By: Saidu Jalloh
Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Technical and Higher Education (MTHE) has concluded a three-day high-level mission to the Kingdom of Bahrain, achieving renewed commitments to deepen cooperation in technical and higher education on 24th November 2025.
The delegation, led by the Minister of Technical and Higher Education, Dr. Haja Ramatulai Wurie, engaged in bilateral discussions with Bahrain’s Minister of Education, Dr. Mohammed Bin Mubarak Juma. The talks focused on expanding joint initiatives aligned with Sierra Leone’s human capital development agenda.
According to the Ministry, both nations explored and identified key areas for future collaboration, including strengthening Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programmes, digitizing higher education systems, and increasing research partnerships.
Officials noted that the discussions also emphasized opportunities for faculty and student exchanges, academic conferences, institutional capacity-building, and broader cooperation aimed at enhancing access, quality, and innovation within the education sector.
During the mission, the Sierra Leonean team met with several Bahraini educational institutions to review practical steps toward implementing the proposed initiatives and reinforcing institutional ties between the two countries.
The Ministry reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to partnerships that promote a modern, skills-driven workforce and advance national development through quality education.
The Minister highlighted several advantages to the state, including improved data visibility on offshore operations, enhanced security and environmental protection. Creation of marine and offshore jobs for Sierra Leoneans. Zero capital cost to government, with all investments borne by the concessionaire. A new revenue stream, including an annual concession fee of US$250,000, payable within 90 days after ratification. A throughput fee of US$0.10 per metric ton of cargo moved. An annual monitoring fee of US$25,000 to support SLPHA oversight.
Projections from 2023 indicate that offshore bulk cargo from mining operations could reach 25 million metric tons by 2026, potentially generating US$2.5 million annually for the government excluding taxes, PAYE, NASSIT contributions, and related employment revenues.
Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Abdul Kargbo, expressed overall support for the agreement, noting that the opposition “is not opposed to the development of this country.” He commended provisions such as: Clause 5, mandating compliance with environmental and operational standards and allowing unannounced government inspections. Monthly reporting requirements under Clause 36.5, including cargo quantities, turnaround times, accidents, and injuries. Anti-corruption safeguards, including the prohibition of illicit payments and immediate termination for breaches. Confidentiality and data-protection measures.
However, he cautioned about potential power imbalances, suggesting the concessionaire might have “more power and protection than the government,” and expressed concern about what he called “weak regulatory control.” Despite these concerns, he concluded that the economic benefits outweigh the risks and urged MPs to approve the agreement promptly.
Majority Leader Hon. Matthew Nyuma welcomed the opposition’s support and addressed concerns regarding revenue projections and regulatory strength. He explained that earnings depend on variable cargo tonnage, meaning increases in throughput would automatically raise government revenue. He also emphasized:
The creation of a dedicated government account to track offshore revenue transparently. Strict enforcement of local content policies, particularly for consumables. Protection of the environment, especially preventing harmful discharges into Sierra Leone’s waters. Safeguarding local industries from negative impacts due to waivers
MP Hon. Dickson M. Rogers, drawing on his long parliamentary experience, described the agreement as unprecedented a Sierra Leonean-owned company undertaking such a major operation without financial obligations to the government. He highlighted the potential for job creation and the state’s opportunity to finally benefit from ongoing offshore transactions.