Home Blog Page 398

CMG Africa & Africa Policy Institute Host Nairobi Seminar on China-Africa Cooperation for Growth

CMG Africa and the Africa Policy Institute
CMG Africa and the Africa Policy Institute

In a collaborative effort aimed at fostering deeper ties between China and Africa, CMG Africa and the Africa Policy Institute organized a joint seminar on Monday in Nairobi, Kenya. The seminar, held under the theme ‘Enhancing China-Africa Cooperation in New Quality Productive Forces to Realize High-Quality Growth’, gathered experts to deliberate on recent developments in China and their potential implications for Africa and the global landscape in 2024.

Against the backdrop of the forthcoming Two Sessions in March and the 9th FOCAC Summit scheduled later this year in Beijing, the discussions were timely and pertinent. Participants engaged in comprehensive dialogues covering various aspects of cooperation between China and Africa, focusing on building inclusive, green, and low-carbon economies. They also delved into fostering new productive forces to propel the rapid advancement of emerging industries, formats, and models.

Trade and investment were key areas of consideration, with participants exploring strategies to enhance economic collaboration between the two regions. Moreover, the seminar aimed to contribute to global peace and harmony by examining avenues for mutual cooperation in addressing shared challenges and promoting sustainable development.

The event underscored the importance of strategic partnerships between China and Africa in navigating the complexities of the contemporary global landscape. As both regions continue to evolve, initiatives such as this seminar serve as catalysts for fostering mutual understanding, collaboration, and shared prosperity.

Biometric ID Cards Help to Combat Fraud, Ensure Fair Access to Essential Services

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

The Biometric ID Cards are currently a panacea for Identity Fraud that was recently detected as becoming the order of the day. When this malpractice became noticeable, the statutory institution that deals with Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS), the National Civil Registration Authority (NCRA) sounded an urgent alarm.  This was so because of the growing threat of identity fraud, particularly in the context of Sierra Leonean citizenship acquisition and the procurement of essential documents such as Birth and Death Certificates. Two concerning trends were identified: foreign residents resorting to deceitful means to obtain citizenship by employing locals to pose as parents and the unauthorized acquisition of official certificates, leading to potential forgeries.

Indeed, these fraudulent activities not only pose a significant risk to the integrity of the country’s identity framework but also raise serious concerns regarding national security. Against such a backdrop, the importance of preserving the credibility of personal identity, which has been painstakingly rebuilt over the past five years, cannot be overemphasized.

In response to that challenge, the Government of Sierra Leone ratified a 15-year Agreement with a private entity for the production of Securitized and Multi-purpose Identity (ID) Cards. These chip-based ID Cards contain embedded features aimed at ensuring proper identification and authentication using the National Identification Number (NIN) as a unique identifier assigned from birth to death. The system is greatly helping to strengthen accountability, transparency in public administration, governance, and accountable service delivery while deterring identity fraud or manipulation attempts.

It must be noted that the ID Cards are serving various purposes for citizens and residents of Sierra Leone, including facilitating transactions with financial institutions, vehicle registration and licensing, recruitment into public and private institutions, enrollment in educational institutions, SIM card registration, vital events registration, immigration services, and business registration, among others.

Furthermore, the Securitized Multi-purpose ID Cards grant access to essential services such as healthcare, education, social security, and financial transactions. They also support tax administration, immigration opportunities and financial inclusion while safeguarding individuals against various forms of exploitation and abuse, including sexual offenses, child labor, early marriage and identity manipulation.

With the decentralization of identity services such are easing the burden on the public and complementing the Government’s efforts in crime prevention.

The ID Cards are not only standardized cards but also approved by regional and international bodies. Furthermore, the distribution process is decentralized to ensure accessibility for all residents, with priority given to populated towns.

Citizens must possess a National Identification Number (NIN) to obtain their ID Cards, with processes including visiting the NCRA Office, payment of fees, and subsequent collection from designated centers.

To ensure accessibility, the NCRA has established specific offices and centers across key locations:

  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 Round About).
    5. NCRA Office: Waterloo along the Freetown High Way (Opposite the Police Station).
    6. NCRA Offices: Regional Headquarter Towns of Bo, Kenema, Makeni, and Port Loko.

In a bid to enhance accessibility, the NCRA has introduced corporate services tailored for organizations and institutions. For comprehensive information on these corporate services, interested parties can contact the following numbers: +232-33-433-333 / +232-30-500-000 / +232-60-000 / +232-78-221-812 or via EMAIL: idverification@ncra.gov.

In essence, the issuance of ID Cards by the NCRA signifies a crucial step towards enhancing identity security, preserving national integrity, and ensuring equitable access to essential services for all residents of Sierra Leone.

