Egypt has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Sierra Leone’s Medium-Term National Development Plan (2024–2030), with a focus on strengthening cooperation across key sectors.

During a courtesy call on the Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Kenyeh Barlay, Egyptian Ambassador Rasha Soliman emphasized Cairo’s readiness to align support with Sierra Leone’s national priorities. Discussions highlighted areas such as fisheries, agriculture, energy, scholarships, and capacity building.

Ambassador Soliman pointed to agreements signed during President Julius Maada Bio’s state visit to Egypt in 2024, stressing the importance of putting those commitments into action. She also noted Egypt’s comparative strengths in health, agriculture, and public administration, including affordable medicine production and farming expertise that could help boost Sierra Leone’s productivity.

Minister Barlay welcomed the partnership, outlining Sierra Leone’s “Big Five Game-Changers”: food security, human capital development, youth employment with a target of 500,000 jobs, technology and infrastructure growth, and public sector transformation. She acknowledged progress in several areas but noted a $2.5 billion financing gap, underscoring the need for stronger international collaboration.

The meeting also explored lessons from Egypt’s social protection programs, particularly in pensions for informal workers, as Sierra Leone continues to expand its own coverage. Both sides agreed to deepen cooperation in fisheries, hydropower, eco-tourism, and digital innovation, while continuing knowledge sharing in public sector reform.

Ambassador Soliman invited Sierra Leone to take part in upcoming international forums in Egypt, while Minister Barlay expressed appreciation and reaffirmed Sierra Leone’s commitment to building on the partnership.