Deputy Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources, Umaru Napoleon Koroma, is set to return to Sierra Leone with renewed optimism for attracting significant foreign direct investment into the country’s mining sector.
His visit to Jaipur, Rajasthan, India, on the invitation of Indian business mogul Dr. Opesh Singh of the Opesh Group, culminated in a successful three-day conference where Koroma highlighted Sierra Leone’s untapped mining potentials.
As the Chief Guest Speaker, Koroma’s presentation captivated the audience, earning him a standing ovation as he laid out Sierra Leone’s readiness for foreign investment.
His speech emphasized the strides the country has made under President Julius Maada Bio’s administration in areas like governance, human capital development, and fighting corruption—key factors that make Sierra Leone ripe for investment.
He also underscored the importance of value addition in the mining sector as a critical pathway to ensuring that mineral-rich African nations benefit more from their resources.
“I used the opportunity to present Sierra Leone’s untapped potentials in the mining sector and called on Indian investors to take the chance and come and invest,” Koroma noted.
He added that his mission was to promote the country’s agenda of transforming the mining sector by drawing in investments that will focus on value addition to minerals, which can bring broader economic benefits.
The Deputy Minister was invited to the high-profile event by Dr. Opesh Singh after their initial meeting during the latter’s visit to Sierra Leone to explore investment opportunities.
Koroma’s passion for unlocking the true potential of the mining sector, along with his clear articulation of the nation’s investment climate, sparked interest among several Indian businesses present at the conference.
In addition to his public appearance, Koroma held private discussions with several investors who showed keen interest in exploring business opportunities in Sierra Leone. As a result, a group of Indian investors, led by Dr. Opesh Singh, is scheduled to visit the country in November 2024 to engage further with the Ministry of Mines and Mineral Resources and other stakeholders.