Orange SL Unveils Thrilling Promotional Campaign: Be the Next Alagba

By Abubakarr Harding

Orange Sierra Leone embarked on a vibrant road show from Jui to Lumley Beach on Wednesday, March 6, 2024, to engage with their customers and promote their Alagba Promotion Campaign. The campaign, which kicked off this month and will run every month until June, presents an incredible opportunity for participants to win a business worth NLE 300,000.

To qualify for this exciting opportunity, customers simply need to engage with Orange services in various ways. This includes buying top-up via Orange Money, making payments to merchants or bills via Orange Money, or purchasing an Orange SIM card.

Felix Macauley, Chief Marketing Officer for Orange, emphasized that the concept of Alagba is tied to using Orange SIM cards, recharging or using Orange Money. He stressed that becoming an Alagba is not just about using their services but also benefiting from them. To participate, customers need to dial *144# and conduct Orange Money transactions for a chance to become the next Alagba.

Elizabeth Walker, from Orange’s Marketing Department, revealed that the road show was organized to commemorate the launch of the campaign and to ensure customers understand its essence. The campaign, titled: “The Next Alagba,” aims to transform the lives of customers by offering them opportunities to win significant prizes.

According to Elizabeth, anyone can become the next Alagba by simply owning an Orange SIM card and using Orange Money. The campaign includes monthly prizes of NLE 300,000 in business opportunities for four months, as well as weekly food giveaways to assist customers during challenging economic times.

Highlighting the significance of the campaign during the fasting periods for both Muslims and Christians, she emphasized Orange’s commitment to ensuring customers have access to food and business opportunities. To participate, customers are encouraged to conduct transactions using Orange Money for bill payments and purchases from merchants.

Alpha Bundu, Director of Customer Experience, emphasized that the campaign aims to demonstrate that customers are valued and can be considered as “Alagbas” in the local dialect, indicating their importance to Orange. He underscored Orange’s dedication to digital transformation and community engagement, ensuring that everyone can benefit from services like Orange Money.

Alpha added that the promotion will run for 120 days, with daily draws on radio and weekly draws on TV. The draws will commence today Monday, March 11, 2024, on Epic Radio, and Saturday, March 16, 2024, on SLBC TV.

He assured that Orange Sierra Leone’s Alagba Promotion Campaign presents an exciting opportunity for customers to win valuable prizes while highlighting Orange’s commitment to customer satisfaction, community engagement and digital inclusion.

By engaging with Orange services and participating in the campaign, he maintained, customers not only stand a chance to win but also contribute to their own empowerment and the development of their communities calling on customers to be the next Alagbas with Orange Sierra Leone.

WFP & Partners Commemorate 9th African Day of School Feeding

The World Food Programme (WFP), alongside the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education (MBSSE) and the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (MAFS), on March 1, 2024, joined hands with partners to celebrate the 9th Africa Day of School Feeding, shining a light on the transformative impact of Home-Grown school feeding programs. These programs, which integrate schools with local farmers, ensure a stable supply of fresh, nutritious meals for schoolchildren while supporting smallholder farmers with a predictable market.

At the Roman Catholic Primary School in Zimmi, pupils like Musa Sesay and Kadiatu Sheriff expressed gratitude for the program’s positive influence on their education. Musa emphasized how the program helped him focus better in class, while Kadiatu highlighted its role in providing not only sustenance during the school day but also supplemental income for her family, supporting her education.

Head Teacher, Abu Sheriff, noted a significant rise in enrollment, attributing it to improved academic performance and the assurance of a meal during the school day. He reported a remarkable 100 percent pass rate in external exams since the program’s inception.

Yvonne Forsen, WFP Country Director, underscored the manifold benefits of school feeding, citing a cost-benefit analysis indicating a remarkable return on investment. She emphasized the program’s role as a vital social safety net, benefitting over 700,000 children across Sierra Leone in the last school year alone.

With plans to expand the Home-Grown initiative, WFP aims to reach more children in vulnerable and food-insecure regions. Collaborating with smallholder farmers, the program intends to increase rice procurement substantially by 2024.

The occasion also marked the launch of the home-grown school feeding logo, symbolizing food produced by local farmers for Sierra Leonean schoolchildren. Sagane Thiaw, Country Director of World Vision International Sierra Leone, highlighted their organization’s complementary role in the program, particularly in WASH interventions.

In February 2024, WFP and World Vision International signed a memorandum of understanding to integrate school feeding with Water, Hygiene, and Sanitation programs, aiming to enhance the nutrition of primary school children.

