The Government of Sierra Leone has received a significant food donation from the People’s Republic of China—27,600 bags of 50kg rice—through the Chinese Emergency Food Assistance program. This initiative is part of China’s continued support for Sierra Leone’s food security and economic resilience.
The official handover ceremony took place on April 3, 2025, at the World Food Programme (WFP) Warehouse located at Kissy Dock Yard in Freetown.
During the ceremony, the Chinese Ambassador to Sierra Leone, Mr. Wang Qing, reaffirmed China’s ongoing commitment to supporting Sierra Leone’s efforts toward food sovereignty and economic growth. He noted that between 2018 and 2024, China has provided approximately 10,600 metric tons of rice to Sierra Leone. Ambassador Qing emphasized that this support is intended to strengthen the capacity of smallholder farmers to increase local food production.
In addition to addressing food security, Ambassador Qing highlighted China’s contributions to Sierra Leone’s infrastructure development. He mentioned key projects such as the National Stadium, the Youyi Building, the China-Sierra Leone Friendship Hospital, Wilberforce Barracks, and the Foreign Service Academy, all of which exemplify the long-standing partnership between the two nations.
Dr. Henry Musa Kpaka, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, received the donation on behalf of the Sierra Leone government. He described the donation as a generous and significant contribution that would help vulnerable communities gain access to food. Dr. Kpaka also noted that the donation fulfilled a commitment made during President Julius Maada Bio’s state visit to China the previous year.
Additionally, Dr. Kpaka announced that the full consignment had been received, with the Cabinet approving the allocation of 7,000 bags of rice to the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources. These bags will be used to support registered artisanal fishing groups, while the remaining rice will be directed toward the national school feeding program, benefiting children across the country.
Also present at the event were John Clements, Head of Supply Chain at WFP, and Brima S.T. Kebbie, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources. The ceremony was chaired by Mr. Prince Cole, Senior Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.
To conclude the event, participants signed a symbolic handover certificate and toured the rice consignment.