By: Precious Miracle Kargbo
Dr. David Moinina Sengeh, Chief Minister of Sierra Leone, is currently representing President Julius Maada Bio and the nation at the Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9) in Japan.
This high-level conference, held in Tokyo, brings together African leaders and Japanese stakeholders with the goal of strengthening cooperation, advancing development agendas, and expanding investment opportunities across the African continent.
TICAD serves as a critical platform for fostering diplomatic ties and promoting sustainable economic development. Speaking during the event, Dr. Sengeh emphasized the importance of international cooperation, stating, “Development requires cooperation, mutual respect, and a shared vision.” He engaged with a range of global partners, advocating for deeper collaboration to drive Sierra Leone’s transformation.
This year’s conference follows up on previous dialogues in which President Bio underscored the importance of skills development particularly in Sierra Leone’s growing automotive sector. During his last TICAD appearance, President Bio called for increased private sector engagement, laying the foundation for continued discussions on attracting foreign investment.
Dr. Sengeh’s participation at TICAD 9 highlights Sierra Leone’s commitment to fostering international partnerships and reflects its strategic focus on priority sectors such as agriculture, technology, and youth empowerment.
In recent months, the Chief Minister has conducted high-impact visits across the country, including a tour of the expansive Dole pineapple farm in Sumbuya, showcasing the vast potential for agricultural investment in Sierra Leone. He also launched a government-backed automotive training program in Kissy—an initiative aimed at building a skilled workforce capable of meeting the demands of a modern economy.
This skills development drive aligns with TICAD’s broader goals of sustainable growth through capacity building and innovation.
As TICAD 9 progresses, Dr. Sengeh and his delegation aim to deepen ties with Japan and other participating nations advancing a collective vision for inclusive development and shared prosperity for Sierra Leone and its partners.