Sengbe Roger Koker, Director of the School Feeding Secretariat, reiterated the Government’s commitment to feeding 800,000 children across Sierra Leone through the school feeding program. Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Theresa T. Dick, urged farmers to increase food production to support the Feed Salone initiative.

The event concluded with a joint visit to a farm, supplying rice and vegetables to the school, emphasizing the close link between local agriculture and school feeding programs.

SLAJ Gender Advisory Panel Calls for Investment in Female Journalists to Accelerate Progress

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

The Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) Gender Advisory Panel (GAP) issued a statement on Friday March 8, 2024, marking International Women’s Day 2024 under the theme: “Invest in Women; Accelerate Progress.” Signed by Dr. Williette James, Chairperson of SLAJ GAP, the statement highlights the pivotal role of women journalists and calls for concerted efforts to support their advancement in the profession.

Dr. Williette James emphasized the importance of recognizing and celebrating the contributions of women journalists globally, acknowledging their resilience in the face of challenges. Reflecting on the progress made, Dr. James noted the increased participation and capacity of women journalists in Sierra Leone, highlighting their potential to enrich the journalism profession.

A significant milestone mentioned in the statement is the establishment of the SLAJ Gender Equality Policy, a framework aimed at addressing gender-related issues within the media landscape. Dr. James commended SLAJ’s President, Ahmed Sahid Nasralla, for initiating this policy, stressing the need for its full implementation with adequate resources.

Regarding this year’s theme, “Invest in Women, Accelerate Progress,” Dr. James emphasized the importance of investing in capacity building and mentorship programs for women journalists. She called for greater access to training opportunities and international collaborations to enhance their skills and exposure, ultimately accelerating their professional growth.

The statement reiterated SLAJ’s commitment to gender equality and women’s empowerment, outlining key objectives outlined in the gender policy. These include proactive integration of gender equality principles, equitable addressing of gender issues, removal of obstacles to equal opportunities, and promotion of gender-sensitive journalism practices.

In light of International Women’s Day, Dr. James reaffirmed SLAJ’s dedication to creating a safe and inclusive environment for female journalists, both online and offline. The statement concluded with a message of solidarity and appreciation for the invaluable contributions of women journalists to the Association and society at large.

As the world celebrates International Women’s Day, SLAJ’s Gender Advisory Panel calls for sustained efforts to invest in and empower women journalists, driving progress and inclusivity within the media industry.

Africa Global Logistics Commemorates International Women’s Day

The Africa Global Logistics Sierra Leone (AGL), at its headquarters in Freetown, on Thursday 7th March 2024, commemorated International Women’s Day with the theme: “Inspiring Inclusion.” The event was attended by a diverse group of stakeholders, including Government officials, business leaders, civil society representatives, and media practitioners.

In his welcome address, the Country Manager at Africa Global Logistics Sierra Leone, Bertrand Kerguelen, expressed gratitude to the attendees for gracing the event and reaffirmed the company’s commitment to promoting gender equality. He emphasized the importance of empowering women and creating more opportunities for them within the organization.

“We believe that gender equality is not just a women’s issue, but a human rights issue that affects us all. As a company, we are dedicated to advancing women and streamlining our policies to ensure that women have equal opportunities to succeed,” Kerguelen stated.

The Communication Manager at AGL, Gassimu Fofanah, highlighted the significance of International Women’s Day as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for gender equality. He urged everyone to commit to taking action every day to create a more inclusive and equal world for all.

“As we celebrate the achievements of women today, let us remember to carry forward the spirit of empowerment, equality and appreciation for women’s achievement every day of our lives. Together, we can create a world where every woman’s voice is heard, rights respected and potentials realized,” Fofanah concluded.

Human Rights Lawyer, Rashid Dumbuya Esq, provided a background on the importance of the United Nations Women’s Day, emphasizing the need to recognize and address the challenges still facing women in society. He reiterated the importance of celebrating women’s achievements while working towards gender parity in all aspects of life.

CEO at Madam Yokie Foundation, Marian Kaikai, commended AGL for prioritizing International Women’s Day and emphasized the need for men to change their attitudes and behaviors towards women. She called for equal sharing of responsibilities at home and in the workplace, emphasizing the importance of empowering and supporting women in their personal and professional lives.

Speaking from her own experience, Binta Kadul, owner of Binta Kadul Restaurant, shared her journey of starting with humble beginnings and persevering to create a successful business. She urged women to focus on their goals, believe in themselves, and work towards their dreams.

Bertrand Kerguelen: Country Manager for AGL
Bertrand Kerguelen: Country Manager for AGL

The event concluded with a commitment from all attendees to continue the fight for gender equality and the need to empower women in Sierra Leone.

