By Amin Kef (Ranger)
In a significant diplomatic gesture, President Macky Sall of Senegal has extended an honorary invitation to the Vice President, Hon. Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, to witness the official inauguration of The Dakar Integrated Special Economic Zone and its Logistics Platform. The historic event took place on Wednesday, November 1, 2023, in Diamniado, Dakar, Senegal, marking the commencement of a groundbreaking economic venture.
This inauguration holds great significance for Sierra Leone as it mirrors the recent launch of the Sierra Leone Special Economic Zone (SEZ) by President Bio on April 26th earlier this year in Koya. The SEZ initiative in Sierra Leone aims to catalyze transformative change in five key areas known as the “BIG FIVE GAME CHANGERS.” These include Human Capital Development, aimed at nurturing skills suitable for a 21st Century industry, the Youth Employment Scheme, a presidential initiative designed to generate employment opportunities for the country’s youth, and comprehensive Technology and infrastructure pathways geared towards ensuring sustained economic growth.
African Special Economic Zones are acknowledged as crucial tools in bolstering economic growth, attracting foreign direct investments and expediting industrialization throughout the continent. The Dakar Integrated Special Economic Zone’s inauguration is the first of four such investments, highlighting the dynamic potential of these economic hubs.
Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh expressed his pleasure and gratitude through a tweet from Senegal, where he underscored the significance of this invitation. He acknowledged the pivotal role that African Special Economic Zones play in boosting economic development, attracting foreign investments and fostering industrial growth across the continent.
Furthermore, Vice President Juldeh Jalloh recognized the event as a proud reminder of Sierra Leone’s own Special Economic Zone, emphasizing the essential role it will play in driving the BIG FIVE GAME CHANGERS for the nation’s prosperity.
In closing, Vice President Juldeh Jalloh extended his heartfelt gratitude to President Macky Sall for the esteemed honor and shared his anticipation for the upcoming Sierra Leone Economic Forum to be hosted in Dakar in January 2024. The forum promises to provide a platform to showcase abundant investment opportunities in Sierra Leone.
