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Sierra Leonean Appointed ECOWAS Regional Technical Expert on Climate-Energy

With the aim of addressing pressing climate and energy challenges facing West Africa, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has appointed Sahr Abraham Grass-Sessay as the Regional Technical Expert on Climate-Energy for ECOWAS Member States, with support from AECID (Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation). This appointment reflects the region’s dedication to combating the energy deficit and climate crisis by leveraging the expertise of a seasoned professional.

Sahr Abraham Grass-Sessay boasts an impressive career spanning nearly two decades, during which he has collaborated with seven UN Agencies and Multilateral Development Organizations across 35 countries on the African continent. Prior to this prestigious appointment, his roles included serving as a Policy Adviser to the UN Environment Programme, where he played a pivotal role in shaping environmental and ocean governance policies for coastal countries in West, Central, and Southern Africa.

He also held the position of FAO Programme Coordinator, demonstrating adeptness in facilitating multi-stakeholder partnerships between FAO, the African Union (AU), and the African Development Bank to enhance investments in youth employment within the agricultural sector in East African Community (EAC) countries. His extensive experience working with international organizations on cross-border projects uniquely positions him to tackle complex regional climate-energy challenges in West Africa.

Furthermore, he has earned recognition as the Founder Managing Director of the Institute of Leadership, Energy, Environment, and Management, known as ILEM-Africa Consultancy Firm (www.ilem-africa.org). Under his visionary leadership, ILEM-Africa has emerged as a reputable firm providing intercontinental technical assistance geared towards improving the well-being of people across Africa. His efforts in establishing this premier service-driven institution underscore his commitment to the progressive development of the African continent.

Seconded to ECOWAS’ specialized agency on Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (ECREEE), Sahr Abraham Grass-Sessay will assume a pivotal role in providing technical leadership on programming, offering guidance on proof-of-concept investments in energy ecosystems, and supporting the implementation of distributed energy solutions for productive use in ECOWAS Member States.

ECOWAS’ decision to appoint him reflects their recognition of his multidisciplinary policy and program development expertise, as well as his proven track record in Institutional State-Building—an essential component for effective state-level and inter-governmental coordination. His dedication to promoting Green Jobs and enhancing Energy Access for productive use underscores his commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

Sahr Abraham Grass-Sessay deep passion for taking just climate action and securing energy sovereignty for energy-poor communities positions him as an invaluable asset in advancing ECREEE’s mission of expanding access to carbon-neutral energy solutions, which are poised to create a substantial environmental and socio-economic impact in West Africa.

As he assumes this new role, Sahr Abraham Grass-Sessay is expected to bring his unwavering diligence and expertise to bear on the critical issues of climate and energy, further cementing ECOWAS’ commitment to a sustainable and resilient future for West Africa.

Sierra Leonean Scholar Secures Prestigious Fellowship in India

Ing. Simeon Stevenson Turay, a dedicated PhD candidate specializing in Highway and Transportation Engineering at the Regional Transport Research and Education Centre Kumasi (TRECK), has achieved a significant milestone by securing a prestigious six-month fellowship in India. Simeon is currently pursuing his studies at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in Kumasi, Ghana, proudly representing Sierra Leone in the realm of academia.

This remarkable journey began in 2019 when Simeon became the first Sierra Leonean student to be honored with the World Bank Africa Centre of Excellence (ACE) award. With this scholarship, he completed a master’s degree in Road and Transportation Engineering at TRECK, demonstrating his dedication to advancing his knowledge in the field.

Upon the successful completion of his two-year program, Simeon’s commitment to advanced research and academic excellence led him to pursue a terminal doctorate degree, further solidifying his passion for scholarly pursuits.

One year into his doctoral research, Simeon applied for the highly esteemed CV Raman fellowship program, an initiative facilitated by the Department of Science and Technology through the Government of India.

In the face of stiff competition from numerous applicants across Sub-Saharan Africa, Simeon’s exceptional research proposal and scholarly achievements stood out, earning him the coveted fellowship. This fellowship will provide him with a remarkable six-month research and networking opportunity at the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras in Chennai, India.

During his tenure in India, Simeon will focus on an in-depth study of the organization and operations of the Public Transport sector in select Indian cities. He will actively participate in seminars, conferences, and dedicate focused efforts to advance his doctoral thesis.

