China Grants International Fish Export Certificate to Sierra Leone

September 6, 2024

By Foday Moriba Conteh

In a major development for Sierra Leone’s fisheries sector, China has awarded the International Fish Export Certificate to the West African nation. This milestone was announced on Tuesday September 3, 2024 during the ninth Forum on China-Africa Cooperation Summit, with the Certificate presented by Chinese Ambassador to Sierra Leone, Wang Qing.

The award follows the successful signing of a Protocol on Inspection, Quarantine and Sanitary Requirements for Wild Aquatic Products. This agreement authorizes Sierra Leone to export its fish products directly to China, bypassing previous indirect routes through regional countries and third-party certification.

Sierra Leone’s Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources, Princess Dugba, hailed the Certificate as a pivotal achievement in the China-Africa Cooperation framework. She highlighted the financial benefits of direct exportation, noting that previous constraints had led to substantial revenue losses for the country’s fishery sector.

“This Certificate opens up new avenues for direct trade between our nations and is expected to significantly increase our revenue from the fish industry,” the Minister expressed optimism. She also assured that her Ministry would rigorously uphold all hygiene and sanitary standards required for exporting to China.

The Fisheries Minister extended her gratitude to Ambassador Wang Qing and the Chinese Embassy staff for their support throughout the certification process. She also announced plans to collaborate with the Embassy and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) on a new initiative: the School Fish Farming Project, aimed at further advancing Sierra Leone’s fisheries sector.

The formal presentation of the Protocol was made to Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to China, Abu Bakar Karim, by Ambassador Wang Qing. The agreement was finalized between Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources and China’s General Administration of Customs.

$50 Million Deal Signed for SMART Sierra Leone Project During Beijing Summit

September 6, 2024

By Foday Moriba Conteh

The Government of Sierra Leone has formalized a $50 million agreement with the China National Technical Import & Export Corporation for the SMART Sierra Leone Project. The contract was signed on September 3, 2024, during the FOCAC Summit in Beijing, signaling a major advancement in Sierra Leone’s digital infrastructure.

The agreement was finalized on the sidelines of the summit, underscoring the project’s significance in the nation’s ongoing digital transformation. President Julius Maada Bio, who attended the ceremony, outlined the SMART Sierra Leone Project’s key goals. These include expanding internet access to over 400,000 previously underserved residents, creating national data centers to safeguard sovereign data and bolstering security around critical infrastructure in Freetown.

In a related development, Sierra Leone’s Minister of Communications, Technology and Innovation, Salima Monorma Bah, also signed an agreement with Huawei Group for a Digital Village Project. This initiative, set to be launched in Tormabum, aims to provide essential online resources to farmers and local communities, thereby enhancing agricultural productivity and broadening market access.

President Bio expressed his enthusiasm for the agreements, stating, “It is a pleasure to be here this evening to witness the signing of two pivotal projects in our digital transformation efforts. The introduction of the SMART Sierra Leone and Digital Village Projects highlights our commitment to advancing technology and infrastructure as central elements of our Big Five Agenda. This partnership with the People’s Republic of China marks a significant milestone in our development journey.”

University of Sierra Leone Responds to Allegations in AFRICA CONFIDENTIAL Report

September 6, 2024

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

The University of Sierra Leone has on Wednesday September 4, 2024 issued a formal response to allegations made in the August 2024 edition of AFRICA CONFIDENTIAL, which reported that the institution lost $4.5 million of public funds to a Nigerian company, FEMAB Properties, due to ignored red flags and overridden safeguards.

In a statement released on the 4^th September,2024 the University’s Management clarified that there is no secretive conduct surrounding their dealings with FEMAB Properties regarding the construction of the IPAM Bureh Town campus. The Management reiterated its commitment to transparency and its willingness to update stakeholders and the public about the project’s progress.

