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MBSSE, Partners Convene for Inception Retreat to Launch $40 Million GPE Grant

The Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education (MBSSE), along with its esteemed partners, has commenced a three-day inception retreat to lay the groundwork for the implementation of a substantial $40 million grant from the Global Partnership for Education (GPE). This initiative, named the “Foundational Learning for All” project, is slated to run from 2023 to 2027.

Taking place from the 10th to the 12th of October at The Place Resort Tokeh, the theme of the retreat revolves around, “Accelerating Government’s Commitment to Education with a Focus on Delivering Foundational Learning for all Children.”

In a pivotal decision made during the board meeting in July, the Global Partnership for Education (GPE) sanctioned $40 million in grants for Sierra Leone. These grants comprise the US$ 22.5 million System Transformation Grant, the US$ 15 million Multiplier Grant, and the US$ 2.5 million System Capacity Grant.

The allocation of these grants followed an extensive application process, stemming from Sierra Leone’s partnership Compact, known as “Foundations of Learning for All.” The overarching objective of this initiative is to ensure that all students acquire foundational skills, with particular attention to closing learning gaps for girls and other marginalized groups. This mission is in complete alignment with Sierra Leone’s Education Sector Plan (ESP) titled “Transforming Learning for All,” as well as the nation’s Zero-Learning Poverty Plan. Furthermore, it reflects Sierra Leone’s international commitments to halve learning poverty by 2030.

Emmanuel Allie, the National GPE Coordinator and Director for International Partnerships and Financing in the MBSSE, emphasized that the Project Implementation Roll-Out Workshop is a dynamic event spanning three days. Its purpose is to empower participants in effectively steering complex projects towards successful outcomes.

“The primary goal is to ensure that all stakeholders gain a clear understanding of their roles and responsibilities in contributing to the success of this critical initiative. By doing so, the workshop serves as the initial step toward advancing foundational learning outcomes in Sierra Leone, aligning collaborative efforts, and fostering a collective commitment to achieving the objectives outlined in the GPE Partnership Compact and the Education Sector Plan 2022-2026,” he stated.

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) will serve as the Grant Agent for the program, receiving and administering the funds on the government’s behalf.

Madam Liv Elin Indreiten – Deputy Representative Programme highlighted the significance of this workshop, underlining the dedication and commitment of Sierra Leone’s Government in partnership with UNICEF, the Global Partnership for Education (GPE), Irish Aid, the World Bank, and other development partners to address the crucial issue of expanding access and improving the quality of foundational learning outcomes for all children in Sierra Leone.

During the opening session of the retreat, Conrad Sackey, the Minister of Basic and Senior Secondary Education, provided insights into President Bio’s government’s efforts in addressing learning poverty, particularly in the realm of foundational learning.

“I am pleading to all of you, this funding that we have attracted, it is not business as usual. Let us not think as we thought yesterday. In order to make the tomorrows of our young people better than today, we have to think outside the box,” the Minister urged.

The workshop, spanning three days, delves into critical aspects of project implementation, management, and coordination, with each day dedicated to specific themes, enabling participants to progressively build their expertise.

Foundational learning encompasses core skills such as basic literacy, numeracy, civic education, digital awareness, and socio-emotional skills, which serve as the bedrock for further learning and higher-order abilities. The transformation efforts will center on innovative pedagogical solutions and improvements in pre-primary and the initial four years of primary education, supported by robust data analysis and governance reforms.

Caritas Freetown, CPS, & Trocaire Commemorate International Day of the Girl Child in Tombo

By Alvin Lansana Kargbo

Caritas Freetown, in partnership with the Civil Peace Service (CPS) and Trocaire on Wednesday, October 11, 2023 celebrated International Day of the Girl Child with the theme, “Our Time is Now – Our Right, Our Future.” The event took place at the idyllic Fisheries Boat Yard in Tombo, Western Rural Area and was geared towards raising awareness among girls about their fundamental human rights as well as empowering them to assert those rights. It was also focused on advancing the right of girls to access education, live free from fear and violence and to participate in decision-making processes.