Drawing from his extensive experience as a research assistant and lecturer II at the University of Sierra Leone, Simeon brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his research interests. His areas of expertise encompass urban public transport planning, transport demand modeling, traffic engineering, statistical analysis, and geotechnical analysis and design of dams. Simeon’s contributions are poised to make a substantial impact not only on Sierra Leone but also on society at large through his dedicated research endeavors.

WHH Targets Malnourished Children

Caregivers and their children at Taninahun Community in Makpele Chiefdom, Pujehun District

By Tamba Borbor (PR Officer WHH Sierra Leone)

Through its Nutrition Smart CommUnity Project funded by Irish Aid, Welthungerhilfe (WHH) Sierra Leone has commenced a 15-day Sensitive Nutrition Camp from 20th September to 4th October 2023 in Pujehun District.

This activity covers 35 communities spread between 3 clusters of Korgboma, Njaluahun (Barri Chiefdom) and Taninahun in the Makpele Chiefdom and targets a total of 71 Moderately Acute Malnourished (MAM) children.

According to Paul J. Basie, WHH Expert for Technical and Social Issues working with the Nutrition Smart CommUnity Project, the Nutrition Camp targets children aged 6 to 5 years for 15 days of feeding with various nutritious recipes of food which are locally available in the communities.

“Before this activity, we had conducted a screening of children in various communities to determine those that are Moderately Acute Malnourished (MAM) and Severe Acute Malnourished (SAM) and at the end of the process, we identified 71 MAM cases in Barri and Makpele Chiefdoms which we are now providing required nutritious foodstuff for during this 15-day period,” Paul explained.

He went to further explain that during the Camping period, lactating mothers are also taught how to prepare these local recipes in addition to hygiene counselling; adding that within 7 to 10 days of feeding the children with the required food, a good number graduated to the well-nourished stage.

“We expect the mothers/Caregivers to continue preparing these recipes at the end of the Nutrition Camp when they are back home to ensure the children continue to grow well and healthy,” Paul stated.

He thanked Irish Aid for the financial support to the project and making a significant difference in the lives of malnourished children in Pujehun District.

Hawa Nemahun Abu, WHH Support Nutrition Field Staff informed that the project conducts this Nutrition Camp yearly and targets children and their caregivers.

“Here at my Centre in Korigboma, we have 28 MAM Children and we prepare two recipes in all the centers made of potato porridge and ripe plantain pounded with raw banana and palm oil. We make sure these foods are available in the communities for easy access by the mothers of the children,” Hawa explained.

Nyayanga Rose Williams, the Nutritionist deployed at Korigboma Community Nutrition Camp and working for the Ministry of Health and Sanitation (MOHS) in Pujehun District, said that the initiative of WHH with funding from Irish Aid is laudable as it provides appropriate food for children that are malnourished in the district.

“We also teach the mothers that they should not sell all their local foodstuffs but keep some portion to feed their family and be food self-sufficient. We want to thank WHH for their immense intervention in the nutrition sector and the Ministry of Health and Sanitation for the collaboration,” Ms. Williams stated.

Augusta Frazer and Patricia Konneh, both Nutritionists in Pujehun District working for the MOHS and deployed in Njaluahun and Taninahun Communities respectively expressed similar thanks to WHH and emphasized that proper diet and food enhances the wellbeing of malnourished children.

“We also weigh and take the height of the children during the Nutrition Camp to have a baseline so we know the actual weight after the 15-day camp,” Augusta said.

Safiatu Sama, a Caregiver in Gombu Community expressed thanks and appreciation to WHH for conducting the Nutrition Camp which she noted is improving the health and growth of their children.

Jeneba Sannoh, another Caregiver at Korigboma Community in Barri Chiefdom also thanked WHH for the timely intervention to feed their children to enhance their proper growth.

Under this activity, Welthungerhilfe Sierra Leone is also providing Toys, Teddy Bear, eating plates, spoons, mats and poop chambers to all Caregivers in the three Cluster Centers during of the Camp which then becomes theirs afterwards.

Nutritionist, Nurse and Caregivers in Njaluahun Community in Barri Chiefdom, Pujehun District
Nutritionist, Nurse and Caregivers in Njaluahun Community in Barri Chiefdom, Pujehun District

WHH & BCC Develop Communication Plan

Chief Administrator of BCC, Manager WMD, ESO of BCC and other Team Members 
Chief Administrator of BCC, Manager WMD, ESO of BCC and other Team Members 

By Tamba Borbor (P.R. Officer WHH Sierra Leone)

The Bo City Council (BCC) with support from Welthungerhilfe (WHH) Sierra Leone has put together a Team of senior staff and other stakeholders to develop a Local Communication Plan on Waste Management for the Municipality.

