By Kadijatu Bangura, Daily Scope Reporter
The inaugural Sierra Leone-Canada Trade and Investment Summit commenced today in Toronto, with First Lady Dr. Fatima Maada Bio leading the charge as the Grand Chief Patron. In her keynote address, she emphasized that empowering women is essential for driving Sierra Leone’s economic growth and fostering global partnerships.
Organized by the BettehSalone Development Group, this landmark summit, taking place at the Viceroy Banquet Hall from September 18 to 20, 2025, aims to enhance bilateral trade and investment, forging strategic partnerships across key sectors.
Attendees include high-ranking government officials, business leaders, investors, and representatives from educational and financial institutions from both Sierra Leone and Canada. Dr. Fatima Bio is expected to position Sierra Leone as a prime destination for trade and investment while advocating for women’s empowerment as a catalyst for inclusive economic growth.
Chief Minister Dr. David Moinina Sengeh is also in attendance, actively engaging with institutions such as McMaster University and the University of Waterloo. He will participate in a bilateral meeting with the Ontario government and deliver a keynote address on “North-South Trade Diversification in a Changing World: Pathways to Sustainable Economic Growth.”
Furthermore, Minister of Foreign Affairs Alhaji Musa Timothy Kabbah will reiterate Sierra Leone’s interest in strengthening foreign policy relations to enhance trade, investment, and tourism. He aims to establish a platform for current and future trade agreements between the two countries.
Minister of Trade and Industry Mr. Alpha Sesay will lead a roundtable discussion on “The New Canada-Africa Business Strategy: Opportunities for Sierra Leone” and chair a panel on “The Changing Face of Sierra Leone’s Minerals and Energy Sectors: An Investment Case,” highlighting the country’s untapped mineral resources.
Minister of Agriculture Dr. Musa Kpaka will moderate a discussion on “Innovative Mechanization and Value-Addition in Agriculture and Fisheries,” focusing on sustainable practices. Additional topics will include sustainable marine management strategies and educational initiatives for sustainable development, featuring contributions from Dr. Daniel Kaitibi and Mr. Augustine Koroma of the Ministry of Education, respectively.
The summit will be officially opened by H.E. Amara Sowa, Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to the United States, with a speech from the Mayor of Vaughan, Canada. Summit Chair Dr. Lamin Massaquoi will introduce the first plenary session, setting the stage for impactful discussions on trade and economic growth.
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