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Tuesday, November 26, 2024
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MBSSE Hands Over Additional Classrooms & WASH Facility to R.C. Madonna Girls School in Bo

By Foday Moriba Conteh

As part of Phase 1 of the Sierra Leone Free Education Project, the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary School Education, with support from the World Bank, handed over four additional classrooms and a WASH facility to the R.C. Madonna Girls Primary School in Bo City on Friday, August 30th, 2024.

This initiative, implemented by the Government of Sierra Leone through the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary School Education, is a significant step towards improving the education infrastructure for girls in the Southern Province. The new facilities aim to enhance the learning environment, reflecting the Government’s commitment to human capital development through education reform.

Giving an overview of the project, Ambrose T. Sesay, the Project Coordinator of the Free Education Project (FEP), emphasized the Government’s focus on improving girls’ education as part of its broader commitment to human capital development.

“The symbolic opening of additional classrooms at a girls’ school is a deliberate choice,” he stated, underscoring the importance of creating conducive learning environments for young girls. He explained that the Free Education Project, a multi-donor initiative funded by the World Bank, the European Union, FCDO and Irish Aid, is valued at $1.6 million and is one of the largest education projects in Sierra Leone.

Ambrose T. Sesay also highlighted the importance of inclusivity within the education system. The newly constructed classrooms are designed to accommodate all students, including those with physical challenges. “Our buildings are inclusive, with ramps to ensure accessibility for all,” he said. He also addressed the needs of girls facing pregnancy, ensuring that they will not be left out of the education system, with appropriate facilities in place to support them.

The Chair of the School Management Committee (SMC) at R.C. Madonna Girls Primary School, expressed gratitude to the Government of Sierra Leone and partners for the handing-over ceremony of the newly constructed classrooms and WASH facilities to the school which he described as a significant milestone in the institution’s development.

The SMC Chair emphasized the importance of the new infrastructure, calling it a “big occasion in the life of the Madonna Primary School.” He noted that the school, sponsored by the Catholic Mission, has long been a beacon of education for girls in the area and beyond.

Beyond the classrooms, the SMC Chair highlighted the installation of new toilet facilities, addressing a long-standing issue at the school. Previously, the pupils had been using inadequate and shared facilities with the surrounding community.

Mokhles Rahman, Project Task Team Lead at the World Bank Sierra Leone Country Office, emphasized the critical role that education plays in Sierra Leone’s development. “Education is the engine of growth,” he stated. “If children are not properly educated, the future of this country will face challenges.”

He acknowledged the challenges faced by many children in Sierra Leone, particularly the lack of educational resources at home, including books and the high rate of illiteracy among parents. These issues, he noted, are long-standing barriers that need to be addressed in order to improve learning outcomes across the country.

To tackle these challenges, the World Bank, in collaboration with the Government, has introduced a new program called foundational learning, which aims to raise the standard of education nationwide. The program is set to be rolled out across Sierra Leone starting in September 2024.

Mokhles Rahman called on teachers, parents and the community to support the initiative, saying, “Please help to make it a success. It will change the education scenario of this country.”

He also touched on the importance of girls’ education in Sierra Leone, noting that the country has made progress in this area, but there is still more work to be done. He urged communities to work together to prevent gender-based violence and ensure the safety of girls in schools and communities.

The Project Task Team Lead expressed the World Bank’s commitment to continued investment in Sierra Leone’s development, particularly in the area of human capital development. “Economic development is based on human capital development,” he noted. “We must equip our children with the skills they need to shape the future of this country.”

In his keynote address speech, Conrad Sackey, Minister of Basic and Senior Secondary School Education emphasized that this development reflects the broader national vision of building a brighter future for every child in Sierra Leone. “This event is not just about constructing classrooms. It is about constructing the future of Sierra Leone, one child at a time,” he remarked.

The Minister highlighted the impact of the Free Quality School Education Initiative, a central pillar of President Julius Maada Bio’s Big Five Agenda, which focuses on Human Capital Development, Economic Diversification, Infrastructure, Technology and Governance. Since its launch, the initiative has seen a significant increase in school enrollment, particularly among girls, as barriers such as financial constraints and inadequate infrastructure are gradually being dismantled.

“The additional classrooms being handed over today are part of our commitment to addressing overcrowding in schools and creating conducive learning environments for our children. These classrooms are not merely buildings of bricks and mortar; they represent hope, opportunity and our unwavering commitment to the education of our nation’s future leaders,” the Minister said.