The official meeting to launch the activity took place at the Bo City Waste Management Department on Tuesday 19th September 2023.

In his opening remarks, Christopher Samai said that WHH is providing the technical support to develop the Plan which he noted will help the Council greatly to raise awareness about waste issues.

Chief Administrator of the Bo City Council (BCC), Henry Powell stated that communication should take centre stage in any development stride but was lacking in the past.

“Public Relations is the way to go in informing your citizens about what you’re doing which keeps them abreast of happenings and also serves as a guide to any institution,” Powell said.

He noted that the meeting is key and appealed that the Team to do their utmost in putting together a solid document.

WHH Public Relations Officer, Tamba Borbor expressed his organization’s commitment to supporting City Councils enhance their management of waste and how they communicate to the people.

Developing of Local Communication Plan he noted, is just one of those efforts in ensuring a well-thought-out plan to reach the public is achieved.

Samuel Hinga Navo, Manager of the Bo City Waste Management Department stated the support is timely and will definitely ensure the people are informed and  educated as the end users in the waste management chain.

“This is very good because all relevant people are involved in the process. We are always willing and committed to issues concerning waste in the Bo municipality,” Navo maintained.

The completed Local Communication Plan will be submitted to the Acting Chief Administrator who will formally present it to WHH.

Deepak Bhurani Becomes First Ugandan Consul in Sierra Leone

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

During an auspicious diplomatic gathering, the Honorary Consul of the Republic of Uganda to the Republic of Sierra Leone, Deepak Bhurani, on the 26th September, 2023 presided over the official opening of Uganda’s Consulate in Freetown.

Gracing the event were esteemed dignitaries, including the Chief of Protocol in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Sierra Leone, Saspo Ibrahim Sankoh, His Excellency the High Commissioner of the Republic of Uganda in Sierra Leone, Ambassador Nelson Ocheger, Neeraj Kumar Saini, Charge d’ Affaires of the India High Commission, some Members of Parliament of Sierra Leone and the Press.

In his welcome address, Deepak Bhurani underscored the profound significance of the occasion in strengthening diplomatic ties between the Republic of Uganda and the Republic of Sierra Leone. He referred to the gathering as a testament to the unwavering commitment of both Governments to enhance their relations and improve the quality of life for their respective citizens.

He further extended heartfelt gratitude to the Governments of both nations for their incisive and tremendous support and also extended appreciation to the Government of the Republic of Uganda, led by His Excellency General Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, for proposing his appointment, and to the Government of the Republic of Sierra Leone, under the leadership of His Excellency Brigadier General Maada Bio, for granting an approval.

Acknowledging him for the pivotal role he played, he highly Ambassador Nelson Ocheger for facilitating and coordinating the efforts that led to the establishment of the Consulate.

Upon taking up office as Honorary Consul, Deepak Bhurani, solemnly committed to foster economic and commercial ties between the Republic of Sierra Leone and the Republic of Uganda.

His Excellency Nelson Ocheger, the Uganda High Commissioner to Sierra Leone, who resides in Abuja, Nigeria, delivered a powerful statement in which he emphasized the significance of deepening bilateral relations between the two nations and commended President Julius Maada Bio for his leadership in the Committee of Ten Heads of States and Government (C-10) discussions on the reform of the United Nations Security Council.

Ambassador Ocheger mentioned the shared values of Sierra Leone and Uganda, particularly in post-war peace building and state reconstruction and further drew attention to the significant agreements forged during President Bio’s visit to Uganda in 2019, including the visa waiver for holders of Service and Diplomatic passports and the signing of a Joint Cooperation Commission between the two countries.

He also underscored the paramount importance of promoting trade and investment between Sierra Leone and Uganda, reaffirming Uganda’s unwavering commitment to bolstering bilateral relations.

Chief of Protocol at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Saspo Ibrahim Sankoh, in an eloquent speech he delivered on behalf of his Ministry, emphasized the profound significance of the Consulate’s inauguration.

The event ended with a symbolic cake-cutting ceremony forming the highpoint of  the momentous occasion which was chaired by Robert Kondema Kargbo.

The inauguration of Uganda’s Consulate in Freetown stands as a historic milestone in the ongoing endeavor to fortify diplomatic, economic, and cultural bonds between Sierra Leone and Uganda, forging a path towards enhanced cooperation and goodwill between the two nations.

