By Festus J. Lahai, Information Attaché, Embassy of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Moscow, Russian Federation
Sierra Leone has called for deeper economic cooperation with Russia in trade, energy, agriculture, investment and technology transfer during the Third Russia–Africa Summit in Moscow.
Delivering a keynote address on behalf of President Julius Maada Bio, Presidential Adviser Alhaji Musa Timothy Kabba urged both sides to move beyond diplomatic relations and translate their longstanding friendship into practical economic benefits for their people.
Kabba said Sierra Leone was seeking partnerships that would promote responsible investment, increase trade, strengthen local industries and support technology transfer.
He highlighted the 64 years of diplomatic relations between Sierra Leone and Russia, welcoming the reopening of the Russian Embassy in Freetown and the establishment of the Russian House as important steps towards strengthening bilateral cooperation.
On energy, he called for Russian support in power generation, oil and gas development, energy infrastructure and peaceful nuclear-energy expertise to help address Sierra Leone’s electricity challenges.
He also highlighted President Bio’s Feed Salone initiative, calling for cooperation in agricultural technology, fertilizer production, seed development and mechanised farming to improve food security and create employment opportunities.
The Presidential Adviser further welcomed Russia’s scholarship programmes, including the Open Doors Scholarship scheme, which provides opportunities for Sierra Leonean students to study at Russian universities.
Kabba also encouraged Russian investment in petroleum exploration, geological mapping, mining and infrastructure, stressing that such investments should be transparent, sustainable and mutually beneficial, with emphasis on skills transfer and local value addition.
On international affairs, he reiterated Sierra Leone’s call for reforms at the United Nations Security Council to ensure greater African representation, urging Russia to support the Ezulwini Consensus and Sirte Declaration.
He also called for stronger international cooperation in addressing terrorism, violent extremism and public health emergencies.
Kabba challenged participants to ensure that the Moscow Summit produces tangible development outcomes, including industries, farms, power plants, employment opportunities and improved livelihoods.
He reaffirmed Sierra Leone’s readiness to work with Russia and other African countries to strengthen economic and diplomatic relations.
Accompanying the Presidential Adviser at the Grand Kremlin Palace was Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to the Russian Federation, His Excellency Mohamed Yongawo.
