His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio oversaw the signing of a €35 million financing agreement between Sierra Leone and the European Union at State House, Freetown, on January 31, 2025. The agreement seeks to enhance Sierra Leone’s agricultural value chain and support the government’s Feed Salone programme.
Finance Minister Sheku Ahmed Fantamadi Bangura moderated the ceremony, noting that the agreement represents a significant boost for Sierra Leone’s agricultural sector. He stated that the funds would strengthen the food value chain, increase production, and ensure food security.
Agriculture and Food Security Minister Dr. Henry Musa Kpaka expressed delight at the EU’s continued partnership with Sierra Leone in agricultural development. He mentioned that the financing would focus on improving cassava, oil palm, and infant food value chains.
EU Ambassador Jacek Jankowski commended Sierra Leone’s government for its commitment to sustainable development. He highlighted that this latest agreement is part of the EU’s Multiannual Indicative Programme (2021-2027), aiming to improve sustainability, efficiency, and inclusivity in key sectors through climate-smart practices.
President Bio thanked the EU and its taxpayers for their support in Sierra Leone’s development efforts. He emphasized that EU investments impact community empowerment and livelihood improvement in line with his administration’s Big Five Game Changers initiative.
The event concluded with both parties reaffirming their commitment to collaboration for sustainable agricultural development in Sierra Leone.