U.S. Secretary Heat Urges Dr. Samura Kamara to Prioritize Democracy Over Partisan Concerns

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

During his inaugural visit to Sierra Leone, U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary for West Africa (DAS), Michael Heath, emphasized the need for an inclusive national dialogue and democratic reforms in order to strengthen democracy in the country. He expressed that view in a meeting with the Vice President, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh.

Deputy Assistant Secretary Heath stated that the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Compact, a bilateral United States foreign aid initiative, could only progress with the implementation of significant democratic and electoral reforms. He further assured Vice President Jalloh of the U.S.’s support for the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in maintaining constitutional order in Niger.

Heath stressed that stability in the Sahel region is contingent on the restoration of credible, democratic governance across the region.

He also met with Sierra Leone’s press corps, emphasizing the crucial role of free and professional media in a democracy further underscoring the importance of free speech, freedom of the press, and the right to peaceful assembly in strengthening Sierra Leone’s democracy.

In a meeting with Finance Minister Sheku Bangura, Heath highlighted the U.S.’s commitment to private-sector-led, broad-based economic growth. He suggested that sustained economic reforms could attract increased foreign direct investment, thereby improving the lives of all Sierra Leoneans.

Heath also expressed his desire for a close partnership with Sierra Leone on the UN Security Council during a meeting with the Acting Foreign Minister. He emphasized the importance of upholding international law, defending sovereignty and territorial integrity, and working together to end Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine.

In his meeting with All People’s Congress (APC) Leader Dr. Samura Kamara, Heath stressed the importance of constructive opposition participation in national dialogue and national institutions. He urged that the revitalization of democracy in Sierra Leone should be prioritized over partisan concerns.

NP-SL’s Position as 1st for Customer Care Hinges on Steadfast Commitment & Resilience

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

In 1996, spurred by the advice of the World Bank and the privatization of Sierra Leone’s Government-owned petroleum marketing entity, a group of thirty-five visionary Sierra Leoneans came together to establish NP Sierra Leone Limited (NP-SL Ltd). What began as a humble indigenous petroleum importing and marketing venture, over the years, evolved into a leading entity in the sector that has been making substantial contributions to the nation’s overall development.

From its inception, NP-SL Ltd has remained steadfast in its commitment to the mission outlined in its founding principles which the company has dedicated itself tirelessly to translate into tangible achievements, overcoming numerous challenges along the way.

The core of NP-SL’s mission revolves around, “maintaining its dominant leadership position in the local market and striving to operate at the sub-regional level.” This commitment extends to ensuring the supply of petroleum products in an environmentally responsible manner while offering exceptional value to customers, employees and stakeholders. The company’s corporate culture emphasizes safety, profit optimization, and expansion, all in pursuit of contributing to national development.

Through strategic planning and astute managerial initiatives, NP-SL Ltd has not only achieved but surpassed its mission. The company has transformed from a modest startup into a mini multi-national corporation, with branches established in neighboring Guinea, Liberia, Ivory Coast and The Gambia.

NP-SL Ltd has undeniably dominated the Sierra Leonean petroleum landscape, outshining its competitors with innovative business strategies. In recognition of its commitment to delivering high-quality petroleum products and top-notch services, the company has received accolades, including “1st for Customer Care”.

One of the standout characteristics of NP-SL Ltd is its unwavering commitment to safety standards. The company prioritizes safety measures at all its Filling Stations, prominently displaying guidelines such as “No Smoking,” “Avoid Naked Flame,” “Switch Off Engine when fuel is pumped,” and “Switch Off Your Mobile Phone.” Also, Fire extinguishers are strategically placed for emergencies, ensuring public safety.

As part of its Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives, NP-SL Ltd has contributed to the National Fire Force’s capacity-building efforts. Recognizing the East End of Freetown’s water access challenges, the company constructed a state-of-the-art bore well and provided a standby generator for the National Fire Force Kissy Branch. This support ensures rapid responses to fire outbreaks in a locality where highly flammable petroleum products are discharged.

Safety remains paramount as the company conducts regular training programs for Station Managers and Pump Attendants. These programs equip them with essential skills for managing critical infrastructure and handling emergencies. In recent times, NP-SL Ltd certified over 100 employees, connected to its operations, in Freetown, Bo, and Makeni, focusing on safety among other critical priorities.

