By: Mamajah Jalloh
The Minister of Employment, Labour and Social Security, Umaru Napoleon Koroma, has called for stronger and more purposeful partnerships between Africa and the global community to turn international policy commitments into concrete actions that promote sustainable development across the continent.
Minister Koroma made the call while speaking at the Africa House Global Conversation on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York.
He highlighted Africa’s vast human, natural and economic potential, noting that the continent has the capacity to make a greater contribution to global economic growth if its resources and human capital are effectively harnessed.
According to Koroma, unlocking this potential requires stronger international partnerships, strategic investments and sustained cooperation across key sectors.
He stressed the need to move beyond policy discussions and ensure that development commitments are translated into practical programmes that directly benefit African populations.
The Minister said stronger partnerships could help Sierra Leone and other African countries attract investment, strengthen institutions, expand decent employment opportunities, develop local industries and improve skills and human capital.
A key focus of his intervention was the need for greater value addition to Africa’s raw materials within the continent. He stressed that African countries should move beyond exporting raw resources and invest in industries capable of processing and manufacturing products locally.
Koroma said such an approach could create more employment opportunities for young people, stimulate industrial development and increase government revenues.
He further underscored the importance of strong legislative and policy frameworks to support investment, local production, job creation and responsible resource development.
The Minister said governments must strengthen laws and policies that can translate Africa’s development ambitions into measurable results and improve the livelihoods of citizens.
The Africa House Global Conversation brings together policymakers, investors, development partners and other stakeholders to discuss ways of connecting global policy discussions with practical priorities across Africa.