The Chief Minister of the Republic of Sierra Leone Dr. David Moinina Sengeh has asserted that the country is on a moving train to industrialization with a number striving to ensure that the country turns its raw materials into finished goods.
“We went to a steel factory and engaged their leadership on how to expand in Sierra Leone. For nearly hundred years we’ve been mining in Sierra Leone and today, things are finally falling in place to kick start our own industrialization,” Chief Minister said during the Sierra Leone Round Table Investment Forum in China.
He said President Bio is concerned as to why the country keeps shipping bulk iron ore deposits and bauxite (containing ore) when Sierra Leone can add value locally.
According to the Chief Minister, this is all linked to the President’s investment in education.
“Development takes generations though we can and have to accelerate. Our investment in human capital was fundamental for this next step. We need all our children to get the right basic education and to transition to university, get the right skills and then contribute to this industrialization,” he said.
He said Sierra Leone can’t have 40% literacy and promote industrialization hence Free Quality School Education.
“We can’t sustain industrialization if we import our staple foods hence Feed Salone. Governance isn’t politics and one thing I remain positive about is that we are on the right governance trajectory under the right leadership. This visit to China and the engagement between our leaders has opened up the space for good investments. We are engaging as equal partners,” he said.
The forum held a strategic focus, serving as a dynamic platform to market Sierra Leone to select investors. Beyond presentations, it provided a valuable opportunity for networking, enabling potential investors and interested parties to explore business prospects in Sierra Leone. The distinguished attendees included His Excellency and the First Lady, the Minister of Trade, Finance Minister, Minister of Higher Education, Chief Minister, representatives from Sierra Leone’s private sector, general investors, and the former Ambassador of China to Sierra Leone.
President Bio, in his address, expressed gratitude for the warm welcome and laid the foundation for Sierra Leone’s presence in the global economic landscape. He reiterated the purpose of his visit: to introduce Sierra Leone to the world in China, inviting investment back into the country. Acknowledging the hospitality ingrained in Sierra Leonean culture, he highlighted the nation’s status as the most peaceful in the region and the 47th most peaceful nation globally. Furthermore, the President emphasized Sierra Leone’s abundant resources, citing the mutual benefits derived from trade, especially with longstanding partners like China.
Crucially, President Bio underscored the enduring cordial business relationship between Sierra Leone and China, spanning over 50 years. He attributed this lasting partnership to Sierra Leone’s welcoming reception and investor-friendly Duty Tax free laws, setting the stage for continued collaboration and economic growth. The Round Table Investment Forum became a nexus for forging long-lasting business opportunities and fostering a stronger bond between Sierra Leone and China.