It must be noted that the commemoration of International Women’s Day at Africa Global Logistics Sierra Leone served as a reminder of the importance of inclusion, empowerment and support for women in all aspects of society.

Swedish Specialists, Choithram Team Triumph in Spinal Bifida Surgery

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

In the heart of Sierra Leone, amidst the struggles of sick children, a tale of resilience and hope unfolds as three-year-old Alhassan Bockarie emerges victorious in his battle against Spinal Bifida. Enduring years of pain and isolation, Alhassan’s journey to recovery shines as a beacon of hope for many.

Alhassan’s life was marred by fevers, headaches and countless health complications, robbing him of the joys of childhood. However, a glimmer of hope appeared when Swedish neurosurgeons, led by Dr. Magnus Tisell, intervened through the Swedish African Neurosurgical Collaboration. Their expertise and dedication culminated in a successful surgery at the Choithram Memorial Hospital, marking a turning point in Alhassan’s life.

The collaborative effort between international specialists and Sierra  Leonean doctors, including Dr. Lebbie, Dr. Bangura, and Dr. Yabom, underscores the power of unity in overcoming adversity. Their combined efforts have not only transformed Alhassan’s life but also inspired a renewed sense of hope within the community.

Alhassan’s remarkable journey serves as a testament to the transformative impact of medical intervention and the indomitable spirit of resilience. As celebrations ensue, the commitment to saving the lives of countless Sierra Leonean children remains unwavering. Together, we can continue to foster healing, joy, and hope in the face of adversity.

IOM Organizes Cross-Regional Workshop to Enhance African Return & Reintegration

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) facilitated a pivotal three-day Cross-Regional Technical Coordination Workshop in Côte D’Ivoire, Abidjan, from March 5 to 7, 2024 to foster cooperation among stakeholders involved in return and reintegration in Africa.

The workshop, held as part of the Migrant Protection, Return and Reintegration (MPRR) programme operating in North and Sub-Saharan Africa and supported by the European Union (EU), saw the active participation of Government representatives and IOM staff from 21 countries alongside delegates from the EU in discussions on how to achieve crucial collaboration and strategic dialogue.

“It is important to have continuous system-building efforts inside the countries of origin, aimed at consolidating national referral mechanisms for migrant returnees, but also the significance of clear, practical bi-lateral protocols with major host countries,” said Ms. Nsikan Simon Essien, Head Psychosocial Support Unit at the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI) in Nigeria. “The present workshop provides the perfect space for pursuing these action lines,” she added.

Key points discussed during the workshop included improving migrants’ and returnees’ access to protection and basic services, to legal identity and consular support, and addressing priorities for capacity building, such as child protection and national coordination mechanisms.

Discussions also addressed resource gaps for reintegration assistance and explored sustainable solutions that are in line with global commitments such as Objective 21 of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly, and Regular Migration (GCM), as well as the African Union’s Migration Policy Framework for Africa and Plan of Action (2018-2030), which call for increased international cooperation and support for reintegration.

Khaled Elnakkady, Head of Migration and Anti-Smuggling Unit at the National Coordinating Committee for Combating Illegal Migration and Trafficking in Persons (NCCPIM& TIP) – Egypt said that the committee finalized the development of a national referral mechanism for return and reintegration, which provides a specific role for each national authority concerned with providing services to returnees to ensure their reintegration, with a special focus on services provided to returning children such as their reintegration into schools.

NCCPIM&TIP also established the “Fund for Combating Illegal Migration and the Protection of Migrants and Witnesses” to manage the referral mechanism and to finance it through cooperation with donors and international organizations, he added.

“The National Referral Mechanism in Ethiopia is implemented in tandem with the National Reintegration Directive which follows IOM’s model of integrated approach to reintegration, aims to address reintegration from an individual, community, and structural levels and is important extending basic services and assistance to vulnerable migrants and returnees upon return,” said Mr. Abel Gebregzihaber, Senior Prosecutor from the Ministry of Justice.

A major outcome of the workshop was the development of a roadmap outlining return and reintegration priorities in the relevant countries for the next three years. This roadmap will guide collective efforts, reinforce operational coordination, and empower stakeholders with a coordinated approach to advocate for additional resources to bridge the gap in return and reintegration support.

This workshop represents a significant step in IOM’s ongoing efforts to deepen engagement with governments and strengthen their ownership of return and reintegration processes. It also underscores IOM’s commitment to enhancing migration governance across Africa.

