By: Fayia Jr. Moseray
In a strategic effort to modernize Sierra Leone’s Government Printing Department, the Minister of Information and Civic Education (MoICE), Hon. Chernor Bah, on Monday, July 14, 2025, signed a $5 million agreement with China’s Diming Yipo Printing Company (CDYPC) in Beijing, China.
The landmark agreement is aimed at transforming, digitalizing, and innovating the government’s printing operations, as well as providing comprehensive training for staff within Sierra Leone’s printing industry.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Minister Bah reiterated the government’s commitment to revamping the dilapidated Government Printing Press* located at New England Ville, Freetown. He emphasized that the partnership marks a significant milestone in the journey to reposition the printing press as a modern, regional-standard facility.
“This groundbreaking deal will help us bring Sierra Leone’s printing industry to 21st-century standards,” Minister Bah stated. “It’s about transitioning a critical national institution into the digital age, aligning with both local and international expectations.”
Minister Bah praised CDYPC for its cooperation and commitment to the agreement, noting that the partnership aligns with President Julius Maada Bio’s vision to modernize the country’s printing and digital infrastructure. He expressed optimism that the completed project would establish Sierra Leone as one of the leading printing hubs in West Africa.
“The transformation will not only enhance print quality and efficiency but also increase government revenue, generate employment, and foster knowledge exchange between Sierra Leonean professionals and their Chinese counterparts,” the Minister added.
Chairman of CDYPC, Mr. Qing Shaung Meng, affirmed the company’s readiness to commence implementation within the next three months. He emphasized that the agreement is not just about building a facility, but about creating a regional center of excellence for print production.
“This is not just another printing facility,” Mr. Meng stated. “We are building a hub that will set new standards for high-quality printing within the West African sub-region.”
Minister Bah expressed deep gratitude to CDYPC for their support and willingness to invest in Sierra Leone’s development, assuring that both President Bio and the people of Sierra Leone warmly welcome this timely intervention.
“This initiative will help us meet today’s demands and prepare for tomorrow’s possibilities,” the Minister concluded.
As implementation gears up, the partnership is expected to usher in a new era for Sierra Leone’s printing capabilities one grounded in innovation, efficiency, and regional competitiveness.