The event’s objective was to engage with 50 school girls and various stakeholders, providing them a platform to commemorate such a momentous day. Attendees included representatives from the Ministry of Gender and Children Affairs, the Family Support Unit of Tombo Police Station, Village Headmen and other local stakeholders in Tombo.

Education was the focal point of the celebration, with a strong emphasis on inspiring girls to pursue their studies and overcome the obstacles that often impede access to quality education. The organizers firmly expressed the conviction that by arming girls with knowledge related to their rights, they are equipping them with the tools necessary to advocate for themselves and become agents of change within their communities.

In addition to education, the event addressed the critical issue of violence against girls and also aimed to foster a safe and supportive environment where girls could voice their concerns and seek solutions to address the challenges they face. By promoting dialogue and collaboration, Caritas Freetown, CPS, and Trocaire aspired to create a society where girls can thrive without fear of violence or discrimination.

The day’s activities included involving representatives and village stakeholders in various discussions and interactive sessions centered on girls’ empowerment. Speeches, inspirational talks, and collaborative activities were designed to inspire and motivate girls to seize their opportunities and shape their own destinies.

Tobias Grosse, a Civil Peace servant from CPS, stressed the importance of empowering women and girls, underlining their vulnerability in Sierra Leone and worldwide. He encouraged women to support their daughters’ education and urged the girls to remain focused and not be misled by criminal individuals.

Paul Abraham Mansaray, a social worker from the Ministry of Gender and Children Affairs and the Family Support Unit at Tombo Police Station, expressed concern about the crimes committed by unreasonable men against girls in Tombo. He pledged the Unit’s commitment to collaborating with local schools in Tombo to ensure that those involved in such criminal activities are brought to justice. Mansaray emphasized the vital roles of women in society and urged girls to prioritize education.

Alpha S. Mansaray, the Village Headman of Tombo, expressed his dissatisfaction with the way some men are harming girls in the village. He thanked Caritas for their efforts in empowering girls and providing them with knowledge about self-prioritization for a better future.

Kadiatu Z. Fofanah, the Chairlady of the Women in Fishery in Tombo, expressed her frustration with men who harm girls, undermining the financial efforts of the women who support their children’s education. She also thanked Caritas for their initiative in empowering girls and called for authorities to take decisive actions against those harming young girls.

Aminata M. Mansaray, a teacher in Tombo, expressed her disappointment with some parents’ lack of involvement in their children’s lives. She emphasized that some parents prioritize their businesses over their children’s education and well-being. Mansaray urged children to focus on their education to become valuable members of society. Aminata also called on parents to take a more active role in their children’s lives and ensure their safety and educational progress.

The celebration of the International Day of the Girl Child in Tombo was a significant step towards empowering girls, educating them about their rights and fostering a safe and supportive environment where they can thrive without fear. It underscored the need for collaboration among various stakeholders to address the unique challenges faced by girls and promote their well-being and future prospects.

First Lady Addresses Adolescent Girls’ Health Summit, Advocates for Holistic Well-being

By Alvin Lansana Kargbo

Sierra Leone’s First Lady, Dr. Fatima Maada Bio, delivered a compelling keynote address at the 2023 Adolescent Girls’ Health Summit on Tuesday, October 10th. This landmark event took place at the prestigious Freetown City Auditorium and was dedicated to empowering adolescent girls and addressing their physical, mental, and reproductive health.

Organized by the West African Women and Girls Empowerment under the theme, “Breaking Barriers on Adolescent Girls’ Health,” the summit brought together key stakeholders to discuss pressing issues and strategies to support the well-being of adolescent girls in Sierra Leone.

The Program Director of West African Women and Girls Empowerment, Mariama Janneh, extended a warm welcome to attendees and emphasized the summit’s significance in addressing the health challenges faced by girls. Janneh highlighted the summit’s core goal of ensuring equal access to education, healthcare, and protection against harmful practices for all girls in Sierra Leone.

Mamadu Barry, President of the Children Forum Network, passionately addressed the audience regarding the challenges faced by adolescent girls in terms of their mental health. He called for the formulation of policies that promote sexual reproductive health, support girls’ rights, and ensure their access to education and healthcare.