He underscored the Government’s belief that through education, communities can be lifted out of poverty, citizens can be empowered and a prosperous future can be built for generations to come.

“To our teachers, we say thank you for your commitment to nurturing the minds of our children. To the parents, thank you for believing in the vision of a better future. And to the students, seize these opportunities, study hard and know that the future of Sierra Leone rests in your hands,” Conrad Sackey encouraged.

He concluded by extending gratitude to the World Bank and other international partners, including the Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office, the European Union and Irish Aid, for their support in making the project possible.

Climaxing the ceremony was cutting the ribbon, symbolizing the official opening of the new facilities by Conrad Sackey, Minister of Basic and Senior Secondary School Education and other dignitaries present.

Dr. Kandeh Yumkella Appointed Chair of New Energy Governance Coordination Group

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

In a move to enhance the effectiveness and coherence within Sierra Leone’s energy sector, President Dr. Julius Maada Bio has on Friday August 30, 2024 appointed Dr. Kandeh Yumkella as the Chair of the newly established Energy Governance Coordination Group (EGCG). This strategic initiative aims to streamline information sharing and coordination across various entities involved in energy governance.

Dr. Yumkella, who has been serving as Chairman of the Presidential Initiative on Climate Change, Renewable Energy and Food Security, will now take on this pivotal role as part of President Bio’s broader effort to tackle the sector’s challenges. The EGCG is designed to provide guidance on immediate and short-term issues, as well as oversee the development and implementation of investment promotion strategies within the energy sector.

The group will be comprised of key figures including the Deputy Ministers of Energy I & II, the Minister of Finance, the CEO of the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) and the Chairpersons of the Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority (EDSA), the Electricity Generation and Transmission Company (EGTC) and the Electricity and Water Regulatory Commission (EWRC).

Dr. Kandeh Yumkella’s appointment reflects his extensive experience and expertise in energy governance, which are expected to be instrumental in advancing President Bio’s vision for a reformed and sustainable energy sector. His role will be crucial in ensuring that the sector’s strategic goals are met and that energy governance is effectively aligned with national development objectives.

As the EGCG takes shape, it will focus on providing strategic oversight and addressing immediate challenges within the energy sector, while also guiding the rollout of investment initiatives aimed at boosting sector performance.

This development underscores President Bio’s commitment to enhancing Sierra Leone’s energy infrastructure and supporting the ongoing reforms linked to the Feed Salone agenda. Dr. Kandeh Yumkella’s leadership in this new capacity is anticipated to significantly impact the sector’s progress and reform efforts.

ECOWAS Logistics Depot 99% Finished, Set to Launch Soon

By Amin Kef Sesay

The Ministry of Planning and Economic Development (MoPED) and delegation, including Members of the Parliamentary Oversight Committee on Planning and Economic Development and local authorities from Kaffu Bullom Chiefdom, Port Loko District on Friday 23rd August 2024 visited the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Logistics Depot in Lungi, Kaffu Bullom Chiefdom, Port Loko District.

The MoPED Minister, Madam Kenyeh Barlay commended the Members of Parliament from Port Loko District, the chiefdom authorities and ECOWAS for their support towards the completion of the project, noted that the depot is not only important to ECOWAS but Sierra Leone and that the main opposition leader for the APC and MPs from the District were invited to the event.

She went on to recall that they visited the depot in May this year during which they promised to engage stakeholders to address the challenges affecting its timely completion , especially land grabbing, security and stressed the need for stakeholders to raise-awareness and misconceptions about the project.

The Minister went on to state that the visit is to ensure that action is taken on the parcel of land on the seafront that the depot wants access to intimating that the project start in Jeduly 2000 but that it is only now that it has developed rapidly to 99% completion rate in spite of the EBOLA and COVID-10 outbreaks and other challenges and stressed that she wants the project to be handed over to Government by the end of this year.

Madam Kenyeh Barlay also appealed to the people of Kaffu Bullom Chiefdom to offer about an acre of land to the project citing the opportunities to them including jobs and capacity building and disclosed that discussions are underway with the Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority that has quarters on the land earmarked for expansion for an amicable resolution.

The ECOWAS Representative in Sierra Leone, Alhaji Aruna Musa revealed that the depot was established through the United Nations and African Union Protocols for peacekeeping operations as well as to serve as a standby force to produce a combination of forces to maintain peace adding that the depot is the baby of ECOWAS.

