Fola Komolafe, CEO of World Vision UK, and Shameran Abdel, Executive Director of BRAC International, paid a courtesy call on President Julius Maada Bio at State House, Freetown, on Thursday, February 8, 2024.

The visit emphasized their strong commitment to supporting Sierra Leone’s government programs and aligning their strategies with the country’s Medium Term National Development Plan.

Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Madam Kenyeh Barlay, introduced the esteemed visitors, highlighting World Vision’s impactful 28-year presence in Sierra Leone and their dedication to child advocacy.

Expressing gratitude, Fola Komolafe thanked President Bio for the warm partnership, pledging steadfast support to World Vision’s national office for various projects. She particularly commended President Bio’s commitment to food security, aligning their strategies to contribute to this vital aspect of national development.

Chief Minister, Dr David Moinina Sengeh, lauded BRAC as a supportive partner, noting the impactful visit across their operational areas in Sierra Leone. Shameran Abdel, Executive Director of BRAC International, thanked the Chief Minister and congratulated President Bio for his leadership, emphasizing their substantial work since 2016 in education, agriculture, and food security.

Abdel revealed BRAC’s role in operating the largest microfinance in the country, benefitting over 70,000, with a significant focus on empowering women. He expressed their commitment to scaling up impacts and acknowledged their fruitful partnership with the government and the central bank.

President Bio warmly welcomed the World Vision and BRAC teams, acknowledging their consistent support to the government’s agenda. He assured them of his government’s commitment to backing their programs, emphasizing his openness to partnerships in advancing Sierra Leone’s ambitious development goals. The meeting signals a strengthened collaboration between international organizations and the Sierra Leonean government for collective progress.