By Amin Kef (Ranger)
The National Executive of the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) on Thursday, 13th November 2025, paid a courtesy call on the Indian High Commissioner to Sierra Leone, His Excellency Baisnab Charan Pradhan as part of the Association’s commitment to fostering strong partnerships with the diplomatic community.
Welcoming the delegation at the Indian High Commission, Ambassador Baisnab Charan Pradhan commended the role of the media in Sierra Leone, noting that the country has demonstrated commendable progress in upholding responsible and ethical journalism compared to many others. He expressed appreciation for the constructive engagement of journalists in national development and reaffirmed India’s readiness to continue supporting Sierra Leone’s socio-economic transformation.
Highlighting India’s longstanding relationship with Sierra Leone, the Ambassador recalled that several Sierra Leonean journalists have benefited from various study programs and professional training opportunities in India. He underscored that India remains a key development partner through investment, technology transfer and education.
Ambassador Baisnab Charan Pradhan disclosed that more Indian investors are expected in Sierra Leone to establish manufacturing companies that would create jobs and contribute significantly to the national economy. He cited examples of Indian-owned enterprises already producing quality building and household materials, including a recently established iron ore and roofing zinc factory and noted that another company is preparing to supply energy to the national grid. According to him, Sierra Leone’s peace and political stability remain strong incentives for further Indian investment.
In his remarks, SLAJ President, Alhaji Manika Kamara, thanked the High Commissioner for India’s continuous partnership and support. He described the relationship between SLAJ and the Indian High Commission as mutually beneficial and instrumental to media development in Sierra Leone.
He pointed out that the media sector urgently requires capacity building, particularly in digital reporting, investigative journalism, fact-checking and new media technologies. Alhaji Manika Kamara clarified that SLAJ is not a mouthpiece for the Government or the Opposition but a credible development partner dedicated to training journalists to deliver accurate and timely information to the public.
The SLAJ President appealed to the Ambassador to encourage Indian investors to explore opportunities in the media sector, such as investments in printing materials, broadcast equipment and digital platforms. He also called for more training opportunities for journalists in India to strengthen professionalism and promote media literacy.
Responding, Ambassador Baisnab Charan Pradhan expressed India’s willingness to support media exchange initiatives and journalism training programs. He encouraged SLAJ to submit a well-developed project proposal highlighting key areas for collaboration.
The visit, beyond being a diplomatic courtesy, marked a renewed commitment to deepening cooperation between the media and India’s diplomatic mission. Both sides reaffirmed their dedication to strengthening mutual understanding, promoting professional growth and fostering ethical journalism in Sierra Leone.