According to Alhaji Aruna Musa, the ECOWAS Depot is a logistics hub within the sub-region underscoring that no mission would succeed without logistics.

The representative of the project consultants disclosed that the project is over 97% complete citing the water supply, fire equipment, planting of trees, fencing and installation of fire hydrants remaining and the additional building for soldiers of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces.

The Speaker of Kaffu Bullum Chiefdom, Alhaji Alimamy Dumbuya commended Government for constructing the new airport and pledged their unflinching support to the project underlining that they are development-oriented and proud of the depot.

Earlier welcoming the delegation, the Head of the Logistics Depot, retired Lieutenant-Colonel Dr. Bala Mohamed described the day as historic, commended the Government of President Dr. Julius Maada Bio for taking Sierra Leone higher to the United Nations Security Council and the opportunity to establish the ECOWAS Logistics Depot in Sierra Leone as well as taking the project as the country’s baby especially the time and resources allocated to it.

NAYCOM, World Bank to Roll Out Major Youth Employment Program with $40 Million

By Dauda Koroma

Sierra Leone’s National Youth Commission (NAYCOM), in collaboration with the World Bank, the National Commission for Social Action (NaCSA), and the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), on August 30, 2024, hosted a media engagement event to discuss the Productive Social Safety Net and Youth Employment (PSSNYE) Project. Held at the New Connection Hotel in Makeni, the event was themed: “Empowering Youth, Amplifying Voices: Media as a Catalyst for Youth-Led Enterprises in Sierra Leone.”

The PSSNYE Project, which has received a substantial $40 million funding boost from the World Bank, aims to support 8,000 young people across Sierra Leone, including major cities like Freetown, Bo, Kenema, Makeni and Port Loko. The initiative focuses on developing youth-led household enterprises, with a strategic emphasis on promoting business growth and sustainability among the youth.

Emerson Kamara, Deputy Commissioner of NAYCOM, highlighted the urgent need to address high youth unemployment to ensure the country’s peaceful development. He emphasized that President Julius Maada Bio is committed to improving youth employment through this project. The funding will enable training and support for young entrepreneurs to help their businesses thrive, with monitoring from NaCSA and ACC to ensure transparency and prevent corruption.

Isata M. Blake, Senior Development Social Safety Network at NaCSA, affirmed the project’s commitment to fairness and sustainability. She noted that the initiative not only provides micro-social training but also focuses on empowering women, ensuring a broad impact.

Patrick Monrovia, Projects Coordinator at ACC, emphasized the importance of integrating the Governance Redress Mechanism (GRM) into the project. He assured that the ACC is prepared to address any grievances, particularly those related to corruption, to maintain project integrity.

Momodu Woodie, NAYCOM Programme Manager, underscored the significance of media involvement in the PSSNYE Project. He explained that media can enhance the project’s visibility, attract stakeholders and foster transparency by keeping the community informed. Woodie noted that the initiative aims to provide both financial and social support to vulnerable populations, thereby equipping them with skills for sustainable livelihoods.

The PSSNYE Project, which is set to run until June 30, 2027, will be implemented by NaCSA in collaboration with partners including ACC, NAYCOM, and the Freetown City Council. The project’s objective is to improve access to social safety nets and income-generating opportunities, marking a significant step towards addressing Sierra Leone’s youth unemployment crisis.

Yusuf Kamara, NAYCOM Monitoring and Evaluation Manager, outlined the project’s alignment with the country’s medium-term national development plan, highlighting key sectors for investment, including microfinance and large-scale machinery.

This ambitious project represents a crucial investment in Sierra Leone’s future, aiming to drive economic stability and social equity through targeted support for its youth.

From Beyond the Grave: Sia’s Call for Change Highlights Dire Need to Address Intimate Partner Violence

By Phebe Conteh

In a poignant message addressed to the residents of Leo Land, the late Sia Fatu Kamara has made a heartfelt plea for change in the fight against intimate partner violence. In a message written from beyond the grave, Sia, whose life was tragically cut short by such violence, shares her vision for a society free from abuse. The message, conveyed through celestial guidance, emphasizes three critical pillars: Education, Empowerment, and Enforcement.

Sia’s message, which reverberates with a deep sense of urgency, outlines a clear path to ending intimate partner violence. She urges everyone, regardless of gender, to embrace these principles to foster a safer and more supportive community.

