By Aminaash Nyande Brima, Information Attaché, Sierra Leone Embassy, Rabat, Morocco
For the first time in Sierra Leone’s history, a high-level 50-member delegation from Morocco will visit the country in December 2024 to explore business and investment opportunities. This visit, organized under the leadership of President Julius Maada Bio, marks a significant step in deepening the economic partnership between Sierra Leone and Morocco. The delegation will meet with local government entities and business leaders to discuss potential areas of collaboration and investment.
The announcement was made during an Economic Promotion Week event held in Morocco, attended by a 13-member delegation from Sierra Leone. Led by Tamba E. Juana, Deputy Director General (Policy) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, the Sierra Leonean delegation comprised representatives from various Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs). The event, organized by the Moroccan Agency for International Cooperation (AMCI), spanned Rabat, Casablanca and Dakhla from October 28 to November 1, 2024.
Throughout the week, the Sierra Leonean delegation engaged Moroccan counterparts to strengthen ties and foster lasting business partnerships. The discussions centered on attracting investments, sharing knowledge and building capacity within Sierra Leone. These engagements are expected to facilitate knowledge transfer and bolster economic ties between the two nations.
Earlier this year, the Sierra Leone Embassy in Rabat facilitated a meeting between Moroccan investors and Sierra Leonean MDAs. During the session, the Moroccan investors pledged their support for Sierra Leone’s economic growth, further exemplified by AMCI’s organization of this high-profile Economic Promotion Week.
One of the event’s key highlights was the Sierra Leone-Morocco Investment Forum, which brought together Sierra Leone’s Export and Import Produce Agency (SLEIPA) and other MDAs. Through productive dialogues, the Sierra Leonean delegation successfully narrowed the gap with Moroccan stakeholders, paving the way for collaborative investment opportunities.
As a result of these meetings, Morocco is set to host the CGEM African Forum for Investment in Freetown from December 4 to 6, 2024. This multisectoral event will include various Sierra Leonean MDAs and business representatives. Additionally, the Moroccan African Chamber of Commerce is scheduled to hold the African Investment Forum and the African Executive Meeting in Rabat, which will focus on solidifying investment interests and potentially incorporating other African countries interested in similar partnerships.
The discussions have revealed promising investment opportunities across multiple sectors in Sierra Leone, including mining, agriculture, energy, tourism, security and infrastructure development. Moroccan stakeholders expressed strong interest in expanding their economic footprint in Sierra Leone and the broader West African region, leveraging the country’s rich mineral resources and favorable investment environment.
These efforts align with President Bio’s vision to transform Sierra Leone’s economy through strategic international partnerships. The recent dialogues signal a promising future, with Sierra Leone poised as a priority destination for Moroccan investment.
On November 3, 2024, Sierra Leone’s newly appointed Ambassador to Morocco, His Excellency Alhaji Momodu Koroma, arrived in Rabat to officially commence his diplomatic mission. Ambassador Alhaji Momodu Koroma was warmly welcomed by Embassy staff led by Head of Chancery James Sylvanus Lebbie.
With a robust background in Government service, including various roles within the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) and the administration of the late President Ahmed Tejan Kabbah, Ambassador Alhaji Momodu Koroma brings extensive experience to his role. As Sierra Leone’s second Ambassador to Morocco, following H.E. Atumanni Dainkeh, he is expected to play a pivotal role in enhancing economic diplomacy and strengthening bilateral ties between the two countries.
The Sierra Leone Embassy in Rabat was established by President Bio on August 27, 2021, as part of efforts to deepen diplomatic relations and boost investment in Sierra Leone. Ambassador Alhaji Momodu Koroma’s tenure is anticipated to further solidify these bonds, creating new opportunities for collaboration and economic growth for both Sierra Leone and Morocco.