Kadie Luseni, Advocacy Officer for Marie Stopes Sierra Leone, stressed the urgent need to combat societal inequality and dispel stereotypes hindering girls’ progress. She underscored the significance of targeted initiatives, education, and accessible healthcare in empowering young girls and unlocking their full potential.

A representative from World Vision International Sierra Leone discussed the critical issue of maternal and child health, emphasizing the importance of providing comprehensive information on nutrition, hygiene, contraception, and menstrual health, all of which play a vital role in ensuring the well-being of adolescent girls.

Salamatu Jagitay, IPAM Student Union President, drew attention to the unique health challenges faced by girls from adolescence through adulthood. She highlighted the increasing prevalence of mental health disorders among university students and appealed to the Government to invest in the mental health of young girls pursuing higher education.

Madam Nadia, the UNFPA Country Representative, expressed deep appreciation for the summit organizers and stressed that breaking barriers and ensuring the health and well-being of adolescent girls require collaborative efforts from families, communities, Government, and NGOs. She commended the unwavering commitment of Her Excellency, Sierra Leone’s First Lady, in championing the rights and well-being of girls and women.

In her keynote address, Dr. Fatima Maada Bio highlighted the critical link between substance abuse and mental health. She addressed the national concern surrounding the growing issue of Kush intake and stressed the importance of policies and regulations aimed at addressing the root causes of substance abuse.

Furthermore, she urged adolescent girls to abstain from engaging in sexual activity at a young age, citing the potential risks to their physical health, unintended pregnancies, and exposure to sexually transmitted infections. She emphasized that adolescence is a critical time for emotional and psychological development and encouraged girls to focus on education, personal growth, and future aspirations.

Dr. Fatima Bio also encouraged girls to engage in open dialogues with their parents and seek guidance from positive role models and mentors who can support them on their health journey.

The 2023 Adolescent Girls’ Health Summit concluded with a lively Q&A session, providing attendees with an opportunity to further explore important topics and gain insights from the distinguished speakers.

The summit, spearheaded by Sierra Leone’s First Lady, marked a significant step toward empowering adolescent girls and ensuring their holistic well-being. By promoting comprehensive health education and breaking barriers, the summit aimed to create an environment where every girl can thrive and achieve optimal health. It highlighted the importance of addressing the unique health challenges that adolescent girls face and the need for collaborative efforts to secure their well-being and future prospects.

SLeCAD Calls for Debt Cancellation to Boost Feed Salone Success

By Foday Moriba Conteh

During a recent Press Conference held at the SLeCAD’s office on Bathurst Street in Freetown on Tuesday 10th October, 2023, the Sierra Leone Chamber for Agribusiness Development (SLeCAD) made a compelling appeal to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the international community. The organization urged them to consider restructuring and cancelling Sierra Leone’s debt, citing the country’s current GDP to Debt Ratio standing at a concerning 90-92%. The call came as part of SLeCAD’s efforts to bolster Government’s investments in the agriculture sector, particularly the Feed Salone initiative.

Ahmed Nanoh, the Executive Secretary of SLeCAD, expressed strong support for Feed Salone, highlighting the Government’s commitment to prioritize agriculture as a flagship program. His emphasis on agriculture marks a significant departure, with Sierra Leone’s Government making agriculture its foremost priority for the first time.

He commended the Government’s initiative to elevate national budget support for agriculture from 2.6% to 10% and viewed it as a significant step in fulfilling the commitments of the MAPUTO Declaration, signaling Government’s strong dedication to agricultural development.

The Executive Secretary emphasized the importance of the Government’s commitment to collaborate with leading private sector umbrella organizations. This collaboration would involve entities such as NAFFSL, SLeCAD, Chamber of Commerce, SMEDA, and the Local Content Agency, all of which play vital roles in strengthening the agricultural sector.

He called on the Government to conduct feasibility studies that encourage and attract private sector investments in agriculture adding that such studies would align with the objectives of the Feed Salone Initiative and promote sector growth.

Ahmed Nanoh stressed the need for support in establishing agriculture insurance mechanisms maintain that those mechanisms would serve to de-risk the agricultural sector making it more attractive to private investors.

He further advocated for the mapping and registration of lands owned by Sierra Leoneans saying a process like that would enable land to be used as collateral, facilitating access to financing for agricultural projects.

