Sierra Leone and Morocco have reinforced their strategic partnership following a three-day Joint Follow-Up Committee (JFC) meeting held in Freetown from 22 to 24 April 2026. The meeting focused on translating bilateral agreements into tangible development outcomes on Friday 24 April 2026.
The session was co-chaired by Momodu A. Wurie, Deputy Director General of Policy at Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, and Abdellah Boutadghart, Director of African Affairs at Morocco’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates. It brought together senior officials from both countries to review progress since the Third Session of the Joint Cooperation Commission (JCC), held in Dakhla in April 2023.
In his opening remarks, Sierra Leone’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Alhaji Musa Timothy Kabba, commended the strong bilateral relations and called for deeper collaboration in key sectors, including vocational training, agriculture, water management, fisheries, tourism, renewable energy, and mining. He emphasized the importance of regular follow-up mechanisms, the establishment of Joint Sectoral Technical Committees, and increased private sector engagement through business-to-business partnerships.
Both delegations expressed satisfaction with the progress made since the 2023 JCC. Sierra Leone confirmed that agreements on investment promotion and protection, as well as academic scholarships, have been ratified and are now under implementation. Morocco reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Sierra Leone through technical assistance, expertise sharing, and investment initiatives within the framework of South-South cooperation.
In the area of judicial cooperation, Morocco has ratified the Convention on Judicial Cooperation, while Sierra Leone agreed to advance an additional protocol addressing outstanding concerns particularly Article 6 to facilitate its ratification.
In the health sector, both countries agreed to launch a “train-the-trainers” programme in September 2026, in collaboration with the Moroccan Agency for International Cooperation. The programme will focus on building the capacity of health sector managers in Sierra Leone.
Regarding urban planning and housing, both sides will finalize a Joint Executive Action Programme within three months to operationalize the 2023 Memorandum of Understanding. This initiative will include study visits for Sierra Leonean experts to Morocco and promote Public-Private Partnerships.
In the energy sector, Sierra Leone will submit an official request to the Islamic Development Bank and MASEN for technical and financial support for priority renewable energy projects, including decentralized solar street lighting and upgrades to distribution networks.
On agriculture, Sierra Leone will submit a draft Memorandum of Understanding covering capacity building, agricultural research, fertilizer regulation and blending, and infrastructure development.
In the area of trade, the first session of the Joint Trade Committee is scheduled for 2026, alongside plans to develop a digital business-matching platform by 2027.
Both countries welcomed plans to convene the Fourth Session of the Joint Cooperation Commission in 2027 to further strengthen bilateral relations. The Moroccan delegation also expressed appreciation for the hospitality extended during their stay in Freetown.
The final minutes were signed by Franklyn Brima Fawundu, Acting Director-General of Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, and Abdellah Boutadghart on behalf of Morocco.
Both nations committed to implementing a comprehensive roadmap focused on delivering the 13 existing agreements six bilateral agreements and seven Memoranda of Understanding while expanding cooperation into new sectors.
This renewed engagement reflects the shared vision of Presidents Julius Maada Bio and King Mohammed VI to strengthen South-South cooperation and drive sustainable development.