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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