By Millicent Senava Mannah
The German Government has pledged to support the country with 37 Million Euros to implement different projects in the country in different sectors. This pledge was made during a two-day bilateral negotiation on development cooperation, marking the revival of a 32-year hiatus in dialogue. The disclosure was done at the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development Conference Room on the 14th November, 2023.
The negotiation focused on key areas: Sustainable Economic Development, Training & Employment; Health, Social Protection, Population Policy; & Global/Regional Programs: Energy and Regional Resource Governance, among other new areas of intervention. Technical discussions preceded the bilateral talks between a German Embassy team and the Sector MDAs led by MoPED.
The negotiations culminated in a cooperation agreement signing, in the presence of the Press at the Conference Hall (MoPED) establishing the platform for German support.
The Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Madam Kenyeh Barlay, commended the German Government for the assistances they have provided over the years in different sectors of the country.
“We recognize that this protocol we have just signed will continue in the trend of aligning your developmental interventions with the national agenda. You have now being briefed about the Big Five Game Changers and I am confident that you will continue to support our development agenda,” she expressed optimism.
She disclosed how they have deliberated for two days on a protocol that is finally acceptable to all in the areas of economic development, training and employment, health, social protection amongst others.
“We also discussed the growing goal of Sierra Leone in the area of regional and global peace through its commitment to regional and also the country’s 2 years appointment as a Non-Permanent member in the UN Security Council,” the Minister intimated the Press.
“In this regard we look forward to working with the Federal Republic of Germany on global peace and security,” she continued.
Madam Kenyeh concluded by commending the Government of Germany and the Minister of Labor and other members of the various Ministries, Departments and Agencies for their presence and inputs.
Christoph Rauh, Africa Director of the Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development, representing the Federal Republic of Germany said it is a pleasure to have such a negotiation with them bordering on a two years a cooperation. According to him this is a new start of the two countries bilateral cooperation saying in the past it was on a regional basis.
“The money we pledged is taxpayers’ money and it is a solid basis for continuing existing cooperation,” he asserted.
He expressed delight that the pledge will cover certain areas like vocational training, helping to create employment for people in poor areas in the country, construction of feeder roads, support to the value chain in the agricultural sector.
The Africa Director assured that they will remain active in the health sector, and the traditional areas of cooperation between the two countries further emphasize that the cooperation must remain flexible.
Christoph pointed out that they also discussed new ideas which they will take on board in their future Cooperation which, according to him, are renewable energy, saying they will think of integrating it in a future Cooperation.
He commended the Sierra Leone team for their tremendous cooperation, adding that he is overwhelmed with the presence of other officials of Ministries, Departments and Agencies.