Sia stresses the importance of understanding oneself before entering any romantic relationship or marriage. She advocates for personal growth and mutual understanding within relationships, urging individuals to seek partners who support and complement their aspirations. Effective communication about core aspects such as values, boundaries and conflict resolution is crucial in nurturing a healthy relationship and preventing violence.

Acknowledging that conflicts are a natural part of relationships, Sia highlights the strength required to address and resolve disagreements healthily. She encourages individuals to prioritize their well-being and consider leaving toxic relationships. Access to resources such as clinical services and safety shelters is vital for victims of intimate partner violence, she emphasizes.

Sia calls for rigorous enforcement of laws against intimate partner violence. She demands thorough investigation and prosecution of perpetrators, insisting that those who commit such heinous acts face appropriate consequences. Her message concludes with a powerful assertion that the fight against abuse must be active and relentless.

The call to action is clear: educate about healthy relationships, empower victims and enforce the law to protect women. Sia’s final words echo a resolve that the revolution against intimate partner violence must begin immediately, with collective effort and unwavering commitment.

Ministry of Information Seeks Le 65 Million to Advance Transformation Plans

By Esther Wright

The Ministry of Information and Civic Education (MOICE) on August 29, 2024 submitted a budget request of over Le 65 million to support its ambitious transformation plans for 2025.

In a presentation held on Wednesday in the Ministry of Finance’s Conference Room, Minister of Information Chernor A. Bah and Acting Director of Information, Emmanuel A.B. Turay, detailed their extensive plans for the Ministry. The proposed changes include establishing new directorates, expanding the staff and implementing a comprehensive civic education strategy.

The Minister highlighted the significant progress made by the Ministry despite its limited resources and personnel. He emphasized that achieving President Bio’s vision will require substantial investment.

“The vision President Bio as set for us is expansive and realizing it demands a significant financial commitment,” he stated. “We started with nearly nonexistent infrastructure and as a new Ministry, we’ve been building from the ground up with minimal resources.”

The presentation drew positive remarks from Samuel Momoh, the Principal Deputy Financial Secretary at the Ministry of Finance.He commended the Ministry’s accomplishments under its current budget constraints.

“You have achieved a considerable amount and your accomplishments were evident throughout the presentation,” Samuel Momoh said. “This demonstrates your potential to accomplish even more with increased resources.”

Last year, the Finance Ministry approved approximately Le 11 million in budgetary support for the Ministry of Information, but only a little over Le 4 million was disbursed.

Looking ahead, Chernor Bah expressed optimism about the Ministry’s future. The upcoming year will see the hiring of 101 new staff members, the creation of additional directorates, and a nationwide rollout of the civic education program

“President Bio’s vision for civic education is significant. It’s about instilling a sense of national pride and love for Sierra Leone,” the Minister intimated.

The presentation received high praise from attendees, who acknowledged the ministry’s proactive efforts in combating fake news and managing information effectively.

As Securing Biometric ID Card is Mandatory… Citizens, Non-Citizens Urged to Link their National Identification Numbers to SIM Cards

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

 The National Civil Registration Authority (NCRA) is intensifying efforts to ensure that both citizens and non-citizens in Sierra Leone collect their Biometric ID Cards at designated centers nationwide. These cards, embedded with a unique National Identification Number (NIN), are essential tools for securing identities, accessing vital services and preventing fraud.

The Biometric ID Card is more than just an identification document; it represents a critical step forward in identity management. Each cardholder is assigned a unique NIN, ensuring that no two individuals share the same number. This unique identification system is pivotal in combating identity theft and fraud, which are increasingly common in the digital age.

Beyond identity security, the Biometric ID Card has become a mandatory requirement for accessing various public and private services in Sierra Leone. A recent Cabinet decision mandates that both citizens and non-citizens present their ID cards when engaging in activities such as banking, where the card adds an extra layer of security against fraud. Law enforcement agencies also rely on the Biometric ID Card for accurate identification at checkpoints across the country.

The card’s importance extends to the education sector as well. Students must present their Biometric ID Cards to be eligible to sit for national exams, such as the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE). This requirement helps verify candidates and strengthens the integrity of the examination process by reducing the risk of impersonation.

Despite the critical need for these ID cards, the NCRA has expressed concern over the large number of uncollected cards sitting in district offices and collection centers across the country. Many individuals have yet to pick up their cards, even after receiving SMS notifications. The NCRA attributes this situation to issues such as incorrect or non-functional phone numbers provided during registration, or applicants using the phone numbers of relatives or friends, which complicates the notification process.

