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The Ministry of Technical and Higher Education (MTHE) welcomed Peng Wang, the newly appointed Economic and Commercial Counsellor at the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Sierra Leone, on a courtesy visit.
The meeting took place at the Minister’s Conference Room in the Sababu Building, New England Ville, Freetown. Counsellor Wang was accompanied by Liu Siyu, the Embassy’s Education Officer.
The visit reaffirmed the long-standing and dynamic bilateral cooperation between Sierra Leone and China, particularly in the areas of technical, vocational, and higher education. Wang emphasized Chinese Embassy’s commitment to encouraging responsible investment in Sierra Leone, stressing that infrastructure and industrial projects must be coupled with human resource development and skills transfer.
“We believe investments should not only create infrastructure but also empower Sierra Leoneans, especially youth, with technical and managerial expertise,” he stated. He referenced key projects like the automobile assembly plant and Leone Rock as models that must incorporate sustainable vocational training.
He proposed a “train-the-trainer” model to develop local capacity in vocational education, alongside deeper collaboration between universities and training institutions. Wang also reiterated the Embassy’s open-door policy and encouraged stronger government-to-government and people-to-people ties.
He announced that on-site interviews for the MOFCOM and Chinese Government Scholarships will be held on June 1st at the Kungfu Institute, despite it being a public holiday. Over 900 applications were received, showcasing the high interest among Sierra Leonean youth to study in China.
Wang also highlighted other key collaboration areas:
Cultural Exchange Center Project:
A feasibility study team from the China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA) will arrive in June 2025 to assess a proposed site in Soryong. This center will enrich local communities and support cultural engagement through the Confucius Institute.
24th Chinese Bridge Competition:
The Embassy will host this flagship Chinese language proficiency event in June, and the Minister has been invited to deliver a keynote address. Winners will represent Sierra Leone in the global finals in China.
Luban Workshop Initiative:
Discussions are ongoing to establish a vocational and technical training hub in partnership with Tianjin Municipal Government, aligned with Sierra Leone’s workforce development strategy.
In her response, Minister Dr. Ramatulai Wurie warmly welcomed the delegation and expressed appreciation for China’s continued support.
“You’ve only been here a month, but it already feels like you’ve been part of us for years,” said Dr. Wurie. “Your commitment speaks volumes.”
She acknowledged China’s significant contributions to education through scholarships, short-term training, and institutional partnerships. She cited the MOFCOM scholarships, the Ambassador’s Scholarship, and the Kono University of Science and Technology-China University of Geosciences MOU as key initiatives bearing fruit.
The Minister also mentioned the importance of agriculture and highlighted a recent visit to China with His Excellency the President, where they explored agricultural innovations that could support Sierra Leone’s Feed Salone program.
She confirmed her attendance at the Chinese Bridge competition scheduled for June 10th at 10 a.m., where she will deliver an address.
Both parties reaffirmed their mutual commitment to deepening cooperation in education, cultural exchange, and industrial training, with a shared vision of equipping Sierra Leone’s youth for a modern, knowledge-based economy.
