His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone addressed business leaders, innovators, agricultural entrepreneurs, and multilateral institutions at the 2024 World Food Prize Foundation’s Norman E. Borlaug International Dialogue in Iowa, United States. The event was themed “Bold Measures to Feed Africa.”
During a session moderated by Dr. Akinwumi A. Adesina, President of the African Development Bank Group, President Bio discussed the progress made under his Feed Salone Agenda and highlighted investment opportunities in Sierra Leone.
He explained that the Feed Salone initiative aims to address food insecurity, create jobs for youth, and boost economic growth. He also acknowledged challenges from climate change and emphasized adopting climate-smart agricultural practices.
President Bio assured attendees that his administration is creating an environment conducive to private sector participation in agriculture and food security through supportive policies, infrastructure, and incentives. “I am here to share Sierra Leone’s story and extend an invitation to credible partners to collaborate with us,” he stated.
He reiterated his commitment to empowering women and youth with financing solutions, incentives, and policies as part of an agricultural revolution. He linked agriculture with education within his human capital development strategy.
President Bio expressed a desire to be remembered as a “human capitalist” President by the end of his second term.
After the session, he joined a press conference with President Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania and Dr. Akinwumi A. Adesina. They collectively stressed the importance of policies, technology, and political commitment for agricultural success across Africa.
Earlier meetings included discussions with senior officials from the United States government about mutual interests.