The University detailed that a Press Conference was held on February 5, 2022, at IPAM to update the public on the Bureh Town Campus project. Additionally, they are aware of the recent Press Release by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) concerning the AFRICA CONFIDENTIAL report and are cooperating with the ongoing investigation.

The background of the project dates back to January 2016 when FEMAB Properties was introduced to IPAM by the Sierra Leone Investment and Export Promotion Agency (SLIEPA). A proposal for a residential campus was subsequently presented and approved by the University’s Finance and General-Purpose Committee (F&GPC) in March 2016.

The University paid for land acquisition and undertook due diligence, including a visit to FEMAB Properties’ construction facilities in Nigeria. The project, a public-private partnership (PPP), received support from the then President and Financial Secretary of Sierra Leone.

However, changes in Government and University Management in 2018 led to delays. Negotiations with FEMAB continued and by August 2018, a contract was signed with terms ratified by Parliament. Subsequent issues with securing a bank guarantee and other financial hurdles led to delays and complications.

In response to these challenges, a new financing framework was agreed upon in August 2022, and further discussions were held in February 2023. The University Management, under its new leadership, visited Lagos in August 2024 to discuss the revised terms with FEMAB. However, a site visit on August 24, 2024, revealed that the site had been abandoned and construction materials removed.

The University emphasized that the ACC has requested documents for their investigation, and the institution urges the public to await the investigation’s outcome. The University remains committed to transparency and will provide updates as new information emerges from the ACC’s findings.

The University of Sierra Leone remains dedicated to addressing any issues and moving forward with the Bureh Town campus project, pending resolution of the current financial and investigative challenges.

As NCRA Deadline Looms… Link NIN to SIM by November 30 or Face Mobile Service Disruptions

September 6, 2024

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

The National Civil Registration Authority (NCRA) has intensified its campaign, reminding all individuals in Sierra Leone, both citizens and non-citizens, to link their National Identification Numbers (NINs) embedded in their Biometric ID Cards to their mobile phone SIM cards. This nationwide process, which began on September 1, 2024 will conclude on November 30, 2024 and failure to comply could result in severe consequences, including the disruption of mobile services.

The NCRA, in collaboration with the Government of Sierra Leone, is implementing this mandatory initiative to enhance identity verification, secure personal identities and curb the misuse of mobile services for illegal activities. All mobile phone users are urged to complete this process within the specified timeframe to avoid penalties that include losing the ability to make or receive calls, send SMS messages and access mobile money services.

The Biometric ID Card, issued by the NCRA, is more than just an identification tool. Each card contains a unique NIN that helps prevent identity theft and fraud while facilitating access to essential services. The Government has made it clear that this initiative is critical to ensuring a secure digital landscape in Sierra Leone, where mobile communication is an integral part of daily life.

NCRA officials emphasize that the consequences of failing to link NINs to SIM cards by November 30 will be far-reaching. Individuals who do not comply risk being cut off from vital communication services, affecting their ability to conduct personal and business transactions.

“The Government has mandated this process to protect citizens and non-citizens from identity theft and misuse of mobile services,” stated an NCRA spokesperson. “We strongly encourage everyone to link their NINs to their SIM cards to avoid any disruptions in their daily activities.”

The NIN-SIM linkage process is a key part of Sierra Leone’s broader strategy to tighten security and improve service delivery across various sectors. The Biometric ID Card, which is required for banking, law enforcement and educational purposes, plays an increasingly important role in ensuring that individuals’ identities are accurately verified.

The NCRA has set up registration and collection centers nationwide to facilitate easy access for individuals seeking to obtain their Biometric ID Cards and complete the linkage process: To facilitate easy access, the NCRA has set up numerous registration and collection centers nationwide including:

NCRA Headquarters: 2 Walpole Street, Freetown
NCRA Office: 23B Off Kingharman Road, Freetown
NCRA Office: Kennedy Street, Freetown
NCRA Branch Office: 230 Lumley Road, Freetown (Near the Roundabout)
NCRA Office: Waterloo, along the Freetown Highway (Opposite the Police Station)
Regional NCRA Offices in Bo, Kenema, Makeni and Port Loko

For further assistance or inquiries, individuals can reach the NCRA at:

– Mobile: +232 33 939740 / +232 79 578063

– Website: [www.ncra.gov.sl](http://www.ncra.gov.sl)

– Email: info@ncra.gov.sl

The NCRA also offers corporate Biometric ID Card issuance services for public and private institutions.

