By: Pst. Mohamed Alpha Koroma
In a groundbreaking display of African solidarity and mutual interest, high-ranking officials from Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Public Administration and Political Affairs and Egypt’s Central Agency of Organization and Administration (CAOA) came together in a historic meeting that could reshape the future of governance across the continent. The rendezvous, which took place on the sidelines of the prestigious African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) conference in Cairo on Tuesday, September 12th, 2023, has sent shockwaves through diplomatic circles and heralds a new era of pan-African collaboration.
The primary objective of this monumental gathering was to explore avenues for a powerful partnership that would bolster Sierra Leone’s ambitious public sector reform endeavors. The APRM, renowned for fostering cooperation among African nations, played a pivotal role in orchestrating this high-level meeting, solidifying its commitment to bolstering African governance and public service systems.
Leading the Sierra Leonean delegation was none other than the dynamic Minister of Public Administration and Political Affairs, Hon. Amara Kallon. With a track record of conducting six general elections marked by smooth power transitions, Minister Kallon made it clear that Sierra Leone was ready to chart a new course in public administration. Adding to the gravity of the moment was President Bio’s pivotal role as the current Chairman of the APR Forum of Heads of States and Governments, further underscoring Sierra Leone’s commitment to pan-African collaboration.
Minister Kallon laid down the gauntlet, articulating Sierra Leone’s aspiration to cultivate a professional, disciplined public service in alignment with their development objectives. He posed critical questions, pondering how to harness Africa’s technical prowess and leverage cutting-edge technology within the public service to stimulate regional economic circulation.
In a response that reverberated across the meeting room, Professor Saleh, the distinguished Head of Egypt’s Central Agency of Organization and Administration, extended a warm welcome and expressed Egypt’s readiness for technical cooperation. He underlined the crucial role of political will in driving successful public service reforms, affirming that the doors of CAOA are wide open to collaboration with Sierra Leone. Ambassador Ashraf Rashid, an International Relations Consultant of the Agency, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the limitless possibilities for cooperation between Egypt and Sierra Leone across various domains.
The dialogue encompassed a broad spectrum of topics, including the exchange of expertise in government institution restructuring, drafting civil service-related legislation, manpower planning, and governance criteria for public job appointments. Discussions delved into the assessment of public servants’ capabilities and leadership qualities within the state administrative apparatus. Plans were set in motion for developing training programs and digitalizing government services, reinforcing the commitment to shared progress.
Sarah Hamulda, the Director of SDG at APRM, expressed her heartfelt gratitude for Dr. Saleh’s pivotal role in reforming Egypt’s public sector and commended Egypt for opening the door to APRM, fostering opportunities for intercountry collaboration.
But the climax of this historic meeting was the unveiling of a draft Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that aims to formalize the collaboration between Egypt’s Central Agency for Organization and Administration (CAOA) and Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Public Administration and Political Affairs. This agreement holds the promise of deeper cooperation, advancing the goals of administration, public service, and civil service in both nations.
This momentous gathering serves as a testament to the spirit of African unity and collaboration. It underscores the potential for African nations to come together, pool their expertise, and work collectively toward the betterment of lives across the continent. As Sierra Leone and Egypt embark on this collaborative journey, their partnership sets a shining example for all African nations seeking to advance their public sectors and, in doing so, further the progress of their societies. The world watches with bated breath as this historic alliance unfolds, potentially reshaping the destiny of a continent.
