The President of the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ), Alhaji Manika Kamara, has returned from a 10-day familiarisation visit to the Republic of India, describing the engagement as highly productive and promising for the future of media development in Sierra Leone.

President Kamara was joined by Thomas Dixon, Chairman of the Guild of Newspaper Editors, and Amin Kef Sesay, Managing Editor of Calabash Newspaper. The delegation held strategic discussions with the Indian Director of Cultural Exchange, senior officials of the Export–Import Bank of India (EXIM Bank), and representatives of other institutions committed to strengthening media systems in developing democracies.

Discussions focused on capacity building, professional training, and structured media exchange programmes. Indian partners expressed strong support for skills development for journalists, newsroom leadership training, and institutional strengthening—initiatives SLAJ says are essential for building a resilient, ethical, and independent media sector.

“This visit has reaffirmed that Sierra Leone’s media sector has credible international partners who believe in our role in democratic governance and national development,” President Kamara said. “We had practical and forward-looking conversations focused on long-term impact.”

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President Kamara told SLAJ members and the public that talks are already underway to convert these commitments into concrete programmes. Planned initiatives will prioritize young professionals and regional media institutions, with an emphasis on transparent and inclusive partnerships that align with SLAJ’s mandate to promote press freedom, professionalism, and capacity building.

The SLAJ leadership stressed that any agreements will be formalized under clear frameworks to ensure accountability and broad benefits across Sierra Leone. Updates will be provided as negotiations progress and programmes are finalised.

SLAJ believes that strategic international cooperation of this kind will strengthen the national media landscape and enhance journalism quality. Expected outcomes include improved reporting standards, stronger newsroom leadership, and institutional safeguards that help media organisations resist political and financial pressures.

By investing in training and exchanges, partners aim to equip Sierra Leonean journalists with practical skills and global perspectives that support democratic accountability and informed public discourse.

The delegation’s visit to India marks a significant step toward deeper international collaboration in media development, with potential long-term benefits for journalists and the communities they serve. Further details on specific programmes and timelines will be announced as formal agreements are reached.