As the deadline approaches, the NCRA urges all residents to act swiftly to avoid being penalized. For further assistance, individuals can contact the NCRA via their helpline or visit their official website.

The Government of Sierra Leone, through the NCRA, remains committed to securing personal identities and ensuring that everyone can access essential services seamlessly. However, non-compliance will have dire consequences, and citizens and non-citizens alike are reminded to complete the NIN-SIM linkage by the November 30 deadline to avoid disruptions in mobile services.

NP (SL) Energy Pass Card Ushers in a New Era of Cashless Fueling Across Sierra Leone

September 6, 2024

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

NP (SL) Ltd has long been recognized as the leading petroleum company in the country, largely due to its unwavering commitment to customer care and satisfaction. As part of its strategic focus on service delivery, the company is leveraging the latest innovations and technological advancements to streamline operations, creating a seamless experience that benefits both the company and its customers.

Understanding that customers are the cornerstone of their business, Management of NP (SL) places a high premium on ensuring that all transactions are conducted in a customer-friendly atmosphere. This emphasis on positive customer experiences is a key factor in the company’s ongoing success and its ability to stand out in the competitive petroleum industry.

Central to NP (SL)’s strategy is a rapid move towards digital transformation, driven by increasing demand for petroleum products amid population growth and industrial expansion.

One of the company’s groundbreaking innovations is the recent launch of the pilot phase of its Energy Pass Card, an advanced smart card designed to modernize the fueling process and promote a cashless environment.

The Energy Pass Card offers several benefits to customers, including real-time fuel balance updates, nationwide access and flexibility. It is equipped with both online and offline functionality and integrates advanced security measures to ensure that every transaction is secure. Additionally, customers receive instant SMS notifications for each transaction, enhancing transparency and accountability. This initiative aligns with NP (SL)’s broader strategy of leveraging digital technology to enhance operational performance, reduce human error and improve efficiency.

It must be underscored that in a highly competitive industry, NP (SL)’s proactive approach to digitalization sets it apart. The company’s transition to a cashless system not only boosts operational efficiency but also reinforces its position as Sierra Leone’s leading fuel distributor. The Energy Pass Card, part of the company’s “FUBU” (For Us, By Us) initiative, represents a significant step towards a cashless economy with its user-friendly design and robust security features, including One-Time Passwords (OTPs).

Prior to the introduction of the Energy Pass Card, NP (SL) had already demonstrated its commitment to innovation with the launch of the NP Smart Card. This card, embedded with a memory chip, allows customers to conduct safe, cashless transactions by pre-loading funds, which are automatically deducted during fuel purchases. The card is a secure and convenient tool for customers, providing budgetary control and reducing the need for cash transactions.

In addition to its petroleum products, NP (SL) diversified its offerings with the introduction of gas cookers under the brand name NP Gas. Available at various Filling Stations, NP Gas has been praised for being cooking-friendly, safe and long-lasting manufactured in different cylinder sizes all at affordable prices.

One of NP (SL)’s greatest strengths is its strong network of contacts with oil-producing countries, which ensures the timely purchase and delivery of petroleum products. This proactive approach has earned the company high commendations, as it helps stabilize fuel prices, reduce transport costs and mitigate the impact of price fluctuations on the broader economy.

Despite the challenges posed by global disruptions such as the Russian-Ukraine war, NP (SL) continues to navigate these difficulties with resilience, ensuring that petroleum products remain available and accessible to customers.

