By Joseph Momoh, Daily Scope Reporter
A three-week automobile repair and maintenance training program, supported by China, was officially launched on Friday at the Sierra Leone Foreign Service Academy. The initiative aims to enhance local automotive service capabilities and has brought together 50 participants from both public and private sectors.
Running from November 28 to December 18, 2025, this program marks China’s first technical training engagement in Sierra Leone in nearly five years. It focuses on modern vehicle diagnostics, engine management systems, routine maintenance, fault diagnosis, and practical repair sessions to elevate automotive service standards across the nation.
The training is a collaboration between the Chinese Embassy in Freetown, Hunan Automotive Engineering Vocational University, the Ministry of Technical and Higher Education (MTHE), and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. Organizers emphasize a blend of systematic instruction and hands-on practice, ensuring participants acquire skills that can be applied immediately.
At the opening ceremony, Yan Ruohong, Vice President of Hunan International Business Vocational College, affirmed the institution’s extensive experience in international vocational education. Founded 71 years ago, the college has trained over 10,000 individuals from more than 120 developing countries, including over 400 Sierra Leoneans through programs conducted in 2018 and 2019.
Wang Peng, Economic and Commercial Counsellor at the Chinese Embassy, described the training program as a significant milestone in bilateral cooperation and linked it to the ten major partnership action plans established at the 2024 Forum on China–Africa Cooperation. “China-Sierra Leone relations are at their best in history,” he stated, encouraging trainees to make the most of this educational opportunity.
Additionally, Wang highlighted China’s investment in Sierra Leone’s human resource development, noting that in 2025, 12 Sierra Leonean students were awarded Chinese Government Scholarships and over 500 Sierra Leonean officials and technicians participated in short-term training programs in China.
Franklyn Brima Fawundu, Deputy Director General at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, represented the Sierra Leone government during the ceremony. He praised the sustained partnership with China and emphasized the need for reliable automotive services, particularly as vehicle ownership increases. “Clients expect value for money,” he reminded participants.
The Director of Technical and Vocational Education and Training at MTHE underscored reforms in the TVET sector, revealing that more than 70 competency standards have been established to improve training quality. He also noted the establishment of a Centre of Excellence for Automobile Maintenance at Freetown Polytechnic’s Kissy campus, which is equipped with modern technology to further enhance skills development.
Organizers anticipate that the 21-day program will significantly enhance participants’ technical skills and competencies, ultimately contributing to the advancement of the automotive industry in Sierra Leone.
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