By: Fayia Jr. Moseray
The Honourable Vice President of Sierra Leone, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, delivered a compelling address last week on the future of Africa’s financial growth and development during a high-level panel discussion in Sevilla, Spain.
The panel, titled “Financing for Development (F4D),” was hosted by Global Citizen Now, a renowned international platform focused on bridging the growing financing gaps in the Global South.
Representing President Julius Maada Bio at this major economic forum, Vice President Jalloh drew on his extensive background in international development and business to shed light on the pressing financial challenges facing the African continent. He emphasized the urgent need for strategic fiscal reforms and robust macroeconomic policies to stimulate meaningful and sustainable growth across Africa.
In his remarks, VP Jalloh stressed the importance of building resilient and inclusive financial systems. “Africa’s future hinges on its ability to develop strong financial markets and implement sound fiscal policies,” he stated. He called on fellow African leaders to prioritize the creation of strong regulatory and governance frameworks that would attract private sector investment and foster economic prosperity.
“Africa must ensure that it builds stronger regulatory, financial, and governance frameworks to attract private sector investments,” he said.
He also reaffirmed Sierra Leone’s commitment to developing a resilient financial system capable of contributing to the continent’s broader macroeconomic development.
As a seasoned development expert, VP Jalloh praised President Bio’s dedication to narrowing financial gaps not just within Sierra Leone, but across the wider Global South. He cautioned, however, that reliance on Official Development Assistance (ODA) alone would not suffice to meet the continent’s growing development needs.
“ODA alone cannot meet Africa’s pressing development needs,” he noted. “There must be vibrant and well-managed macroeconomic systems in place.”
His strategic insights earned praise from international dignitaries and development partners, including Gates Foundation CEO Mark Suzman and other global leaders in attendance.
The forum served as a vital platform for dialogue on innovative solutions to financing challenges and reinforced the need for African nations to take the lead in shaping their economic futures.