Sierra Leone Roundup: National policy conference, China ties, Freetown-Hefei link

National policy conference aims to map Sierra Leone’s sustainable future

Sierra Leone will host the Policy Conference 2025 in Freetown from 8–10 December, bringing together government ministers, development partners, private-sector leaders and policy thinkers to debate financing and reform priorities. The three-day forum, themed “Financing Sierra Leone’s Sustainable Future”, is designed to produce practical, solution-oriented commitments on resource mobilisation, technology and institutional strengthening. Organisers say the event will focus on actionable plans rather than purely rhetorical speeches, with a major keynote expected from the Chief Minister. Stakeholders see the conference as a chance to galvanise cross-sector collaboration for growth and resilience.

Chinese Anhui delegation meets Parliament to deepen bilateral links

A high-level delegation from China’s Anhui Province visited Sierra Leone’s Parliament to reaffirm ties and explore cooperation in trade, technology and governance exchanges. Delegation leaders invited Sierra Leonean lawmakers to Anhui for follow-up visits and discussions, signalling a desire to formalise partnerships and institutional links. The visit is being framed domestically as an opportunity to attract investment and technical cooperation that could support infrastructure, education and local industry. Officials emphasised mutual benefits and long-term engagement rather than one-off projects.

Freetown mayor pursues renewed sister-city cooperation with Hefei

Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr held talks with visiting Chinese officials to revitalise the sister-city relationship between Freetown and Hefei, stressing practical cooperation in urban development, trade and cultural exchange. Both sides outlined priorities such as municipal infrastructure, knowledge transfer and small-scale economic ties intended to deliver visible benefits for citizens. The initiative is part of Freetown’s strategy to leverage international partnerships for local development and to attract targeted investment into city projects. Observers note the move fits a broader pattern of Sierra Leone engaging Chinese partners at multiple levels.

SLPP secretary-general defends record amid funding allegations

Outgoing SLPP National Secretary-General Umaru Napoleon Koroma has publicly rejected recent claims that party funds were misappropriated during his tenure, describing the allegations as unfounded and asserting that all expenditures were properly documented. His statement comes as the party prepares for internal contests ahead of the 2028 leadership race, a period that has intensified scrutiny and internal tensions. Koroma insisted that transparency measures were observed and urged critics to consult the party’s accounts before drawing conclusions. The episode highlights internal party friction at a sensitive political moment.

First Lady Fatima Bio underscores the central role of the secretary-general

First Lady Fatima Maada Bio told an SLPP women’s council gathering that the party’s Secretary-General is often the most powerful administrative figure, stressing that no official communication is valid without the Secretary-General’s signature and urging better understanding of the party constitution. Speaking at the event, she highlighted the importance of the Secretariat for party cohesion and warned that leaders who neglect close collaboration with the Secretary-General risk internal failure. Her remarks were framed as counsel to strengthen party structures and to support newly elected women’s leaders within the SLPP.