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.
For More Enquiries:
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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