In a significant stride towards bolstering economic ties and fostering cooperation, a delegation from Sierra Leone, led by the Honorable Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, participated in the inaugural Joint Economic Commission held in Budapest, Hungary. This momentous event marks a pivotal milestone in President Julius Maada Bio’s pursuit of economic diplomacy to fortify alliances and deepen friendships between nations.

Hon. Musa Timothy Kabba, the Head of the delegation and Minister of Foreign Affairs, signed a landmark agreement with Hungary, forming the Joint Economic and Technical Commission. This partnership promises substantial support for crucial areas, including Agriculture, Water Resources Management, Climate Change Mitigation, ICT, Education, Healthcare, Security, and Printing, as well as Technology Transfer and Trade and Investment.

Key highlights of the agreement include: A staggering €50 million allocation has been earmarked for the implementation of a comprehensive water supply project in Koidu and Lungi, addressing critical water needs in these regions.

Sierra Leonean students meeting the requisite criteria will benefit from a significant increase in scholarship opportunities to pursue higher education in Hungary, fostering academic exchange and capacity building.

In a move aimed at facilitating diplomatic relations, Hungary has announced a visa waiver for Sierra Leonean holders of diplomatic passports, streamlining travel processes and promoting closer ties between the two nations.

Officially signed on April 11, 2024, the agreement establishes a Joint Economic and Technical Commission between Sierra Leone and Hungary, signaling a promising era of collaboration. The accord lays the groundwork for enhanced bilateral cooperation, with a focus on critical sectors such as agriculture, water resources management, climate change mitigation, ICT, education, healthcare, security, and printing, alongside technology transfer and trade and investment initiatives.

Expressing gratitude for this achievement, Jihad N. Eter, the Honorary Consul of the Republic of Hungary to Sierra Leone, highlighted the culmination of efforts dating back to 2018. The signing ceremony in Budapest witnessed pivotal commitments from Hungary, including €50 million for water supply projects in Koidu and Lungi, a significant increase in scholarships for Sierra Leonean students, and visa waivers for diplomatic passport holders.

Throughout the visit, the Sierra Leonean delegation engaged in a series of discussions, meetings, and business forums aimed at strengthening ties with Hungarian counterparts. Hon. Musa Timothy Kabba, the Head of the delegation and Minister of Foreign Affairs, showcased adept negotiation skills and leadership acumen, advocating for Sierra Leone as a prime investment destination, given its democratic credentials and economic potential.

During their visit to Budapest, the delegation engaged in a series of meetings, forums, and site visits aimed at exploring avenues for cooperation and partnership. Minister Musa Timothy Kabba, head of the delegation, showcased exceptional diplomatic prowess, underscoring Sierra Leone’s appeal as an investment destination with its democratic credentials, abundant business opportunities, and stable political climate.

Key engagements included visits to the ANY Security and Printing Company and discussions with the Hungarian Water Partnership, focusing on addressing printing challenges and water management solutions, respectively. The delegation emphasized the urgency of bolstering Sierra Leone’s printing sector, plagued by issues of counterfeit documents.

The Joint Economic Commission’s inaugural session, held on April 10, 2024, culminated in the signing ceremony the following day, solidifying commitments to cooperation and mutual development. Additionally, the delegation participated in discussions with Hungarian parliamentarians and business leaders to explore further avenues of collaboration.

Comprising government officials and sector experts, the Sierra Leonean delegation prioritized cooperation in economic, trade, and investment spheres, underscoring shared values and development objectives. The Sierra Leone delegation includes: Mr. Ibrahim Alpha Sesay, Minister of Trade and Industry, Dr. Emmanuel Gaima, Presidential Adviser on Governance, Mr. Alpha Kallon, Deputy Minister of Water Resources, Dr. Edward Hinga Sandy, Executive Director, National Investment Board, Mr. Al-Hassan Kharamoh Kondeh, Senior Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Trade, Dr. Dauda Kuyateh, Head of the Private Sector Unit, Ministry of Finance, Mr. George Lamin Vandi, Director-General, Sierra Leone Water Company, Dr. David Yambasu, Senior Special Assistant, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ms. Khadija Alpha, Acting Director, Europe, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Yankuba Tarawally, Director, Projects, SALWACO, Mr. Razak Bah, Private Sector Representative, Dr. Helen Coker, Medical Practitioner and Private Sector Representative, Mr. Musa Kuyateh, National Revenue Authority Representative and Mr. Vaffe Bawoh, Private Sector Representative.

The delegation embarked on a comprehensive visit to the ANY Security Printing Company, marking a significant step towards exploring potential partnerships in the realm of security document production. The visit included engaging discussions with the company’s management, including a compelling presentation led by the CEO.

During the visit, the delegation delved into an extensive inspection tour of the company’s facilities, gaining invaluable insights into its operations. ANY Security Printing Company, renowned for its excellence in producing highly secure documents such as passports, visa stickers, revenue stamps, and university certificates, showcased its world-class capabilities to the delegation.

Key takeaways from the visit include a concerted effort to forge a partnership between the national printing press and the visited company. The Ministry of Information and Communication is set to facilitate deeper discussions to identify mutual needs and address challenges effectively.

Moreover, the delegation emphasized the importance of providing more scholarship opportunities, particularly in Science, ICT, and Water Engineering disciplines, to empower the youths and foster innovation.

Additionally, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been tasked with establishing a dedicated task force comprising experts. This task force will focus on various action points, including enhancing economic, trade, and investment cooperation, promoting collaboration in water management and environmental initiatives, and fostering technology development and transfer through the Joint Economic and Technical Commission.

The visit to ANY Security Printing Company signifies a proactive approach towards strengthening collaboration and advancing national interests in crucial sectors. It underscores the commitment to leveraging expertise and resources for mutual benefit and sustainable development.

Through the persistent efforts of Hungary’s Embassy in Ghana & Mr. Jihad N. Eter, the Honorary Consul of Hungary in Sierra Leone, the successful outcome of the Joint Economic Commission signifies a new chapter in Sierra Leone-Hungary relations, characterized by mutual prosperity and shared growth aspirations. As both nations look ahead, the foundation laid during this landmark event promises enduring cooperation and tangible benefits for their citizens.