NP (SL)’s remarkable success is further underscored by its status as an entirely indigenous company, owned by Sierra Leoneans. The company’s origin story is a testament to its local roots: it was established by 35 Sierra Leoneans who pooled together their end-of-service benefits from British Petroleum (BP) to purchase shares and create what has now become a thriving enterprise with branches in Liberia, Guinea, Ivory Coast and The Gambia.

A shining example of the effective implementation of the Local Content Policy, NP (SL) employs nearly all Sierra Leoneans in its operations, ensuring that local talents are fully utilized. This approach not only contributes to revenue generation and job creation but also strengthens the company’s ties to the communities it serves.

As NP (SL) continues to leverage cutting-edge technology to optimize its service delivery, its ongoing commitment to innovation, customer care and local empowerment ensures that it will remain a leader in Sierra Leone’s petroleum industry for years to come.

Sierra Leone Police Intensify Search for August 10 Protestors, Including Alpha Amadu Bah

September 5, 2024

By Foday Moriba Conteh

The Sierra Leone Police have ramped up efforts to apprehend individuals involved in the violent protests of August 10, 2022, which tragically resulted in loss of life, injuries, and widespread property damage. Among those being sought is Alpha Amadu Bah, who has been wanted since the protests. The police have emphasized that Bah and others allegedly involved remain a priority as authorities actively pursue all participants.

The August 10 protests, which erupted in various parts of Sierra Leone including Makeni City in the Northern Province, called for the resignation of President Julius Maada Bio, who was abroad receiving medical treatment at the time. The demonstrations saw civilians clashing with security forces, and attempts by police to control the situation led to casualties on both sides.

In the aftermath, the security response escalated, with reports of close-range shootings targeting protestors. Tensions heightened further amid accounts of alleged vigilante actions by groups reportedly affiliated with the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP), targeting supporters of the opposition All People’s Congress (APC). Among the incidents, Evangelist Samson, the chairman of the opposition group TAGMEN and a prominent APC supporter in Makeni, was reportedly shot dead by security personnel, fueling concerns of politically motivated violence.

According to police investigations, Bah, a resident of 4 Station Road in Makeni, is the acting Secretary General of TAGMEN, a group that authorities claim was instrumental in organizing protests, particularly in Makeni. Since the unrest, Bah and several other demonstrators have evaded police capture. Although Bah reportedly fled Sierra Leone shortly after the incident, the police have maintained that the search remains active, stressing that no individual involved is exempt from accountability.

A police spokesperson confirmed that recent efforts led to the arrest of another protest participant, Saidu Koroma, who had initially left the country but was detained in October 2024 upon his return, following intelligence from neighboring communities.

The Sierra Leone government has also instituted an official inquiry into the protests, with prominent opposition figures, including Freetown’s Mayor, summoned for questioning. Meanwhile, the APC has voiced concerns as numerous party members face arrest or ongoing investigations. Families of those in hiding have expressed anxiety over the safety and well-being of their loved ones, amid limited information on their status.

Authorities continue to urge the public to assist in identifying individuals like Alpha Amadu Bah, cautioning that despite over two years having passed, Bah remains at risk of arrest if found within Sierra Leone. The police reaffirm their commitment to apprehending all suspects linked to the August 10 unrest, underscoring the lasting impact the protests have had on the nation’s political and social landscape.

Health Ministry to Administer Free Hepatitis B Vaccines to Over 355,000 Newborns

September 4, 2024

By Ibrahim Sorie Koroma, Senior Health Education Officer – HEP/MoH

The Government of Sierra Leone, in collaboration with the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) within the Ministry of Health and its partners, has announced an ambitious plan to administer free Hepatitis B vaccines to over 355,000 newborns in 2025. This initiative will involve distributing more than 457,000 doses of the vaccine, which will be given to infants within the first 24 hours of birth.

