By Joseph Momoh, Daily Scope Reporter
The Egyptian Ambassador to Sierra Leone, H.E. Rasha Soliman Mohi Eldin Soliman, has reaffirmed Egypt’s dedication to enhancing bilateral relations, particularly in support of Sierra Leone’s Medium-Term National Development Plan (2024–2030).
During a recent courtesy visit to the Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Madam Kenyeh Barlay, discussions focused on potential cooperation in key sectors such as fisheries, agriculture, energy, and education, including scholarships for Sierra Leonean students in Egypt.
Ambassador Soliman emphasized Egypt’s demand-driven approach to development partnerships, expressing readiness to align support with Sierra Leone’s national priorities. She highlighted the significance of several Memoranda of Understanding and cooperative programs established during President Julius Maada Bio’s state visit to Egypt in March 2024, urging their operationalization in the near future.
Minister Barlay welcomed Egypt’s commitment and provided an overview of Sierra Leone’s seven-year Medium-Term National Development Plan, which aims to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. She discussed the government’s “Big Five Game-Changers,” which include initiatives focused on agriculture and food security, human capital development, youth employment (targeting 500,000 jobs), technology and infrastructure development, and public sector transformation. “These game-changers form the backbone of our national strategy and are supported by clear performance targets to ensure accountability,” Minister Barlay stated.
While acknowledging progress in fisheries and agriculture, she pointed out a financing gap of $2.5 billion, highlighting the need for bankable projects and robust international partnerships.
Ambassador Soliman shared Egypt’s strengths in health, agriculture, and public administration reform, noting the country’s capacity as a leading producer of affordable medicines and its willingness to assist Sierra Leone in expanding pharmaceutical access. She also offered Egypt’s agricultural expertise, promising knowledge transfer and technical assistance to enhance productivity in Sierra Leone.
Minister Barlay outlined ongoing public administration reforms, including plans for a Civil Service Cooperative in collaboration with the Ministries of Public Administration and Trade. She also mentioned the role of NASSIT in managing pensions and disability benefits, as well as efforts to extend social protection to informal workers. The Ambassador suggested Egypt’s model of a solidarity-based fund for workers outside the formal pension structure as a potential collaboration avenue.
Both parties agreed to continue knowledge sharing in cooperative development and pension reforms while exploring joint investment opportunities in fisheries, hydropower, eco-tourism, and digital innovation. The Ambassador concluded by inviting Sierra Leone to participate in upcoming international forums in Egypt, including the Aswan Forum, which Minister Barlay has previously attended. The Minister expressed gratitude for the invitation and reaffirmed her commitment to engaging in such platforms to advance Sierra Leone’s development diplomacy.
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