BY PRECIOUS MIRACLE KARGBO
On the path to significant development for Sierra Leone’s economic growth, the President of the Republic of Sierra Leone Julius Maada Bio has received ECOWAS Bank for Investment (EBID), Dr. George Agyekum Donkor.
The purpose of his visit in the country is to discuss the bank’s support for Sierra Leone’s Medium-Term National Development Plan (MTNDP) 2024-2030. The visit is aimed to strengthen collaboration between Sierra Leone and EBID, with a particular focus on key development sectors such as agriculture, education, infrastructure development, tourism, and health.
Under the leadership of President Bio, Sierra Leone has identified these sectors as the “BIG FIVE” priority areas essential for the country’s progress and prosperity. The support from EBID, recognized as the leading Development Finance Institution (DFI) of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), is expected to significantly boost Sierra Leone’s efforts in these critical sectors.
During the discussions, President Bio expressed his enthusiasm for solidifying the partnership with EBID and swiftly transitioning to the implementation phase. The President highlighted that the collaboration with EBID would have a positive impact on the people of Sierra Leone, bringing tangible benefits and driving the nation’s development agenda forward.
Furthermore, the President highlighted that Sierra Leone’s agriculture sector plays a vital role in the country’s economy, and with EBID’s support, it is expected to witness substantial growth.
He added that the funding and expertise from EBID will contribute to modernizing agricultural practices, enhancing productivity, and improving food security in Sierra Leone.
Moreover, His Excellency reiterated that Investments in education will focus on expanding access to quality education, improving educational infrastructure, and empowering the youth with the necessary skills for the future. Through this collaboration, Sierra Leone aims to address the challenges faced by the education sector and ensure a brighter future for its citizens.
Infrastructure development is another critical area where EBID’s support will be instrumental. The partnership aims to enhance the country’s transportation networks, power generation capacity, and overall infrastructure to facilitate economic growth and regional connectivity.
Sierra Leone’s tourism sector has immense potential for attracting both domestic and international visitors. With EBID’s assistance, the country will be able to develop its tourism industry, create employment opportunities, and showcase its rich cultural heritage and natural beauty to the world.
Lastly, President Maada highlighted that investments in the healthcare sector will strengthen Sierra Leone’s healthcare infrastructure, improve access to medical facilities, and enhance the delivery of quality healthcare services to the population.
The visit by Dr. George Agyekum Donkor and his team signifies EBID’s commitment to supporting Sierra Leone’s development priorities. The collaboration between Sierra Leone and EBID is poised to drive sustainable economic growth, improve living standards, and create a prosperous future for the people of Sierra Leone.
