In a groundbreaking display of unity, political leaders from Sierra Leone’s two major parties, the All People’s Congress (APC) and the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP), have come together to participate in the second edition of Africa’s largest inter-political party gathering, the International Political Campaign Expo (IPE 25) held in Cape Town from January 22 to 25, 2025.

The Sierra Leone delegation, which included SLPP Secretary General Umaru Napoleon Koroma, APC National Chairman Alhaji Minkailu Mansary, APC Secretary General Lansana Dumbuya, and Deputy SLPP Chairman Alpha Kallon, joined political leaders from across Africa and beyond to discuss innovative strategies for political campaigns, resource mobilization, and the effective use of technology and data in modern politics.

Koroma, who is also Sierra Leone’s Deputy Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources, expressed the significance of the gathering, stating, “The discussions have been insightful, and the materials shared are well-resourced.

The knowledge gained will be instrumental in improving our party’s engagement with both our political counterparts and the electorate, fostering a greater democratic and political advancement in Sierra Leone.”

One of the key highlights of the conference was a focus on resource mobilization, the integration of data and technology in political strategies, and political communication. The event provided a platform for political leaders to share experiences and collaborate on best practices to run effective campaigns.

The presence of prominent figures from both major parties signals a new phase of cooperation, with both APC and SLPP leveraging the opportunity to learn from one another and build bridges for future political dialogue.

The Sierra Leonean delegation is expected to return home over the weekend, bringing with them a wealth of knowledge and strategies that will undoubtedly shape the political landscape in Sierra Leone in the coming years.