European Union Invests Over €18 Million

On agricultural activities

By Sylvester Samba

To boost strategic agricultural investments for job creation through the inclusion of the private sector in agriculture, the European Union (EU), with the Government of Sierra Leone, has launched 15 Grants contracts worth over 18 million Euros (€18). The project expected to benefit about 8000 farmers. Increase the quality and quantity of Cocoa, Coffee, Cashew production, processing, marketing, and trading as part of the Government of Sierra Leone (GoSL) and the European Union Boosting Agriculture for Food Security Project (BAFS). Also, a total of 2,205 farmers are to improve food farming techniques adaptable to climate change, increased market access, and local entrepreneurship.

The ceremony took place on Thursday 20th February 2020, at the Miatta Conference car park, in Freetown. In attendance, the country's Vice President, Dr.Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh.

The grants will enable the beneficiaries to implement activities that will promote innovative and integrated farming techniques that will enhance market linkages for smallholder farmers and build their capacities to improve on their incomes as well as food and nutrition.

It would also support women and youth employment through small and medium-sized enterprise development activities.

The initiative fits into the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry national agricultural transformation plan, which has four key priorities; rice self-sufficiency, life stock development, crop diversification, and sustainable forest and biodiversity.

Increased Production and Productivity

Permanent Secretary attached to the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Mrs. Fatmata Mustapha, encouraged the recipients to take full advantage of the need to use the grants to further capacity in the increasing production and productivity along value chains.

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

Vice-President, Juldeh Jalloh expressed gratitude to the EU for facilitating the project; noting, that it was important for the Government’s drive for economic diversification. He said that President Julius Maada Bio, has over the years, continued to reiterate that agriculture was a priority in food-sufficiency that supports various value chains and encourages the growth of small-scale industries creating over 24,000 employment for women and youth.

The Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Dr. Francis Kai-Kai, noted the numerous challenges facing the agriculture sector ranging from low productivity, use of rudimentary technology, low-level infrastructure for marketing, among others.

These challenges recognized and addressed in the Medium Term National Development Plan (2019-2023) in cluster 2.1: Improving the productivity and commercialization of the agricultural sector.

In his statement, the Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, Dennis Vandi said the Ministry would provide the requisite enabling environment for the private sector, and development that would seek to improve the agriculture sector.

Tom Vens, the EU Ambassador, was convinced the new approach could unlock private investment and exploit significant opportunities in the agricultural sector with a specific focus on jobs for the youths. What was witnessed was the result of a highly competitive process in which a total of 67 applications and 15 projects emerged.

The EU support to BAFS recipients covers export cash crops and sustainable agriculture, diversification (Crops and Livestock). Support short value chains include non-formal micro-enterprises produced with artisanal methods, and a limited number of intermediaries between smallholder farmers, and the market. And support to large-scale value chains integrating formal and already well-established SMEs in the agribusiness sector.

International Monetary Fund (IMF)

Bio’s Government Wins Back IMF Confidence

By Sylvester Samba

A delegation from the IMF led by First Deputy Managing Director, Dr. David Lipton, had meetings with the President of Sierra Leone Julius Maada Bio, where the IMF Chief confirmed the Fund is pleased in support of the country. The two met at State House, in the capital Freetown, on Tuesday 28th January 2020. The visit served as a renewed partnership with the IMF.

Addressing the Director and his delegation, President Bio said his government worked very hard to restore a strong relationship with the IMF. The government had worked extremely hard to fight corruption, which was one of the main obstacles to development.

View fullsize

President Julius Maada Bio, First Deputy Managing Director, Dr. David Lipton, and delegates

The main thrust of our economic management has been fiscal consolidation. Mobilize enough revenue and also manage our expenditure. President Bio noted that his government had chosen Human Capital Development, which included providing free quality education, health service, and agriculture, as the thrust of its development process.

