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The Ministry of Technical and Higher Education (MTHE) on Thursday May 29th, 2025, welcomed a courtesy call from Mr. Peng Wang, the newly appointed Economic and Commercial Counsellor at the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Sierra Leone. The meeting took place at the Minister’s Conference Room, Sababu Building, New England Ville, Freetown, and marked a renewed commitment to deepening cooperation between the two countries in education, skills development, and cultural exchange.
Mr. Wang, accompanied by Education Officer Liu Siyu, expressed China’s continued interest in fostering partnerships that go beyond infrastructure by focusing on technical and vocational education and skills transfer. He emphasized that meaningful development requires investment in human capital.
“China believes that investments should not only build infrastructure but also equip Sierra Leoneans, especially the youth, with technical and managerial expertise,” Mr. Wang stated. He referenced ongoing projects such as the automobile assembly plant and Leone Rock as examples that should integrate vocational training and capacity building.
He proposed a “train-the-trainer” model aimed at strengthening Sierra Leone’s vocational training system and called for enhanced collaboration between Chinese and Sierra Leonean academic institutions. Mr. Wang also highlighted the upcoming on-site interviews for the MOFCOM and Chinese Government Scholarships scheduled for June 1st at the Kungfu Institute. Over 900 applications have been received, reflecting the strong interest among Sierra Leonean students to pursue higher education in China.
In addition, Mr. Wang outlined key upcoming projects, including the Cultural Exchange Center Project in Soryong, with a feasibility study expected in June 2025 by the China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA). He also announced the 24th Chinese Bridge Competition, to be held in June, where the Minister has been invited to deliver the keynote address. Winners will represent Sierra Leone in the global finals in China. Discussions are also ongoing to establish a Luban Workshop in partnership with the Tianjin Municipal Government to boost vocational and technical training in the country.
In her response, Minister Dr. Ramatulai Wurie warmly welcomed the delegation and praised China’s continued support in the education sector. She cited the MOFCOM scholarships, the Chinese Ambassador’s Scholarship, and the collaboration between Kono University of Science and Technology and China University of Geosciences as significant milestones.
“You’ve only been here a month, but your impact is already being felt,” Dr. Wurie said. She also referenced her recent visit to China with His Excellency the President to explore agricultural innovations that could benefit the national Feed Salone program.
Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening ties in education, cultural exchange, and industrial training, with a shared vision of preparing Sierra Leone’s youth for a knowledge-driven economy.