NP-SL Ltd has also made significant strides in corporate expansion, reaching areas that were previously underserved. Through partnerships with private entrepreneurs, the company has established Filling Stations in hard-to-reach communities, alleviating energy poverty, creating job opportunities, and reducing transportation costs. Today, NP-SL Ltd Filling Stations are ubiquitous across the country.

By adhering to a policy of hiring only nationals of the host country, NP-SL Ltd actively promotes local content and national development. Also, the introduction of the NP Smart Card, a secure cashless transaction system, has earned widespread praise for its convenience and security.

Additionally, the company offers NP Gas, an environmentally certified cooking appliance, promoting clean and efficient domestic use.

In summary, NP-SL Ltd stands as a testament to commitment, vision, and dedication. Over the years, it has transformed its founding mission into a reality, making meaningful contributions to Sierra Leone’s overall development. Today, NP-SL Ltd stands as a beacon of success and progress in the nation’s petroleum industry.

APC Must Faces Reality Check &Rebrand for a New Era -Cornelius Deveaux Opines

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

Questions are being raised about the lack of transparency in the much-anticipated Commonwealth-led mediation process in the midst of growing uncertainty related to the outcome of June 24 Presidential Election.

However, as doubts loom over the possibility of a rerun of the election, Cornelius Oguntola Melvin Deveaux, a prominent figure within the All Peoples Congress (APC), has voiced concerns about the secrecy surrounding the mediation framework.

Deveaux highlights the disconnect between the de-facto leadership of the APC and the framework for mediation maintaining that it appears  the reasons behind the decision not to formally challenge the Presidential election result do not align with the expected mediation process. He emphasizes that the mediation is likely to center on the Commonwealth-brokered peace pledge of May 25, 2023, which is at odds with the APC’s earlier stance expressed in Press Releases on the 30th June and 3rd July, 2023.
Deveaux points out that the APC leadership is now attempting to shift blame onto Dr. Samura Kamara, the party’s 2023 Presidential Candidate, and his associates, for the party’s inability to substantiate claims of electoral theft and secure a rerun of the elections underscoring that
accusations of betrayal and propaganda have further clouded the political landscape in Sierra Leone.

According to him, the consequences of this blame game have been dire, with some party members, supporters and even the public paying a heavy price. Deveaux further acknowledges that some of the party’s demands, such as non-participation at all levels of governance and a travel ban on Government officials, have proven unrealistic.

Moreover, he points out that the APC’s claims and misinformation are unraveling over time as key figures within the Government have maintained their positions, and the Electoral Commission of Sierra Leone (ECSL) continues to operate within the bounds of electoral laws and the national constitution.

He argues that the APC’s calls for governance boycotts are also losing traction, with some Members of Parliament and Councilors taking the oath of office adding how the high-profile engagements of the presidency on the international stage, including participation in UNGA 78, have reinforced the legitimacy of President Julius Maada Bio’s Government.

He asserted that even with the looming Commonwealth-led mediation, hopes of overturning the presidential election result and triggering a rerun appear slim additionally suggesting that the blame-shifting strategy employed by the APC de-facto leadership is an attempt to cover their tracks.

Deveaux reminds readers that Dr. Samura Kamara’s role in the party is often misunderstood saying as the National Leader and Presidential Candidate, Kamara does not hold executive powers. He postulated that, instead, the responsibility for promoting and defending the party’s integrity, policies, and programs falls on the National Chairman, who serves as the party’s CEO.

According to him, the National Chairman, not the National Leader, is the highest-ranking officer in the APC, and he presides over key party meetings, act as the custodian of the party’s decisions, and ensure that party organs operate within established policies and principles. He also provides firm and effective leadership.

In light of these constitutional responsibilities, Deveaux argues that blaming Dr. Samura Kamara for the party’s challenges is misplaced clarifying that the National Leader is primarily a figurehead during a presidential election, and it is the National Chairman who must navigate the political landscape and advocate for the party’s interests.

Deveaux concludes by urging right-thinking members of the APC to seize the opportunity to rebrand the party and embrace visionary leadership, highlighting that the path forward requires a deeper understanding of the party’s structure and responsibilities.

He maintains that as Sierra Leone navigates its political challenges, the role of leadership within the APC remains a central point of debate and scrutiny adding how the outcome of the Commonwealth-led mediation and the party’s ability to adapt and rebuild will undoubtedly shape the country’s political future.