This event was made possible through the financial support of MPRR programmes, funded by the Directorate-General for the European Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations (DG NEAR) and Directorate-General for International Partnerships (DG INTPA) of the European Commission.

Chinese Embassy & Health Ministry Bid Farewell to Batch 24th, Welcome Batch 25th of Chinese Medical Team

By Millicent Senava Mannah

In a significant ceremony marking the transition between medical teams in Sierra Leone, the Chinese Ambassador to Sierra Leone, His Excellency Ambassador Wang Qing, warmly welcomed distinguished guests to the Chinese Embassy. The occasion marked the Farewell & Welcome Ceremony for the 24th & 25th batches of the Chinese Medical Expert Team in Sierra Leone.

Present at the event were notable figures including the Honorable Minister of Health, Dr. Austin Demby, Deputy Minister ,Charles Senessie, other esteemed officials from the Ministry of Health (MOH), representatives from the Health Commission of Hunan Province of China, UNFPA, UNICEF, Jui Hospital, and various partners, alongside members of the Press.

Ambassador Wang Qing began by acknowledging the remarkable achievements of the departing 24th batch of the Chinese Medical Team, noting the significant milestones reached during their tenure. He highlighted their diligent efforts, including treating over 22,000 patients and performing over 450 operations during their year-long stay in Freetown. Ambassador Wang Qing shared touching stories of the team’s impact, such as restoring sight to a 105-year-old patient and performing complex surgeries to improve the lives of many.

The Ambassador also praised the outgoing team’s dedication to extending their services beyond medical treatment, organizing outreach clinics, participating in health education initiatives, and supporting the development of traditional medicine policies in Sierra Leone. He expressed heartfelt gratitude to the departing team and invited attendees to join him in a round of applause to honor their contributions.

Ambassador Wang Qing also extended a warm welcome to the incoming 25th Chinese Medical Team, emphasizing the critical role they will play in continuing the collaborative efforts between China and Sierra Leone in the health sector. He underscored the recent reaffirmation of commitment from both countries’ leaders during President Julius Maada Bio’s state visit to China, highlighting the importance of ongoing cooperation in public health, epidemic prevention, and medical team dispatch.

He outlined recent successful collaborations between China and Sierra Leone in healthcare, including the establishment of national health policies, international seminars and expert visits aimed at enhancing healthcare infrastructure and services. The second anniversary of President Bio’s “Hospitals on Wheels” initiative was mentioned, underscoring the innovative approaches being taken to improve healthcare accessibility in remote areas.

Ambassador Wang Qing further expressed confidence in the incoming 25th Chinese Medical Team and reiterated his commitment to deepening and expanding cooperation in the health sector. He thanked all partners involved and expressed optimism for the future of  the China-Sierra Leone friendship.

Minister of Health, Dr Austin Demby, described the day as a very special one for them, stating that China is the first country to donate vaccines to them and that the Jui hospital has been one of the major hospitals in the country.

He commended them for the mobile hospital buses, which according to him, reaches people in their different communities for medical screening.

Dr. Demby pointed out that 70% of those that access the hospital buses are women and children and that  men only go to the hospital when they are in critical conditions maintaining how the buses have made a lot of difference as they visit one community to the other.

“The people are grateful and thankful for what Batch 24 did for them, leaving their families and everything behind. What they have done is a testimony to true friendship in terms of sacrificing their time and energy, building relationships and friendship. Team 25 don’t be intimidated, I know when you come to the Jui Hospital, you will do bigger things, I trust you and the people of Sierra Leone trust you and welcome you to Sierra Leone. Let us build this relationship with strength and love,” he stated.

Director of Hunan Health Commission, Cao Yuebin, said in 1973 China began to send the first medical team to Sierra Leone, sent by their institution from Hunan Province. Since then, he added, they have jointly deepened cooperation in the field of medical and health care, jointly fought against Ebola and COVID-19, and jointly carried out projects such as “Guangming Action” maternal and child health, among others.

Captain of the 24th CMT, Dr. Chen Yong Jun, thanked the Embassy and the people of Sierra Leone for their support in making their stay warmed.

Captain of the 25th CMT, Dr. Lu Chao Qun, also expressed optimism and readiness to build on where Batch 24 left.

Dean of the Jui Hospital, Dr. Sarah Conteh disclosed that Batch 24 comprised of 21 personnel. She thanked the Team Leader and Team for their support to them and the Managements of the hospital.

“We are very much optimistic to what we would achieve this year and we look forward to the partnership.”

The ceremony concluded with a reaffirmation of solidarity and cooperation, symbolizing the enduring bond between the two nations in advancing healthcare and well-being for all.

1...397398399...1,359Page 398 of 1,359