The Executive Secretary called for a review of Advance Payment Guarantees (APG) and Letter of Credit (LC) processes to better support agricultural endeavors and encouraged the Ministry of Agriculture to utilize the Agribusiness Investment Policy funded by the World Bank/SCADeP to promote the Feed Salone Initiative.

He emphasized the importance of improving both hard and soft skills, as well as promoting the necessary mindset shifts required to support private sector investment effectively.

Nanoh encouraged mining companies to consider contributing to Government efforts aimed at realizing the Feed Salone initiative. This could potentially involve increasing their contributions beyond the current 3% royalties.

He also called on all development partners to generously fund the Feed Salone Programme. This support would significantly enhance food security, reduce poverty, create jobs and wealth, and foster inclusive growth.

In conclusion, Ahmed Nanoh’s statements underscored the critical role of peace and unity in Sierra Leone’s development agenda through the Feed Salone initiative. The Executive Secretary concluded by urging all sides of the present and past Governments and all citizens to prioritize peace and align their focus with the country’s development goals, emphasizing that without peace, development efforts may prove futile, and poverty could persist.

EU Election Observation Mission Delivers Final Report with 21 Recommendations

By Foday Moriba Conteh

During a Press Briefing held on Tuesday 10th October, 2023 at the Radisson Blu Hotel on Aberdeen in Freetown, the European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) to Sierra Leone has unveiled its Final Report on the country’s 24 June General Elections. After conducting a thorough two-month-long nationwide election observation, the Mission presented a comprehensive analysis of the entire electoral process.

Addressing members of the Press, the Chief Observer Evin Incir, a Member of the European Parliament, emphasized that the 2023 General Elections showcased Sierra Leoneans’ unwavering commitment to democratic processes. However, she added that the report also underscored the pressing need for reforms to enhance transparency, inclusion and overall trust in future electoral processes.

She noted that as part of its Final Report, the Mission has put forth 21 recommendations aimed at improving future electoral processes. Notably, the report calls for enhanced transparency to bolster democracy. Key recommendations include making detailed information on the voter register, electoral results processing system, tabulation, and final results per polling station available to the public, including online.

Other priority recommendations encompass measures to protect candidates, swiftly hold perpetrators of election-related violence accountable, enforce restrictions on the use of State resources for political purposes, ensure transparency and accountability in campaign financing, and safeguard freedom of expression by clarifying definitions related to cybercrimes.

The EU Election Observation Mission acknowledged positive reforms undertaken to promote women’s participation in political life. Following these elections, 30% of elected members of Parliament were women. Chief Observer Evin Incir commended these reforms and urged political parties to intensify efforts to achieve greater gender parity in public and political life.

She said that the decision to establish a National Election Systems Review Committee is seen as a crucial step toward comprehensively reviewing the legal and operational aspects of elections and that the Committee’s effectiveness will hinge on its ability to facilitate an inclusive process involving stakeholders from all political parties and civil society organizations.

The Chief Observer, Evin Incir, stressed the importance of fostering democratic processes, political will among stakeholders, promoting inclusion, transparency and building public confidence. The EU expressed readiness to support Sierra Leonean stakeholders in implementing those recommendations.

The EU EOM was deployed in response to invitations from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Sierra Leone and the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone. The mission’s presence in the country extended from 11 May to 13 July 2023, and it comprised 104 observers from 26 EU Member States, as well as partner countries, Canada and Norway. Observers were stationed in all 16 districts of Sierra Leone.

Confucius Institute FBC Concludes 5th Sierra Voice Chinese Song Competition

By Foday Moriba Conteh

The Confucius Institute Fourah Bay College, University of Sierra Leone has on Friday 6th October, 2023 concluded its 5th Final of the Sierra Good Voice Chinese Song Competition. The competition which brought together 15 Contestants was held at Taiji Garden, Fourah Bay College Campus in Freetown.