View fullsize

President Julius Maada Bio, and Dr. David Lipton

In response, Dr. Lipton expressed appreciation to the government for the hospitality accorded him and his delegation, adding that they had a shared perspective with the government on the situation in the country. He said that his meetings with school pupils in the country showed their eagerness to learn, saying that that was an indication of Sierra Leone`s tremendous potentials. Dr. Lipton indicated, his delegation was in the country to help offer advice and guidance and to also help the government in its fiscal consolidation as part of their partnership with the government. Adding that they were impressed with the government`s focus on human capacity building.

Dr. David Lipton assumed the position of First Deputy Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on September 1st, 2011. On March 28th, 2016, Dr. Lipton was reappointed for a second five-year term, beginning September 1st, 2016. Before coming to the IMF, Dr. Lipton was a Special Assistant to President Clinton and served as Senior Director, International Economic Affairs at the National Economic Council and National Security Council at the White House.

The Minister of Finance, Mr. Jacob Jusu Saffa has regarded the recent visit by the First Deputy Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Dr. David Lipton as a manifestation that Sierra Leone is on track on its economic transformation trajectory. There are over 50 countries in Africa and to decide on which country to visit, always raises big debates in the IMF. So for a country to be selected, it could mean two things; one, you are doing very well, two, you are on track, and they want you to stay on track.

Highlighting the challenges they are facing as a government, he said, 30-35 percent of government revenues are used to settle government debt or arrears, noting that the depth of the problems they inherited is enormous.

Sierra Leone Makes Remarkable Progress In Global Corruption Ranking

Tansparency International Corruption Perception Index (TI-CPI) reveals

By Sylvester Samba

The country's Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has assured Sierra Leoneans of its relentless determination to ensure the country continues to perform favorably in national, sub-regional, regional, and global anti-corruption governance indices. The recent assurance made after Transparency International Corruption Perception Index (TI-CPI) reveals for the first time, in more than five years, Sierra Leone ranked under 120.

The Corruption Perception Index (CPI), released on Thursday 23rd January 2020, is a clear indication that the thirty-three (33) points scored is the highest the country ever achieved since its inclusion in the TI index. Sierra Leone now leads sixty-one (61) countries in the global campaign against corruption. More than 28 African countries; Guinea, Liberia, Mali, Nigeria, Togo, Kenya, among others.

View fullsize

Anti-Corruption Commissioner, Francis Ben Kaifala Esq, and His Excellency, Brig. (Rtd.) Julius Maada Bio

View fullsize

Diaspora National Development Award 2019

The country Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) disclosed that Sierra Leone moved ten (10) places upwards in Transparency International’s Global Corruption Ranking...129 in the year 2018 to 119 out of 180 countries surveyed in the 2019 TI-CPI. The country also increased its score from a stagnant thirty (30) points in 2016, 2017, and 2018, to thirty-three (33) in 2019, mark a three (3) points gain scoring above the sub-Saharan average of 32, the Commission noted.

This year’s report reveals that “Sub-Saharan Africa’s performance paints a bleak picture of inaction against corruption.

A staggering number of countries are showing little or no improvement in tackling corruption. The report also suggests that more than two-thirds of countries – along with many of the world’s most advanced economies – are stagnating or showing signs of backsliding in their anti-corruption efforts. Nonetheless, Sierra Leone performed better than the average score in Sub-Saharan Africa, said the ACC.

The CPI is an annual survey indicator used by TI, the global civil society organization leading the fight against corruption, to assess perceived levels of public sector corruption across the world.

Within the past two years, Sierra Leone has increased its score in the ‘Control of Corruption’ Indicator in the Millennium Challenge Corporation Scorecard, from forty-nine percent (49%) in 2017, to seventy-nine (79%) percent in 2019, making thirty percent (30%) upwards. By that report, Sierra Leone is among the top ten performers in our income category.

Similarly, Sierra Leone has also scored high in other global and regional anti-corruption rankings. In the Global Corruption Barometer of 2018, the country is ranked 3rd out of thirty-five (35) African Countries surveyed on “Government’s Effectiveness in the Fight against Corruption.” In the Afro-Barometer 2018, fifty-four (54%) of Sierra Leoneans agreed that the government is performing “very well” in the fight against corruption.

