By Amin Kef (Ranger)
Relations between the People’s Republic of China and the Republic of Sierra Leone reached unprecedented heights in 2025, marked by high-level political engagements, expanded trade and investment, enhanced health cooperation, strengthened food security, and growing people-to-people exchanges. A special end-of-year publication by the Chinese Embassy in Sierra Leone title “Special Edition: 2025 Top 10 Highlights of China–Sierra Leone Relations” captures what both governments describe as a transformative year in bilateral relations, laying a solid foundation for deeper cooperation ahead of the 55th anniversary of diplomatic ties in 2026 .
One of the most significant diplomatic highlights of the year was the official visit of Chinese Vice Premier Liu Guozhong to Sierra Leone from November 12 to 14, 2025. During the visit, Vice Premier Liu held extensive discussions with Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, reaffirming mutual commitment to strengthening political trust and expanding practical cooperation. The visit also featured joint participation in events commemorating the 10th anniversary of China–Sierra Leone cooperation in the fight against Ebola, the inauguration of a China-aided fishing port, and a photo exhibition showcasing agricultural cooperation between the two countries.
Economic cooperation recorded major gains following China’s implementation of a historic zero-tariff policy for African countries. Announced by Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Forum on China–Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Summit in 2024 and expanded in 2025 to cover all 53 African countries with diplomatic ties to China, the policy granted 100 percent tariff-free access to Chinese markets. As a direct result, trade between China and Sierra Leone surged, reaching approximately US$1.82 billion between January and October 2025, representing nearly a 20 percent increase compared to the same period in the previous year. The policy also stimulated Chinese investment in fisheries, mining, infrastructure, manufacturing, and telecommunications, with tangible benefits for local employment and economic growth.
Education and cultural cooperation also featured prominently in 2025. In April, Chinese Ambassador Wang Qing joined President Julius Maada Bio, First Lady Fatima Bio, and alumni of Bo School to celebrate the institution’s 119th anniversary. A key highlight of the ceremony was the unveiling of the newly constructed “Beijing Building,” a student dormitory named after China’s capital. The building stands as a lasting symbol of educational cooperation and cultural exchange between the two nations.
Sierra Leone’s active participation in multilateral diplomacy under the China–Africa framework was further underscored in June when Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Francess Piagie Alghali attended the FOCAC Coordinators’ Ministerial Meeting and the Fourth China–Africa Economic and Trade Expo. During her address, she reaffirmed Sierra Leone’s commitment to multilateralism and highlighted the signing of a Fish Certification Contract with China, a milestone widely viewed as a breakthrough for the country’s fisheries sector and export diversification efforts.
That progress translated into concrete results in July with the official launch of exports of wild aquatic products from Sierra Leone to China. The inauguration ceremony in Freetown was attended by senior government officials, including the Deputy Speaker of Parliament and the Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources. The initiative, implemented as part of FOCAC outcomes, marked a new phase in fisheries cooperation and opened access to one of the world’s largest consumer markets for Sierra Leonean products.
Health cooperation remained a cornerstone of the bilateral relationship. In early 2025, Chinese medical experts stationed in Sierra Leone played a critical role in the detection and containment of the Mpox outbreak, confirming the first case through gene sequencing and treating over 300 patients. Chinese CDC experts conducted more than half of the national diagnostic tests, while the Chinese Embassy provided US$50,000 in emergency support to Sierra Leone’s National Public Health Agency. Through joint efforts, the outbreak was successfully contained and officially declared over in December 2025.
Food security cooperation also featured prominently. In April, China handed over emergency food assistance to Sierra Leone in support of national efforts to strengthen food resilience. Ambassador Wang Qing described the assistance as a concrete outcome of agreements reached by the two heads of state and a practical demonstration of China’s commitment to the Global Development Initiative.
Security and defense cooperation advanced with the hosting of the first Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Reception in Sierra Leone in July, following the deployment of China’s first Defense Attaché to the country in 2024. The event, attended by senior Sierra Leonean defense officials and diplomats, underscored growing military-to-military engagement and mutual respect.
Intellectual and cultural ties were further strengthened in January with the launch of the book “China–Sierra Leone Relations: Friendship, Cooperation, and Win-Win Diplomacy.” The publication, edited by former Foreign Minister Prof. David J. Francis, documents the historical evolution of bilateral relations and reflects shared aspirations for sustainable cooperation.
People-to-people exchanges reached record levels in 2025, with over 6,000 Chinese visas issued to Sierra Leonean nationals, the highest figure in history. Approximately 80 percent were business visas, highlighting expanding commercial engagement, while the remainder supported tourism, education, and family visits. The surge signals growing mutual interest and deeper social connections between the two nations.
As Sierra Leone and China prepare to mark 55 years of diplomatic relations in 2026, designated as the China–Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges, both sides have reaffirmed their commitment to advancing cooperation under the guidance of their respective heads of state. Observers say the achievements of 2025 demonstrate not only the resilience of the China–Sierra Leone partnership but also its evolution into a comprehensive relationship grounded in mutual benefit, shared development goals, and long-term strategic trust.
