Massaquoi
Information Attaché, United Arab Emirates
+971 50 2089695
massaquoi@slembassyuae.com

Dr. Sengeh meets Serbian Prime Minister, discusses partnership in technology and innovation

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Tuesday 13 February 2024 - Chief Minister of Sierra Leone, Dr David Moinina Sengeh has met with H.E Ana Brnabić, Prime Minister, Government of the Republic of Serbia on the margins of the World Governments Summit, where they both discussed possible ways of partnership in technology and innovation.
 
The Chief Minister said that Serbia was a testament of a small nation that had done extremely well in its development process by becoming a leading hub for technological advancement. He also spoke about Sierra Leone’s ‘Big Five’ agenda, noting that President Bio was committed to having the right partnerships in moving the government’s agenda. 
 
“Our two countries have great layers of collaboration, particularly in using technology as a major tool for development. Your journey has been remarkable and we want to learn from it. We want to strengthen partnership especially in the education sector through scholarships, and exchange programmes. We have great layers of collaboration and interest. We have the ‘Big Five’ agenda now in Sierra Leone and we believe that this will serve as a catalyst for sustainable development and growth in our country,” he said. 
 
The Serbian Prime Minister said that she had heard a lot about Dr Sengeh and his impressive work and expressed eagerness to explore opportunities for collaboration between the two countries in education, economy, agriculture, and other areas. She also spoke about the Serbian European Center for Excellence in digital agriculture and assured that they would be ready to support Sierra Leone to get the biggest return in its agricultural drive. Prime Minister Brnabić also invited Dr Sengeh to Serbia for high level discussions on how to further deepen cooperation. 
 
Later on, Dr Sengeh met with former United Kingdom Prime Minister, Tony Blair, where they also discussed development initiatives in Sierra Leone.     
 
For more enquiries:
Mohamed Lamin Massaquoi
Information Attaché, United Arab Emirates
+971 50 2089695
massaquoi@slembassyuae.com

Dr. Sengeh speaks on Sierra Leone’s Digital Transformation Initiatives

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Tuesday 13 February 2024 - Chief Minister of Sierra Leone, Dr David Moinina Sengeh, has told the ‘Government Services Forum’ at the World Government Summit in Dubai that Sierra Leone is using technology and innovation for public service delivery and to improve the lives of citizens. 
 
Dr. Sengeh mentioned that Sierra Leone had built  digital solutions like a USSD dictionary to compliment books and deployed an SMS result checker that had been used close to five million times across the country, while adding that mobile connectivity had also been expanded to cover nearly 90% of the population. He said that they had also developed a mobile artificial intelligence Chat GPT to help teachers deliver better content to students. 
 
The former Basic Education Minister noted that Sierra Leone’s digital experience showed that when deployed appropriately, technology was not only a catalyst to transform service delivery but also a public good and great leveler for development, adding that the introduction of the SMS result checker had helped parents and pupils check their examination results for free and instantaneously no matter their location. 
 
“During COVID-19 school closures, we used the hybrid technologies to ensure our children did not fall further behind even as we were among the first set of countries to re-open schools safely. We know that to compete globally, we must use digitalization as a core enabler for national development,” he said. 
 
The Chief Minister furthered that as part of President Bio’s digital transformation, Sierra Leone had introduced technology in revenue mobilization to reduce corruption and bureaucracies or register businesses and corporate services to make public services more efficient and reasonable for all.
 
“The Ministry of Agriculture is already digitalizing agricultural services, offering farmers access to critical information, market data, weather forecasts, and best agricultural practices directly to their phones. We believe that this will empower farmers to make informed decisions, enhance productivity and promote sustainable agricultural practices that will enable us to ultimately feed Sierra Leone,” he noted. 
 
Other notable speakers at the event included H.E Ana Brnabić, Prime Minister, Government of the Republic of Serbia and H.E Mohamed Bin Taliah, Chief of the UAE Government Services.
 
For more enquiries:
Mohamed Lamin Massaquoi
Information Attaché, United Arab Emirates
+971 50 2089695
massaquoi@slembassyuae.com

Chief Minister markets President Bio’s ‘Big Five’ Agenda in Dubai

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Monday 12 February 2024 - Sierra Leone’s Chief Minister, Dr David Moinina Sengeh has delivered a keynote address at the ongoing World Governments Summit in Dubai, highlighting President Dr. Julius Maada Bio’s ‘Big Five’ Agenda.  
 
Dr Sengeh said that Sierra Leone was one of the leading global spenders in education which had significantly increased school enrollment, improved learning outcomes and provided opportunities for all including girls and children with disabilities. He affirmed government’s commitment  to improve on the gains made in education as a sustainable foundation for growth and development.
 
He also noted that as part of President Bio’s Human Capital Development drive, the government had launched the ‘Feed Salone’ initiative to improve local food production, expand on food value chains, provide jobs for women and youth especially those in rural areas and support overall economic growth.
 
“We have created a platform through radical inclusion so everybody can show up and contribute to national development. 70% of our population is youthful so we have to ensure that people are learning the right skills to get jobs so that they can add value to the economy. We cannot do that if the public sector is not reformed. So, we have the public sector reform to ensure that what we do can go all the way to benefit the people in a just and equitable way. The final piece is innovation and infrastructure, so that is why it is really wonderful that this is the theme of the summit,” 
 
“We are thinking bigger so we have a seven-year Medium National Development Plan which aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals 2030. President Bio has set a real standard for leadership by appointing women and young people in critical and flagship portfolios. It is important that we can have women and young people take up important portfolios,” he said. 
 
Earlier today, Dr. Sengeh also met with H.E. Mohamed Bin Taliah, Chief of the UAE Government Services, where they both explored several collaborative and transformative ways of improving public service delivery.
 
For more enquiries:
Mohamed Lamin Massaquoi
Information Attaché, United Arab Emirates
+971 50 2089695
massaquoi@slembassyuae.com
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