Parliament Ratifies Agreements to Support Agriculture, Debt Management, & Infrastructure Expansion

By Alvin Lansana Kargbo

Parliament of Sierra Leone on Thursday October 31, 2024 debated and ratified a series of agreements aimed at advancing the nation’s socio-economic development. These agreements, spanning areas like agriculture, education, financial inclusion and healthcare, underscore Sierra Leone’s commitment to sustainable growth and development.

The agreements approved by Parliament include:

1. Global Agriculture and Food Security Program Grant: Additional financing under the West Africa Food System Resilience Program Phase 2, in collaboration with the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, dated August 4, 2023.
2. Transition Support Facility Agreement: Focused on enhancing public debt management efficiency, this agreement supports the EEPDMIS projects, dated July 5, 2023.
3. Sierra Leone Financial Inclusion Project: A financing agreement with the International Development Association (IDA), dated June 29, 2023, to foster financial inclusivity.
4. Free Education Project (Second Additional Financing): An agreement with IDA to support free education initiatives, dated September 29, 2023.
5. Agricultural Value Chain Development Project: This agreement with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), dated March 22, 2023, aims to enhance agricultural productivity through additional loans and grants.
6. Rural Finance and Community Improvement Program II: Also with IFAD, this agreement supports rural finance and community development, dated October 24, 2023.
7. Construction and Equipment of Riyadh Referral Hospital: A loan agreement with the Saudi Fund for Development to improve healthcare infrastructure, dated November 9, 2023.
8. European Commission Financing Agreement: Strengthens various development initiatives in collaboration with the European Commission.
9. Mano River Union Road Development Programme Phase IV: A protocol agreement with the African Development Fund to facilitate regional transport infrastructure, dated February 5, 2024.
10. Subsidiary Agreement on Financial Inclusion: Between the Ministry of Finance and Bank of Sierra Leone, supporting the Sierra Second Financial Inclusion Project, dated October 26, 2023.

Deputy Finance Minister, Kadiatu Alie, presented the agreements, emphasizing their potential to boost economic growth and enhance the quality of life for Sierra Leoneans. Hon. Mustapha Sellu from Moyamba District echoed this sentiment, advocating for robust oversight to ensure effective implementation.

Hon. Rugaitu Bangura from Tonkolili District highlighted the need for support in the agricultural sector, specifically for Master Farmers to sustain their operations. Acting Leader of the Opposition Hon. Daniel Koroma stressed the importance of adding value to agricultural products to maximize benefits for local communities.

Concluding the session, Acting Leader of Government Business, Hon. Bashiru Silikie ,  expressed optimism about the agreements, predicting significant positive impacts on Sierra Leone’s development. The ratification of these agreements marks a key step forward in realizing the country’s strategic development goals.

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