The Government of Sierra Leone has received 27,600 bags of 50kg rice from the People’s Republic of China as part of its Emergency Food Assistance program.

The handover ceremony reportedly took place on Thursday, 3rd April, 2025, at the World Food Programme (WFP) Warehouse located in Kissy Dock Yard, Freetown.

During the ceremony, Mr. Wang Qing, the Chinese Ambassador to Sierra Leone, emphasized that the donation represents China’s ongoing commitment to helping Sierra Leone in its quest for food sovereignty and economic growth.

“From 2018 to 2024, China has provided approximately 10,600 metric tons of rice to Sierra Leone, aiming to support the efforts of smallholder farmers in increasing food production,” Ambassador Qing stated.

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He further highlighted the broader impact of the China-Sierra Leone partnership, noting, “This collaboration has contributed not only to food production but also to infrastructure development,” pointing to projects like the National Stadium and the China-Sierra Leone Friendship Hospital.

The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr. Henry Musa Kpaka, received the rice donation on behalf of the Sierra Leone government. He characterized the support as a “generous contribution aimed at assisting vulnerable populations in accessing food.” Reportedly, the donation follows a commitment made by the Chinese government during President Julius Maada Bio’s state visit to China last year.

Dr. Kpaka announced that of the complete total consignment, as allocated by the Cabinet, 7,000 bags of rice will be allocated to the Ministry of Fishery and Marine Resources to assist registered artisanal fishing groups. The remaining rice, he said will be used for the nationwide school feeding program, which aimed at ensuring that children across Sierra Leone have access to nutritious meals.

Expressing gratitude, Dr. Kpaka remarked, “Our relationship with the People’s Republic of China extends well beyond rice and has been in place for over 50 years.”

The event included remarks from the Head of Supply Chain at WFP, John Clements, and the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Fishery and Marine Resources, Brima S.T. Kebbie. The ceremony was reportedly chaired by Mr. Prince Cole, Senior Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.

As mentioned in the report, the proceedings concluded with the signing of a symbolic handover certificate and a tour of the rice consignment.