Landmark Achievements As Sierra Leone Hosts Africa Development Conference

The Sierra Leone Local Content Agency (SLLCA) in collaboration with Bold Solution Group, yesterday commenced a-two-day Africa Development Conference at the Bintumani International Conference center Aberdeen in Freetown.

With the theme: Empowering Africa: Driving Inter-Trade Partnerships and Investment,the conference which could be described as first of its kind brought together government officials, private sectors, entrepreneurs, development partners, and other senior government officials from other African countries to discuss business opportunities in the continent.

Welcoming participants, the Director General of SLLCA, Fodeba Daboh, described the event as a vital opportunity for Africa to reflect on common cause and the potential that lies within continent, and Sierra Leone as a whole.
“As we stand at a decisive moment in our history, we recognize the immense possibilities that lies within Africa. Our rice natural resources, lively cultures, and innovative spirit are key assets that can drive sustainable development and economic growth,” he said, adding that central to this vision is the concept of local content leveraging local resources, talents and enterprises to foster self-sufficiency and resilience.
He added that there is going to be diverse array of speakers, panelists, and participants who shared their insights and experiences on building the Africa we want, noting that this collaborative effort, and their contributions are vital in shaping a roadmap for a collective future.
He added that this conference creates an opportunities for collaboration. “Over the next two days, we will engage in discussions that challenge us to think critically about how we can “Empower Africa: Driving Inter-Trade Partnerships and Investment Opportunities.”
Speaking on the expected outcome of the conference, he said that the discussions aim to enhance trade relations, foster strategic partnerships, and alliances, develop policy recommendations to support trade and investment, improve our understanding of the best practices in trade and investment and also explore how their local entrepreneurs such as those exhibiting here today can effectively leverage the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
He explained that over the years, his team has taken steps to promote local content initiative in the country.
Delivering the Keynote address on behalf of the Minister of Trade and Industry, the Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry, Mrs. Fatmata Kargbo said that the Africans vision should be to build on the foundation of unity, solidarity, and collective determination. “We envisage an Africa where economic growth benefits all, where innovation thrives, and where our people enjoy normally peace, security and dignity,” she said. “To achieve this vision of empowering Africa in investment opportunities, we must focus on four key areas like: Agriculture, Mining, Manufacturing and the Service industries.”
She explained that Sierra Leone has a visionary President who is working tirelessly to have food sustainability, adding that this should be the focus of all Presidents across Africa.
She called on all African leaders to invest in building a story manufacturing base that promotes inter=Africa trade, noting that Manufacturing is essential for driving economic growth and creating jobs.
The Deputy Minister explained that mining sector holds tremendous potential for economic development in Africa. “However, we must promote the development of regional and continental value chains that focus on value addition and skills development rather than exporting raw minerals,” she said. “We must invest in processing and refining these resources locally. This will create jobs, enhance local economies, and generate additional revenue for our countries.”
She pointed out that AfCFTA is a game-changer for Africa, adding that all African countries regardless of its seize or economic status can benefit from this agreement.
She said that by harmonizing trade regulations and reducing tariffs, they can facilitate smoother trade flows and create a more integrated African economy.
She also calls for empowering of the private sector, noting that the private sector is the engine of growth in any economy. “We must foster entrepreneurship, support small and Medium Enterprises, and encourage innovation.
She said that they should create a conducive business environment through policy reforms, access to finance, and capacity-building initiatives will empower our entrepreneurs and drive economic development.
The conference was climaxed by panel discussions and presentation of awards.