Speaking during the ceremony, the Chinese Director at the Confucius Institute Fourah Bay College, Prof. Chen Xuebin, said that the Sierra Good Voice Chinese Song Competition is geared towards celebrating the beauty of language, culture and music, adding that the competition saw a beautiful amalgamation of cultures where Sierra Leoneans students choose songs that reflect different areas of China furthering that each song is a representation of the historical and cultural life of China and its demonstrate their love for both language and culture.

He stated that music as a universal language transcends various and bridge gaps and holds the power to connect people across borders and bring them closer together, stating that by contestants choosing to sing popular Chinese songs they are not only showcasing their linguistics powers but also amassing themselves in the diverse narratives in China’s past and present.

Prof. Chen Xuebin encouraged them to not only focus on the melody but go deep into the meaning of the songs by understanding the emotions and the stories and values imbedded within the songs and further embrace the essences of Chinese culture.

He reminded that regardless of the various positions they took in the competition their participation and enthusiasm in learning the Chinese culture is a win in itself.

On his part, the Charge d’ Affaires ad Interim at the Chinese Embassy in Sierra Leone, Li Xiaoyong, commended the Confucius Institute, Fourah Bay College, for their laudable venture in not only teaching the Chinese Language but also introducing the Chinese Culture and promoting China Sierra Leone Friendship.

He said that he is pleased to see Sierra Leoneans students pushing to learn the Chinese Language, disclosing that the Chinese Language is the largest mother tongue used in the world and there are more than 25 million people out of China speaking Chinese.

Li Xiaoyong said that the best way to communicate feelings is through music and he is very impressed that Sierra Leoneans student are competing in singing Chinese songs.

He said that the competition is a good platform for civilization exchanges adding that it is the best way to learn from each other and promote more mutual understanding among nations.

The Head of Department at the Linguistics Department Fourah Bay College, Dr. Abdulai Walon-Jalloh, applauded the Confucius Institute Fourah Bay College for their efforts in empowering Sierra Leonean students in the country.

He said that over the years students who have studied Chinese are doing very well.

Dr. Abdulai Walon-Jalloh said that the department is very grateful for the efforts made by the Confucius Institute towards empowering students at the University, stating that due to their remarkable efforts more students are opting to come to the department specially to study Chinese.

He assured them that the University administration will continue to provide the enabling environment for the Confucius Institute to flourish.

On her part, the winner of the 5th Final of the Sierra Good Voice Chinese Song Competition ,Elizabeth Kamara ,expressed appreciation to the Confucius Institute for their support throughout the training for the competition.

She said that it was challenging at the start but through her perseverance, dedication and commitment she has emerged as the winner of the competition.

SISLAA Commemorates Chinese National Day 2023

By Foday Moriba Conteh

The Sino-Sierra Leone Alumni Association (SISLAA) has on Friday 6th October, 2023 celebrated the Chinese National Day, which marks the founding anniversary of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) on October 1st each year. The celebration was held at a well-attended dinner held at the Bintumani Hotel on Aberdeen in Freetown.

Typically, the Chinese National Day is celebrated with grandeur in China, with official ceremonies taking place on Tiananmen Square in Beijing. However, Sierra Leone through the Sino-Sierra Leone Alumni Association joined in the celebration to strengthen the bond between the two nations.

In his welcome address, Alphaeus Koroma, President of SISLAA, highlighted the importance of the day for the Chinese community, emphasizing China’s remarkable journey from adversity to becoming a global powerhouse.

Koroma stated, “If you follow the history of the Chinese people, they struggled a lot at the start before they were able to rise to the pinnacle despite the challenges they encountered in their earlier development.”

He continued, “For us who have studied in China, it is a testament for Sierra Leone to be able to see the model the Chinese have used to develop their country to this level. If you can remember in the 1970s, China and Sierra Leone were almost at the same level in terms of development. But today, their story is completely different from ours. They have gone far, far ahead because of their commitment to development.”

Koroma congratulated the Deputy Chinese Ambassador to Sierra Leone and the Chinese community for their 74th National Day Celebration.

Ibrahim Seibureh (PhD), Chief Executive Officer of A to Z Media and an alumnus, shared his experience of witnessing the Chinese National Day celebration in China in 2009. He emphasized the mutual respect that has existed between Sierra Leone and China for nearly half a century.

