On November 7, 2024, President Julius Maada Bio met with Mr. Gerd Muller, Director-General of UNIDO, to strengthen their partnership and discuss strategies for Sierra Leone’s development.

The meeting focused on enhancing cooperation in agriculture, mineral resources, and industrialization, with both leaders emphasizing sustainable development and strategic alliances.

Mr. Muller reaffirmed UNIDO’s support, highlighting Sierra Leone’s natural resources and the need for collaboration to harness them. He referenced a UNIDO conference in Riyadh that aimed to improve the mining sector, focusing on legal representation and capacity building.

President Bio outlined key priorities, including a flagship food security program in its preparatory phase, and emphasized the importance of global partnerships.

He also stressed the need for agro-processing to diversify agriculture and enhance food security, underscoring the involvement of research institutions for sustainable growth.

The meeting concluded with both leaders reaffirming their commitment to driving development in Sierra Leone’s crucial sectors through sustainability and innovation.