In light of these challenges, the NCRA is calling on all individuals who registered on or before July 31, 2024, to visit their respective registration or collection centers to pick up their cards, even if they have not received an SMS notification. To facilitate a smooth collection process, applicants are advised to bring their ID card application slips, which will help NCRA personnel quickly locate their cards.

In a related initiative aimed at enhancing identity security, the NCRA is urging all mobile phone users to link their NIN to their SIM cards between September 1 and November 30, 2024. This Government-mandated initiative is designed to protect citizens’ identities and prevent the misuse of mobile services for criminal activities. Failure to link the NIN to a SIM card within the specified period could result in service disruptions, including the inability to make or receive calls, send SMS messages, or conduct mobile money transactions.

To ensure easy access, the NCRA has established multiple registration and collection centers across the country, including:

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

For further assistance or information, individuals can contact the NCRA via:

– 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 provides corporate issuance of Biometric ID Cards for both public and private institutions.

As Sierra Leone moves towards a more secure and efficient identification system, the importance of collecting the Biometric ID Card and linking the NIN to SIM cards cannot be overstated. These measures are central to the government’s broader strategy of enhancing national security, protecting identities, and improving service delivery. The NCRA remains committed to facilitating these processes and ensuring that every eligible individual takes the necessary steps to secure their identity and access essential services.

 

NP (SL) Leads Sierra Leone’s Oil Sector with Digital Innovation and Safety Focus

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

NP (SL) Limited has firmly established itself as a trailblazer in Sierra Leone’s petroleum industry, thanks to its unwavering commitment to safety, cutting-edge technology and local economic advancement. The company’s strategic mission is to maintain a leading market position while expanding its operations across the West African sub-region, with a strong emphasis on environmental sustainability and customer satisfaction.

In an industry marked by intense competition, NP (SL) stands out as a dominant force in Sierra Leone’s petroleum market. The company has embarked on a significant transformation by digitizing its sales operations and transitioning towards cashless transactions. This digital shift is enhancing NP (SL)’s efficiency, competitiveness and solidifying its status as the leading fuel distributor in the country.

The push towards digitization is a response to the rising demand for petroleum and gas products driven by population growth and industrialization. On April 24, 2024, NP (SL) introduced the pilot phase of the Energy Pass Card, an innovative tool designed to revolutionize the fueling experience and advance a cashless system. The Energy Pass Card aims to secure cash transactions, provide real-time fuel balance information and ensure nationwide flexibility, self-service, availability as well as accessibility.

The NP Energy Pass Card is a user-friendly smart card that offers both online and offline functionality with robust security features. It provides instant SMS notifications for each transaction, promoting transparency and accountability. As part of the “FUBU” (For Us, By Us) initiative, it supports both online and offline transactions and features enhanced security with One-Time Passwords (OTPs), marking a significant advance towards a cashless economy.

By harnessing digital technology, NP (SL) is improving operational performance, minimizing human error and enhancing overall efficiency.

Undoubtedly, the company is renowned for its stringent fire prevention and safety protocols, crucial for managing highly flammable substances like petrol, diesel and gas. The company collaborates closely with the National Fire Force, investing in essential infrastructure such as advanced bore wells and standby generators to bolster firefighting capabilities and ensure safety.

NP(SL)’s exceptional customer care is reflected in its top ranking for service quality, supported by its adherence to strict safety standards and continuous staff training. This dedication extends to its Filling Stations, where effective emergency response and service excellence are prioritized.

The leading petroleum marketing company’s expansion into underserved regions has addressed energy poverty and created new employment opportunities. The company’s Local Content policy focuses on hiring Sierra Leoneans, contributing to national economic growth and poverty alleviation.

Innovation remains at the core of NP (SL) Ltd’s strategy. The introduction of the NP Smart Card and NP Gas, an environmentally certified cooking device, underscores its commitment to evolving customer needs.

Beyond Sierra Leone, NP (SL) Ltd’s operations extend to neighboring Guinea, Liberia, Ivory Coast and The Gambia, contributing to regional economic stability and job creation. This international presence highlights the company’s ability to compete on a larger scale.

As a responsible corporate entity, NP (SL) Ltd plays a crucial role in national development through substantial tax contributions that support Government projects and public welfare initiatives. The company’s commitment to tax compliance reflects its dedication to positively impacting Sierra Leone’s growth.