He highlighted the role of SISLAA as a bridge between the two countries, saying, “We will continue in ensuring that the two countries’ respect is maintained, and we will continue to have the education that we need from both sides. We are the real Ambassadors. We tell the story. We have seen it, we have realized it, and we are here to bring it out.”

Soko Kai-Somba, the National Chairman of the Sierra Leone China Friendship Society, praised SISLAA as a sister and partner organization in promoting socio-economic and cultural advancement between China and Sierra Leone.

He emphasized the strong bilateral relationship between the two countries, rooted in the accountability of the Chinese people in Sierra Leone. “We consider them as brothers and sisters, irrespective of our varying skin colors,” he stated.

The Deputy Chinese Ambassador to Sierra Leone, Ambassador Li Xiaoyong, expressed gratitude to SISLAA for joining in the celebration. He highlighted China’s economic progress, with a 5.5% rise in GDP in the first quarter of the year.

Ambassador Li emphasized the stable friendship between China and Sierra Leone, dating back to the early 1970s. He praised the mutual respect and support between the two countries and acknowledged the vital role of SISLAA in strengthening this relationship.

China has provided 155 scholarships to Sierra Leonean students to study in China this year and pledged continued support to Sierra Leone in various ways.

Closing the ceremony was a presentation of article on, ” My Journey to Discovery” was done by Foday Nyangai reflecting on his journey back then to China and the hospitality of the Chinese People which was followed by cutting of cake and various performances, reflecting the cultural exchange and strong bonds between Sierra Leone and China.

Dr. Samura Kamara Calls for National Unity as the Nation Awaits Outcome of Peaceful Dialogue

By Foday Moriba Conteh

Dr. Samura Mathew Wilson Kamara, the distinguished leader of Sierra Leone’s All Peoples Congress (APC), in a historic address delivered on Tuesday, October 10th, 2023, issued a heartfelt plea for unity and peace as the nation grapples with a protracted political deadlock. Dr. Kamara’s call transcended political, tribal, and regional divides, emphasizing the imperative need for Sierra Leoneans to unite in prayer, wisdom, and dialogue to resolve the ongoing political challenges.

The gravity of the current situation, which has stirred collective anxiety across the nation, was not lost on Dr. Kamara. In his address, he underscored the significance of prioritizing the greater good of Sierra Leone over individual ambitions. He implored the people of Sierra Leone to turn to divine intervention for strength, constructive discourse, and a commitment to truth during negotiations, with the ultimate goal of safeguarding the nation’s integrity and future.

In a gesture that underscores the urgency of his message, Dr. Kamara urged Sierra Leone’s Muslim community to conduct special prayers on Fridays and the Christian community on Sundays. These prayers, he believes, will serve as a conduit for divine guidance during these challenging times.

Dr. Kamara’s impassioned appeal arrives at a pivotal moment in Sierra Leone’s political landscape, as the nation awaits a peace negotiation to be brokered by the African Union (AU), the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the Commonwealth from the 16th October, 2023 to the 18th October, 2023.

In another development, during a closed door meeting with the APC leadership at their party headquarters, on the 10th October, 2023, Dr. Samura Mathew Wilson Kamara welcomed Ambassador Hunt from the United States Embassy in Freetown, thanking the United States Government for its unwavering support in Sierra Leone’s quest to uphold and strengthen democratic principles.

During their meeting, Dr. Kamara emphasized the importance of such high-profile interactions, highlighting the willingness of the U.S. to engage in substantive dialogue with a key figure shaping Sierra Leone’s future. He portrayed it as an endorsement of the significance of adopting a diplomatic and measured approach to dialogue, one capable of transforming even the most steadfast critics into allies.

Ambassador Hunt characterized the discussions as a courtesy call emphasizing the importance of constructive participation to advance democratic reforms that will ultimately benefit the people of Sierra Leone.

As the nation awaits further developments in these critical negotiations, Dr. Samura Mathew Wilson Kamara’s call for unity, prayer, and dialogue resonates as a beacon of hope in Sierra Leone’s pursuit of a peaceful resolution to its political challenges.