Idris Elba Arrived In His Father´s Native Sierra Leone For The First Time

Elba’s visit to Sierra Leone had been long-awaited

By Theo Edwards

A native of Sierra Leone, Idris Elba, arrived in Freetown for the first time. Elba was born and raised in London; his mother, Eve, is from Ghana and his father, Winston, from Sierra Leone, where he has expressed interest in investing in eco-tourism.

Idris Elba arrived in Sierra Leone on Wednesday, December 18, 2019, where he is due to receive Sierra Leone citizenship and celebrate Christmas with the President, Julius Maada Bio, according to government sources.  Elba planned to visit Sherbro Island renowned for its pristine tropical beaches. The country hopes to revitalize its tourism industry. And, with Mr. Idris Elba as the country's Brand Ambassador, he brings with it new life and vitality.

A native of Sierra Leone, Idris Elba, arrived in Freetown for the first time. Elba was born and raised in London; his mother, Eve, is from Ghana and his father, Winston, from Sierra Leone, where he has expressed interest in investing in eco-tourism. Mr. Elba’s visit to Sierra Leone had been long-awaited.

During a meeting at the State Lodge on Hill Station, President Bio said that Mr. Elba’s visit to Sierra Leone had been long-awaited, saying that he could feel his burning desire to come back home to be welcomed by his country people. He said that the country had gone through a lot with a scarred image, which needed a conscientious effort from everyone to change that perception and create a new narrative.

Idrissa Akuna Elba OBE is an actor, writer, producer, musician, DJ, rapper, and singer. Nickname DJ Big Driis (Idris) was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) by Queen Elizabeth II in the 2016 New Year Honors for his services to drama. He is best known for his roles in Marvel franchise films such as "Thor" and "The Avengers." Others include Stringer Bell in the HBO series The Wire, DCI John Luther in the BBC One series Luther, and Nelson Mandela in the biographical film Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom. In 2018 was named People magazine sexiest man alive.

Friday 20 December 2019, His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio issued the British Hollywood actor, and musician, Idris Elba, with a Sierra Leonean Diplomatic Passport and pronounced him a Brand Ambassador for the small resource-rich West African nation.

Friday 20 December 2019, His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio issued the British Hollywood actor, and musician, Idris Elba, with a Sierra Leonean Diplomatic Passport and pronounced him a Brand Ambassador for the small resource-rich West African nation.

Receiving the passport, Idris Elba said that he was honored and thankful for the opportunity to become a citizen of his father’s country, noting that it was an honor for his family. He said he always wanted to come to Sierra Leone, adding, his career afforded him and his family the ability to rebrand the country.

Related Share

Last Updated June 19, 2023

Idris Elba passionately appeals for young Sierra Leoneans to exercise 'None Violence' during the presidential and parliamentary election slated for June 24, 2023.

Idris Elba passionately appeals for young Sierra Leoneans to exercise 'None Violence' during the general election for president and parliament that will take place on Saturday, June 24, 2023.

Idris Elba has called for a peaceful general election in Sierra Leone, which will take place on Saturday, June 24, 2023. 

"This election, please let it be peaceful," he said in a message in Pidgin English - 'other African nations and the world will be watching us.' On the same day, the Commonwealth Observer Group in Sierra Leone, led by former Nigerian Vice-President Professor Yemi Osinbajo, called for peaceful elections to reflect; the will of the people.

Elba reminded young Sierra Leoneans that they have the 'power' in this vote and that if the country is destroyed due to violence, it will be down to us Sierra Leoneans to have to build it back up again.

The votes on Saturday will be the country's sixth presidential vote since a military takeover in 1992. It will see the incumbent, President Julius Madaa Bio of the Sierra Leone People's Party (SLPP), go up against Dr. Samura Kamara of the All People's Congress (APC) _the main opposition party. 

There have been arrests of critical opposition voices in the run-up to the general election.