Chief Minister Sengeh Heads Sierra Leone Delegation to TICAD 9 in Japan

August 19, 2025

Chief Minister David Moinina Sengeh is leading Sierra Leone’s delegation to Japan for the Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9). He is representing President Julius Maada Bio and the people of Sierra Leone at the high-level event.

Although the conference has not yet officially begun, the delegation has already started engaging with partners. These early meetings are focused on strengthening cooperation in areas that can support Sierra Leone’s economic growth and development.

This visit builds on President Bio’s earlier trip to Japan, where he emphasized investment in skills training—particularly in the automotive sector—and greater support for private sector growth. Since then, the government has launched initiatives aligned with that vision.

Chief Minister Sengeh highlighted two recent examples: a visit to the Dole pineapple farm and processing site in Sumbuya, one of the largest in the country, and the launch of an automotive training program in Kissy, aimed at equipping young people with practical skills in vehicle maintenance and related fields.

These activities form part of the government’s broader agenda to expand industries, create job opportunities, and enhance technical training for young Sierra Leoneans. The delegation will continue engagements in Japan ahead of the main sessions of TICAD 9.