His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio has welcomed a high-profile delegation of global energy leaders and development experts to State House.
The delegation, led by the Regional Director of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), pledged collective support to President Bio’s vision for the country’s sustainable development.
The visiting group included leaders from key global organizations, including the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP), Sustainable Energy for All, the Danish Energy Agency, and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Also in attendance was Hon. Dr. Kandeh Kolleh Yumkela, Chairman of the Presidential Initiative on Climate Change, Renewable Energy, and Food Security, who facilitated the meeting and underscored the delegation’s support for Sierra Leone’s Energy Transition Plan and Green Growth initiatives.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Mr. Bernard Mwinyel Hien, IFAD’s Regional Director for West and Central Africa, commended President Bio for his leadership in addressing food security and climate change challenges.
He emphasized the importance of renewable energy as a tool for development, adding, “We are proud to partner with a government that is committed to sustainable agriculture and energy access.
We stand ready to support your efforts in transforming Sierra Leone’s energy and agricultural sectors.”In response, President Bio expressed gratitude for the delegation’s ongoing support and their dedication to fulfilling the commitments made during previous international engagements, including the Vienna conference.
He reiterated his government’s focus on food security through the flagship Feed Salone program, linking the success of agricultural reforms to the development of sustainable energy solutions.“Sierra Leone must get it right by increasing productivity,” President Bio stated, highlighting the interconnections between energy, agriculture, and climate resilience.
He emphasized his determination to reduce the country’s reliance on food imports, utilize its youthful population, and embrace climate-smart agricultural practices. “I want to feed my country, reduce importation costs, and empower our youth through sustainable farming,” he declared.
The President concluded by acknowledging the importance of collaboration with international partners, noting that while Sierra Leone is a small nation, the support of global leaders and agencies is crucial to achieving the country’s ambitious development goals.
This meeting marks another significant step in Sierra Leone’s journey toward building a resilient economy, with a focus on renewable energy and agricultural transformation.