The plan was detailed during a recent stakeholders’ meeting in Freetown. Dr. Desmond Maada Kangbai, Programme Manager for the Expanded Programme on Immunization, outlined the primary goal of this vaccination campaign: to significantly reduce the prevalence of Hepatitis B infection among children under five years old. This effort is part of a broader global target to eliminate the disease by 2030.

Dr. Kangbai emphasized that the campaign aims to achieve a 95% vaccination rate among newborns, which will help prevent perinatal transmission of the Hepatitis B virus. Additionally, the initiative will integrate the Hepatitis B Birth Dose vaccine into Sierra Leone’s national immunization schedule, which is expected to improve coverage for other vaccines, such as BCG, at birth. This move is designed to mitigate the risks of Hepatitis B-related morbidity and mortality in young children.

Highlighting the vaccine’s efficacy, Dr. Kangbai noted that it is 98% effective in preventing Hepatitis B infection and associated liver cancer. The vaccination series includes the initial dose given at birth and two subsequent doses administered as part of the Pentavalent (Penta) conjugate vaccine. This regimen ensures protection ranging from 98% to 100% against Hepatitis B, with immunity lasting at least 20 years, and potentially for life.

The EPI Manager also pointed out that the vaccine is prequalified by the World Health Organization (WHO), which recommends administering the first dose of the Hepatitis B vaccine as soon as possible after birth, preferably within 24 hours. This recommendation is supported by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which advocates for the birth dose prior to hospital discharge.

Dr. Kangbai provided an update on the disease’s global impact, noting that Africa accounts for 70% of Hepatitis B infections. By 2021, only 14 out of 47 African countries had integrated a routine birth dose of the vaccine, with only 18% of African infants receiving the birth dose in 2022.

“Hepatitis B vaccination of infants is a crucial component of the Global Health Sector Strategy on Viral Hepatitis 2016-2021, endorsed by WHO. It supports the UN Sustainable Development Goal of eliminating viral hepatitis as a major public health threat by 2030,” Dr. Kangbai stated.

He concluded by projecting that high coverage with the Hepatitis B birth dose, followed by at least two additional doses, could prevent 710,000 deaths among children born between 2020 and 2030, with 78% of these children being in Africa.

Shri Gurudwara Sahib Awards Baba Guru Nanak Scholarships to 172 Pupils in Lumley & Its Environs

September 4, 2024

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

In a significant event held on September 1, 2024, Shri Gurudwara Sahib Sierra Leone Limited awarded its esteemed Baba Guru Nanak Scholarship Package to 172 pupils from Lumley and surrounding areas. The ceremony, held at the Gurudwara Sahib Temple, was attended by local dignitaries, sponsors and community members.

Delivering the keynote address, Mohinder Bir Singh Sachdeva, known as Pa Jetty, CEO of Jetty Trading Company and Head of the Scholarship Package highlighted the importance of the scholarship program, which supports students from over 68 private schools in Lumley and its environs with financial assistance for school fees and study materials for the entire academic year.

He emphasized that the scholarship is not just financial aid but an investment in the future of the pupils, reflecting the educational values of Guru Nanak Dev Ji.

Pa Jetty also mentioned the Gurudwara Sahib’s broader community efforts, including its response during the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing initiatives such as supporting the Sick Pikin Project and the offering of weekly free meals. He urged the scholarship recipients to use their education responsibly and contribute positively to their communities.

Earlier, Abdulai Bah, Head of the Baba Guru Nanak Scholarship Committee, thanked Pa Jetty and the Committee members for their efforts. He outlined the criteria for scholarship eligibility, noting that students must achieve at least 60% in their exams to maintain their scholarship status. He also highlighted challenges faced by schools, particularly those lacking proper accounting systems such as Bank Accounts and advised parents to choose affordable schools for their children.

