Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to Türkiye, Dr. Francess Virginia Anderson, has officially launched her new book, Framework for Economic Diplomacy and Bilateral, a timely and influential contribution to the rapidly evolving field of modern diplomacy.

The book was first unveiled in Sierra Leone, symbolising the roots of its inspiration and the foundation of her professional journey.

Drawing from lessons learned in Ghana, the publication presents a clear and structured model for understanding how diplomacy and economic policy can be effectively integrated. At a time of increasing global interdependence, Dr. Anderson moves the conversation beyond buzzwords, offering an analytical, practice-based guide for policymakers, diplomats, academics, and investors. Her work outlines the tools, strategies, and institutional mechanisms required for countries to strengthen their economic presence on the global stage.

Her Excellency Ambassador Francess Virginia Anderson, PhD, described the book as a deeply personal culmination of years of scholarship, diplomatic service, and commitment to Africa’s development agenda.

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Speaking at the launch, she expressed “deep humility and heartfelt gratitude,” noting that the book reflects her extensive field experience, academic inquiry, and reflections on purposeful service to one’s country and continent. She emphasised that her motivation was never about titles, but about understanding how intentional diplomacy can be leveraged as a strategic tool for national development and meaningful continental cooperation.

Dr. Anderson highlighted the central theme of her work: a call for African diplomats to evolve beyond traditional roles and become “thinkers, writers, and doers” capable of driving innovation and informed decision-making through the use of ideas and data. She connected this vision to the African Union’s Agenda 2063—Africa’s 50-year blueprint for building a prosperous, integrated, peaceful, and globally influential continent. Adopted in 2015, Agenda 2063 serves as the continent’s master plan for economic strength, political unity, cultural confidence, and global relevance, embodying Africa’s determination to shape its own destiny and deliver “The Africa We Want.”

Dr. Anderson’s framework is particularly relevant for developing nations, especially Sierra Leone and the wider West African sub-region. With many countries striving to overcome structural economic constraints, attract foreign direct investment, expand export potential, and participate meaningfully in regional blocs such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), her book arrives as a strategic roadmap. It builds on her widely cited 2025 publication on Diplomatic Economic Desks, which underscored the importance of embedding economic units within foreign missions to drive growth-focused diplomacy.

Drawing on her extensive diplomatic experience and strong academic background, Dr. Anderson blends theory with real-world application. Her model demonstrates how nations can utilise economic diplomacy to strengthen bilateral and multilateral partnerships, mobilise investments, and position themselves competitively in global markets.

The launch of Framework for Economic Diplomacy and Bilateral marks a significant milestone in diplomatic literature. It provides governments—particularly those in emerging economies—with a practical and forward-looking strategy for harnessing diplomacy as a catalyst for economic transformation.

Other distinguished speakers included His Excellency Aden Houssein Abdillahi, Ambassador of the Republic of Djibouti to Türkiye and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps; His Excellency Jean Bernard Avouma, Ambassador of the Republic of Gabon to Türkiye and Acting Dean of the African Diplomatic Corps; and Her Excellency Senem Güzel, Deputy Director for West and Central Africa at Türkiye’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The event also drew representatives from every region and continent of the world.