11 Convicts Released in Kono

Court of Appeal Judge, Honourable Justice Monfred Sesay on the 23rd September, 2023 granted freedom to 11 individuals who had been convicted for various offenses in the Magistrate Court during a momentous event at the Sefadu Correctional Centre in Koidu City as part of the ongoing Prison Courts initiative.

Among those released was Edward Emmanuel, a dedicated teacher at Saint Augustine Secondary School in Lungi, Port Loko Judicial District. Edward had ventured to Kono with the aim of establishing a school branch and later decided to diversify his business by offering mobile phone charging services. Unfortunately, some mobile phones went missing under his watch, leading to a police investigation and his subsequent conviction.

Having endured four years of imprisonment, Edward Emmanuel, who had already served three years and seven months of his sentence, expressed his gratitude. “I’m grateful, and please thank the Chief Justice for assigning Judges to come and review our convictions,” said an emotional Edward Emmanuel as he addressed journalists upon his release.

Another individual benefiting from Justice Monfred Sesay’s compassion was 25-year-old Komba Suma, who had been convicted of Wounding with Intent. Komba disclosed, “I was sentenced for wounding my sister’s husband, David Kpaka at Wordu Sando.” After serving two years and eight months behind bars at the Sefadu Correctional Centre, Komba Suma was granted his freedom.

The Prison Courts initiative, which commenced on the 21st day of September 2023, has been made possible through the support of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). These courts have been established under the guidance of the Honourable Chief Justice, His Lordship Justice Desmond Babatunde Edwards, who has assigned judges to preside over cases within various Correctional Centers, including Mafanta, Kono, Makeni, Bo, Waterloo, and the Pademba Road in Freetown. The primary objective of this initiative is to conduct thorough reviews of cases that have been adjudicated in the Magistrates’ Courts, ensuring that justice is served.

Employment Minister Secures $100M & $2.5M to Enable Pursuance of Postgraduate Studies in USA

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

To support President Bio’s “500,000 Jobs Initiative,” the Ministry of Employment, Labour, and Social Security has taken steps to provide significant opportunities. This includes facilitating a non-collateral loan of $100 million and offering scholarships totaling $2.5 million to individuals who hold preparatory school and undergraduate degrees in STEM/AI and Business. These initiatives will enable qualified candidates to pursue postgraduate studies between 2024 and 2028.

It must be noted that on the 22nd September 2023 at the inaugural “Africa-US Presidential Forum on STEM and Business Education,” the Minister of Employment, Labour and Social Security, Mohamed Rahman Swaray announced a groundbreaking achievement for his country.

Representing President Julius Maada Bio, the Labour Minister attended an event hosted by Rutgers University in Newark, New Jersey, in partnership with the Nekotech Center of Excellence based in Ghana.

During the event, the Minister received a non-collateral loan amounting to a staggering $100 million, along with scholarship packages worth $2.5 million tailored for Prep School and first-degree holders in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics/ Artificial Intelligence (STEM/AI) and Business fields. These scholarships will enable Sierra Leonean graduates to pursue advanced studies in the United States between 2024 and 2028.

The generous financial aid is part of the Work/Study component of the ambitious “Transfer2Transform (T2T)” Project, a 5-year labor migration pilot initiative launched by the Sierra Leonean Government in May 2021 under the guidance of the Ministry of Employment, Labour, and Social Security.

Executed in collaboration with SOS Labour Ghana, an international recruitment and job placement organization, the project seeks to address the challenges associated with illegal and unregulated labor migration in Sierra Leone.

It comprises three key components: “Decent Work in Gulf States,” the “Diasporan National Service,” and the “Graduate Work-Study” elements.

The charismatic and result-oriented Labour Minister expressed his deep appreciation for the scholarship and loan opportunities emphasizing their timeliness and importance in bolstering Sierra Leone’s economic prospects. He assured that the youth of Sierra Leone would use these opportunities wisely, contributing to the nation’s progress and development.

In light of these developments, the Minister of Employment, Labour, and Social Security, Mohamed Rahman Swaray, will be accompanying His Excellency the President to the Nekotech Center of Excellence at Rutgers University in New Jersey. Their objective is to secure up to 1,000 seats in the USA through the SOS Transfer2Transform initiative, specifically designed for first-degree holders.

The Africa-US Presidential Forum on STEM and Business Education serves as a platform for fostering international cooperation and advancing educational opportunities in Africa, particularly in the fields of science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM), and business education.

With Sierra Leone’s latest achievements, it is evident that concerted efforts are being made to empower the country’s young talents and propel the nation towards its sustainable development goals by 2030.

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