Isatu Konjor, representing the parents of scholarship beneficiaries, publicly thanked Shri Gurudwara Sahib Sierra Leone for their significant support in covering school fees. She praised the organization’s role in enhancing the children’s education and pledged that parents will closely monitor their children’s academic progress. She also expressed gratitude to the Committee for their consistent support from primary through secondary school, acknowledging their vital contribution to the children’s success. Despite not having met the Committee members personally, Isatu Konjor emphasized the profound impact of their assistance, which has been a beacon of hope for many families.

Elaborating on the impact of the support, she pointed out that it came at a critical time when it was most needed adding that the children’s education and well-being have significantly improved due to Shri Gurudwara Sahib Sierra Leone Limited’s intervention, enabling them to achieve better results and overall performance in their studies.

Charge d’Affaires of India High Commission, Neeraj Kumar Saini, praised the Gurudwara Sahib’s initiative and encouraged pupils to set and pursue their life targets or goals diligently. He advised them to focus on their targets in order to achieve their dreams to the fullest maintaining that it is possible that some of the beneficiaries will become future Ministers, doctors, lawyers and even Heads of State.

Neeraj Kumar Saini emphasized the need for the pupils to seriously concentrate on their academic work further advising the parents to ensure that their children live up to expectation of scoring 60% in their school work so that they will continue to benefit from the scholarship scheme.

Prominent Indian businessman Pa Balani shed light on the growth of the scholarship scheme for underprivileged school children. Reflecting on the initiative’s success, he noted that increased sponsorship, prayers and support have significantly raised the number of recipients, raising concerns about the adequacy of the current venue. He suggested that a larger venue might be necessary in future years if this trend continues.

Pa Balani, a key sponsor, acknowledged that many recipients this year had previously benefited from the scholarship. While he expressed commitment to ongoing support, he also indicated that it won’t be possible to include more additional students this year. He urged parents to stay vigilant about their children’s academic performance and discipline.

Emphasizing the value of education, he also encouraged recipients to make the most of their opportunities and to remember their roots by helping others in the future. He also highlighted that some students’ attendance has declined due to financial difficulties faced by their parents, who sometimes prioritize immediate economic needs over education. Pa Balani cautioned that sending children to fend in order to support families could undermine the long-term benefits of their education.

He concluded by calling on parents to closely monitor and support their children’s educational progress.

Harish Agnani, Head of the Choithram Group of Companies and Honorary Consul of Norway and Sweden to Sierra Leone, lauded Shri Gurudwara Sahib Sierra Leone for its extensive humanitarian efforts. In his commendation, Agnani highlighted the organization’s initiatives, including sending sick children abroad for medical treatment and providing assistance to the needy.

Harish Agani emphasized that education is the most valuable gift one can offer, asserting that while money and material possessions may be fadeay, education remains a lifelong asset. He encouraged students to diligently pursue their studies to benefit from scholarship opportunities and urged parents to support their children’s educational endeavors. The Honorary Consul underscored the pivotal role of parents in guiding and motivating their children towards academic success.

The annual Baba Guru Nanak Scholarship has once again made a significant impact, providing recipients with crucial educational support. This year’s scholarship package included partial or full coverage of academic fees, school bags filled with supplies and 250 Leones for uniform expenses.

It must be noted that the scholarship reflects the Gurudwara Sahib’s ongoing commitment to education and community welfare, serving as a vital source of hope for many pupils and parents. E

stablished in honor of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism over 500 years ago in Punjab, North India, the Baba Guru Nanak Scholarship embodies the core values of Sikhism, equality, social justice, service to humanity and religious tolerance.

Sikhism, the fifth-largest religion in the world, emphasizes learning and seeking truth, principles that the scholarship aims to uphold by supporting pupils in their educational journeys.

Ministry of Trade Clears SABCO Sardine Company of Expired Product Allegation

September 4, 2024

By Esther Wright

A high-level delegation from the Ministry of Trade and Industry, on August 27, 2024 led by Deputy Minister, Fatmata Kargbo, visited SABCO Sardine Company in Jui at the East End Freetown, in response to social media reports alleging that the company had improperly disposed of expired sardines.

