His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio addressed business leaders, innovators, agricultural entrepreneurs, and multilateral institutions at the 2024 World Food Prize Foundation’s Norman E. Borlaug International Dialogue. The event was themed “Bold Measures to Feed Africa” and took place in Iowa, United States.
During a session moderated by Dr. Akinwumi A. Adesina, President of the African Development Bank Group, President Bio discussed significant progress under his Feed Salone Agenda and highlighted investment opportunities in Sierra Leone. He explained that the initiative aims to address food insecurity, create youth employment, and drive economic development. He acknowledged climate change challenges and stressed adopting climate-smart agricultural practices.
President Bio assured participants of his administration’s efforts to create a favorable environment for private sector involvement 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 for engagement in agriculture as part of his human capital development strategy. He expressed a desire to be remembered as a “human capitalist” President by the end of his second term.
Following the session, President Bio joined a press conference with President Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania and Dr. Akinwumi A. Adesina. They collectively emphasized the critical role of policies, technology, and political commitment in achieving agricultural and food security success across Africa.
