By Kadijatu Bangura, Reporter, D.S
Freetown, Sierra Leone – Hon. Chernor Bah, the Minister of Information and Civic Education, has officially signed a groundbreaking $5 million agreement with China’s Diming Yimo Printing Company, aimed at modernizing the Government Printing Press.
This transformative deal seeks to revitalize Sierra Leone’s printing industry, positioning it as a digitally advanced hub for national and regional services. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), concluded during Minister Bah’s official visit to Beijing, represents a significant leap toward upgrading the country’s public infrastructure and enhancing state printing services.
As part of the agreement, Diming Yimo will supply cutting-edge equipment, dispatch technical experts for staff training, and assist in establishing a national printing training institute. Mr. Qing Shuang Meng, Chairman of Diming Yimo, stated that the project is slated to become operational within three months, aiming to elevate Sierra Leone as a regional leader in high-quality print production. “This initiative is more than just a printing facility; it’s about setting new benchmarks in West Africa,” he emphasized.
Minister Bah hailed the partnership as a strategic milestone in realizing President Julius Maada Bio’s vision for digital transformation and industrial growth. “This landmark deal will usher Sierra Leone’s printing industry into the 21st century,” he noted, underscoring its potential to address local demands and boost government revenue.
The Minister was accompanied by Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to China, Dr. Abu Bakarr Karim; Government Printer Mr. Salifu Suma; and Permanent Secretary Mr. Andrew Kamara. During their visit, the delegation toured Diming Yimo’s state-of-the-art printing facility, reinforcing their confidence in the partnership’s capacity to effect meaningful change.
Following the signing of the MoU, the delegation visited the Beijing Institute of Graphics and Communication (BIGC), where Minister Bah proposed a collaboration involving BIGC, the Government of Sierra Leone, and local universities. This initiative paves the way for future partnerships focused on education and technical training.
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