The visit included key figures such as Paul Kaisam, Executive Director of the Sierra Leone Standards Bureau; Johor Bah, his Deputy, Lawrence Bassie, CEO of the National Consumers Protection Commission (NCPC) and representatives from the Ministry of Information and Civic Education, among others.

The inspection was prompted by public outcry and online rumors that SABCO Sardine Company had discarded expired sardines at the Bomeh dumping site. The Ministry aimed to address these concerns and verify the accuracy of the claims.

During a roundtable discussion with SABCO’s Management, Deputy Minister , Fatmata Kargbo highlighted the company’s significant role in supporting President Bio’s “Feed Salone” initiative, which is part of his Big Five priorities. She commended SABCO for its contributions to the country’s development since its factory commissioning in February.

SABCO’s Secretary, Miss Zainab, clarified that the materials dumped at Bomeh were not expired sardines but waste products such as fish heads, scales and tails. She emphasized that this disposal process adheres to City Council regulations and has been approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other relevant bodies.

Miss Zainab expressed her surprise at the misinformation circulating about the company, insisting that SABCO has consistently engaged with the EPA to ensure proper waste management.

Following the meeting, the Deputy Minister, Fatmata Kargbo and her team toured the SABCO facility. They observed the production process and were satisfied with the company’s adherence to safety and operational standards.

She thanked SABCO’s Management for their transparency and assured continued Government support also emphasizing the Ministry’s commitment to regularly monitoring the company’s operations to maintain public trust and safety.

It should be noted that the allegations reported stemmed from unsuccessful efforts to verify the information with SABCO Sardine Company officials. The claims were based on observations of the company’s vehicle at the Bomeh Dumping Site and the subsequent dumping activities. Despite repeated attempts to contact the company’s representatives for confirmation or comment, they did not respond to phone calls and failed to address the allegations.

Nasser Fellowship Alumni Joins African Union’s Youth Business Council

September 4, 2024

By Foday Moriba Conteh

The African Youth Business Council (AfYBC), under the African Union Commission, has announced the selection of Engineer Mohamed Osama, an alumnus of the Nasser Fellowship for International Leadership, as a founding member of its Executive Board. Osama, who also serves as the Technical and Technological Support Officer for the Global Solidarity Network, will represent the North Africa region on the newly formed Board.

The AfYBC Executive Board consists of twelve entrepreneurs under the age of forty from across Africa, representing the five regions and the African diaspora. The Council is the highest youth-led authority in the private sector at the continental level aiming to advocate for young entrepreneurs and promote a business-friendly environment within the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Engineer Osama emphasized the critical role the Council plays in connecting young African entrepreneurs with opportunities in national and intra-African trade. He noted the Council’s commitment to addressing challenges such as insufficient financing, market dominance and regulatory hurdles that hinder youth-led entrepreneurship across the continent.

Osama’s career began with the Global Solidarity Network in 2021, where he gained experience in various leadership roles, including leading the technical support team for the Nasser Youth Movement and contributing to the Nasser International Leadership Scholarship program under the patronage of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi. His expertise in information technology and entrepreneurship, highlighted by his founding of VOOG Network, a digital solutions company, earned him recognition at the continental level.

Hassan Ghazaly, founder of the Global Solidarity Network, praised Osama’s selection, noting that it reflects the capabilities of Egyptian youth in contributing to Africa’s economic future. He also commended the AfYBC’s efforts to integrate young entrepreneurs into the AfCFTA, emphasizing the importance of youth participation in shaping trade policies across the continent.

The new AfYBC Executive Office members will serve a two-year term from 2024 to 2026 and include prominent entrepreneurs from across Africa, such as Souleymane Nissaï Tourébour and Banny Jani Baki Fouziatou from West Africa and Hasnaa Farid from Morocco, representing North Africa alongside Mohamed Osama.