By Politico Staff Writer
President Julius Maada Bio has urged the President of ECOWAS Investment Bank Dr. George Agyekum Donkor to increase investment in Sierra Leone, noting that the government intends to undertake many activities for the betterment of the country.
“So, in addition to continuing to consolidate education, we are now focusing heavily on food security. I hope that with the $200 million and by working with other players, the bank will be able to increase that investment”, Bio said.
He explained that during his first term, he focused on education, with his government having laid a solid foundation in that sector despite the difficulties. He added that in his second term, he is focused on agriculture, and wants “to stimulate economic growth, attack unemployment, and also make sure food security is assured”.
Bio stated he was excited to know the bank had kept to its promise of strengthening its relationship with the country.
“We are aware of the fact that we are lagging behind in terms of keeping a strong tie with the bank in the area of our involvement in the activities that should be beneficial to us’’, President Bio went on.
He assured them that Sierra Leone will increase her activities, and accelerate the level of activities with the Bank.
EBID’s President, Dr. George Agyekum Donkor said the government’s Medium-Term National Development Plan is a laudable initiative, as it captured Feed Salone, Human Capital Development, Job Creation, and Cashless Economy, aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations.
“All your enablers, including promoting growth and diversifying the economy, accountability, and governance, gender mainstreaming are very important issues that align with the strategy of the Bank”, he said.
He assured President Bio that EBID will commit to supporting the government in implementing its agenda and was quick to state they intend to strengthen their relationship with the government.
George recounted initial discussions he had with the Deputy Minister of Finance and teams, stating that the bank was in Sierra Leone to initially invest $200 million, especially on the construction of Kono University and other projects.
Copyright © 2024 Politico (26/02/24)