Government Faces Public Scrutiny Over Pepel Port and Railway

There is a growing school of thought that has expressed the view that best practice does not support  the idea of having a player being the referee in a game simply because fairness and transparency will not reign in that game. If this maxim is something to go by in the current debacle related to which company or business entity, between the two, Kingho Mining Company Limited and ARISE IIP, should be given control of the Pepel Railway and Port, situated within the Port Loko District, Northern Sierra Leone, then obviously Kingho Mining Company Limited should not be considered as it is an iron ore mining company and controller of the Rail and Port used in transporting the mined ore amidst other mining companies operating in that axis, mining iron ore and other minerals.

Cognizance of the counter productiveness of such a bad practice may have prompted why senior officials from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), in the recent past, advised the Government of Sierra Leone to involve a private company in managing the Pepel Railway and Port in order to primarily enhance transparency and prevent potential under-declarations by Kingho.

This fear of under-declarations should not be disregarded because
Kingho’s Iron Ore mining concession, primarily located in the Tonkolili district, remains largely underutilized, despite the presence of high-grade deposits, according to industry experts.

It could be against such a backdrop why though in 2021, the Government leased the Pepel Railway and Port assets to Kingho, on January 10, 2023, it abruptly terminated the lease agreement with that company, opting instead to negotiate a lease agreement with ARISE Integrated Industrial Platforms(ARISE IIP) to develop, expand, and manage the Pepel Port and Railway. According to the agreement signed, ARISE IIP was expected to offer equal access to all mining companies wishing to use those assets.

However, by the end of January 2023 Kingho expressed willingness to work with a third-party company selected by the Government, as long as services were distributed fairly among all stakeholders.

As all these were going on, Government decided to change course and according to a narrative that was peddled Kingho threatened that if Government does not allow it to retain control of the Pepel Railway and Port they would fund the APC campaign in the June 2023 elections, a threat that was largely responsible for the Government to change its course.

While this was happening, the lease agreement already signed with ARISEIIP had gained momentum and unanimous Cabinet approval awaiting Parliamentary ratification but as a result of undisclosed reasons it was surreptitiously put on hold in Parliament.

Now, following claims that Kingho successfully blocked the ARISE lease agreement in Parliament, it is alleged that the Chinese Government started pressurizing the Government of Sierra Leone to reverse the termination of Kingho’s lease agreement. It is also muted in certain circles that diplomatic discussions on the matter took place between Chinese Vice President, Han Zheng and President Julius Maada Bio during a meeting on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York.

There is also another school of thought that has expressed the view of a perceived Government of Sierra Leone  pro-Chinese stance maintaining that there are some senior U.S. diplomats in Washington that have accused the Bio administration of bias.

Also there are allegations of anti-competitive behavior by Kingho against bauxite mining company CTC Mining and iron ore miner Marampa Mines Limited said to be under investigation by State House.

In the meanwhile, the controversy surrounding Kingho’s control of the Pepel Railway and Port continues to soar, with mountain concerns about transparency and fairness. Most of the citizenry this medium sounded their views on the issue admonished that the Government of Sierra Leone must take a decision that will be in the best interests of the nation, the majority and not a selected many, not few as the equitable management of such a critical infrastructure is significant for the future of Sierra Leone’s mining industry.

They also stressed that Kingho cannot be an iron miner and at the same time the controller of the very Pepel Rail and Port used in the transportation of the mined iron ore for shipment out of the country,  expressing doubts as to whether there will be fairness and transparency in their declarations to the Government and providing the conducive environment for equitable use of those facilities by other mining companies, reasons why a credible independent party like ARISE IIP, that already is a party in a lease agreement is very appropriate.

Africell’s Digital Services form the “Connective Tissue” of Lobito Corridor Investment Project

The Senior US Presidential Advisor for Energy and Investment has highlighted Africell’s contribution to the campaign to boost Africa’s digital development through the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGII), describing its digital services in Angola, DRC and other African countries as the project’s “connective tissue”.

Speaking on the sidelines of the 78th annual United Nations General Assembly in New York on 29 September 2023, Amos Hochstein explained that with the help of targeted financing from the US Government, private sector investors such as Africell can have an accelerated impact in sub-Saharan Africa.