NP (SL) Ltd’s focus on transparency, customer care and community empowerment ensures its continued prominence in the petroleum industry. The company remains a trusted partner for customers and a key contributor to Sierra Leone’s economic and social progress.

Two Lebanese Nationals in Court Today for Alleged Importation of Bomb-Making Materials

By Esther Wright

In a case that has captured widespread public interest, two Lebanese nationals, Hussein Antar and Jamal Antar, were remanded in custody on August 30, 2024, over allegations of importing bomb-making materials into Sierra Leone.

The pair, along with a Sierra Leonean co-accused, Sulaiman Barrie, appeared before Magistrate Santigie Bangura at the Pademba Road Court No. 2 on Thursday, August 29, 2024. The trio faces a total of thirty charges, including conspiracy, illegal importation and possession of arms manufacturing materials, aiding and abetting the commission of a crime and attempting to pervert the course of justice.

The charges further extend to financing the transportation and stockpiling of chemical weapons without proper licensing. According to the prosecution, the accused conspired between October 2023 and July 2024 to illegally import bomb-making materials into Sierra Leone.

Court documents reveal that 65-year-old businessman. Hussein Antar and his unemployed co-defendant, Jamal Antar, also 65, allegedly funded the illicit transportation of these materials. The prosecution claims that the materials were moved from the Queen Elizabeth II Quay in Freetown to a residence in the Madina community, Waterloo.

In a related charge, the defendants also face accusations of importing prohibited drugs without lawful authority during the same period.

The courtroom drama intensified when the third defendant, 25-year-old Sulaiman Barrie, collapsed due to illness, leading to an emotional scene involving his mother. Legal representatives from both sides were present, with Yusif Isaac Sesay Esq. leading the prosecution for the state and Daniel Koroma Esq. defending the accused.

Despite the defense’s pleas, bail was denied, and the three accused were remanded in custody as the court adjourned the case to September, 2nd 2024 for further hearing. 

What Can We Expect From FOCAC

By Alpha Mohamed Jalloh, Director of the China Africa Institute, University of Makeni

September 2024 will mark a pivotal moment for China-Africa relations as the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) convenes for its latest summit. This year’s theme, “Joining Hands to Advance Modernization and Build a High-Level China-Africa Community with a Shared Future,” underscores the urgency of collaborative action to address past injustices and shape a more equitable global future.

South-South Cooperation (SSC) remains a cornerstone in this dialogue, aiming to rectify historical wrongs and forge pathways to reconciliation and progress. Both China and Africa, often grouped together as developing nations, have faced significant challenges and inequities on the international stage. The FOCAC summit presents an opportunity for these nations to unite and advocate for their collective interests, countering longstanding hegemonies and fostering mutual development.

The 2024 FOCAC meeting promises to be a year of decisive action. Over the past 24 years, FOCAC has consistently adhered to its principles of mutual planning, building, and benefiting. This year’s agenda reflects a commitment to these principles with a clear roadmap for tangible outcomes. Discussions will cover critical areas including state governance, industrialization, agricultural modernization, and high-quality Belt and Road Cooperation.

A major focus will be on state governance and sovereignty. The forum is expected to address the contentious issue of Taiwan, advocating for its reunification with China and urging Western powers to cease support for Taiwan. Additionally, African nations are encouraged to consider visa-free travel among themselves, similar to Kenya’s recent initiative, to facilitate greater mobility and regional integration.

Trade relations between China and Africa are also on the agenda. Significant reductions in bureaucratic barriers have already improved business interactions, and African entrepreneurs have expressed satisfaction with the Chinese market. The summit will seek to build on these reforms, enhance trade relations, and further streamline processes for African businesses.

Institutional reforms and capacity building are crucial topics as well. The forum will focus on increasing scholarship opportunities for African students in China and expanding skills transfer programs. These initiatives aim to empower Africa’s youthful population and support the continent’s development trajectory.

Another key area of discussion will be food security. The partnership aims to develop a comprehensive plan to help Africa achieve self-sufficiency in food production. With China’s technological expertise and Africa’s arable land, this initiative seeks to transform food security on the continent.

As FOCAC 2024 unfolds, the expectations are high. Both China and Africa must adhere to the outcomes of the summit and implement the agreed-upon strategies to ensure that the partnership continues to drive meaningful progress. This year’s meeting is poised to be a landmark event, potentially redefining China-Africa relations and setting the stage for a more collaborative and prosperous future.

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