Referring to Africell’s newest operating market, Mr Hochstein said: “Africell connects the dots because with a relatively modest investment from the US Government, it has been able to launch and grow quickly by giving Angolan consumers valuable new mobile capabilities.”

Under the aegis of the PGII, the United States and other G7 Governments (in addition to the EU and a raft of international finance institutions and sovereign wealth funds) are aiming to unlock hundreds of billions of dollars of investment in developing markets such as the ‘Lobito Corridor’ region of Africa, with a focus on improving digital connectivity, increasing gender equality, and raising environmental standards.

According to Mr Hochstein, the concept of the Lobito Corridor (which connects Angola, Democratic Republic of Congo and Zambia) is built around a vision for an integrated transportation system through which critical minerals from DRC and Zambia can be moved to global markets by train and ship: a cheaper, cleaner and quicker option than the current road-based process. Mr Hochstein argued that the project is about using digital and physical infrastructure to “connect Africa both to itself and to international markets, thereby increasing commerce, reducing prices, and supporting both local and US interests”.

The status of the Lobito Corridor as a model for collaborative international investment in specific regions is gaining traction. At the G20 Summit in India earlier in September, President Joe Biden described it as a “game-changing regional investment”. Addressing the UN General Assembly on 19 September, he argued that the Lobito Corridor will “boost regional connectivity and strengthen commerce and food security in Africa.”The economic corridor model consists in strategically layering transformative investments across multiple sectors so as to intensify economic development, secure supply chains and deepen regional connectivity.

As the only US-owned mobile network operator in Africa and a recipient of funding from the United States International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), Africell exemplifies opportunities for private companies to plug into multilateral investment initiatives such as the PGII/Lobito Corridor. Africell recently partnered with USAID on a $5 million project to increase access to mobile money in Angola, a country which – despite having a mature banking sector and relatively big economy, ranks among the lowest in Africa on the GSMA’s mobile money prevalence index . Further afield, in Sierra Leone, Africell has won a £1 million grant from the United States Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) to explore expanding broadband internet provision in the West African country – a collaboration intended to advance both the PGII agenda and the US Government’s Digital Transformation with Africa initiative.

Amos Hochstein, who is a senior advisor to President Biden and a key architect of the PGII, was speaking at an event hosted by Africell in New York for officials, investors, scholars and journalists interested in the intersection of the PGII and Lobito Corridor. As the program gathers momentum, the event was an opportunity establishing alignment between stakeholders from the United States, Angola, DRC, Zambia and elsewhere.

Speaking on behalf of the Government of Zambia, the country’s national security advisor Dr Lawrence Mwananyanda said that better digital connectivity is a key objective of Zambia’s involvement in the Lobito Corridor.“Zambia is land-linked, not land-locked”, he said. “Investment in digital, transportation and other essential infrastructure will have huge benefits, both for ourselves and for our trade partners around the world. We are excited to be working with the United States to identify and attract quality private sector operators who can work with local firms to create local jobs, improve skills and deliver opportunities, and we see the PGII/Lobito Corridor is an effective vehicle for this”.

Present at the event were representatives of other companies operating in the Lobito Corridor region, including Ivanhoe Mines, which oversees critical minerals projects in DRC, and Carrinho, a home-grown Angolan food company pioneering new regional standards in food origination, processing, storage, distribution and marketing.

About Africell
Africell provides mobile network coverage to 20 million subscribers. We operate in Angola, Democratic Republic of Congo, Sierra Leone and The Gambia. The only US-owned mobile network operator in Africa, Africell’s social impact, entrepreneurial spirit and secure technology make us the ideal mobile partner for Africa’s future. To learn more, visit www.africell.com or connect with us on LinkedIn.

About Amos Hochstein
Amos J Hochstein serves as the White House Senior Advisor to the President for Energy and Investment and Deputy Assistant to the President. Amos previously served at the State Department as the Special Presidential Coordinator for Global Infrastructure and Energy Security. Amos has also held the position of Senior Advisor to the Secretary of State for Global Energy Security. He began his tenure with the State Department in 2011, when he was appointed Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Energy Diplomacy. From 2014 to 2017 he served as Special Envoy and Coordinator for International Energy Affairs and led the Bureau of Energy Resources.

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