Chief Minister Sengeh Champions South-South Cooperation
By Hassan Osman Kargbo
Chief Minister Dr. David Moinina Sengeh delivered a powerful keynote address at the South-South and Triangular Cooperation (SSTC) in Africa Forum, held at the Bintumani International Conference Center in Freetown.
The event, themed “Geopolitical Transformation and a New Global Financial Architecture,” brought together leaders, experts, and policymakers from across the Global South to discuss how developing nations can collaborate to shape a more inclusive and sovereign global development model.
In his opening remarks, Dr. Sengeh warmly welcomed delegates from across the African continent and beyond, highlighting the importance of South-South solidarity in a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape.
He stressed that Africa is not merely a recipient of development but a proactive and central actor in shaping its future through innovation, partnership, and resilience.
“This forum is a reflection of our collective resolve to forge pathways that center our voices, our priorities, and our resources,” the Chief Minister stated. “Sierra Leone is proud to host this critical dialogue—not by accident, but as a testament to our leadership in championing the African development agenda.”
He expressed deep appreciation to President Julius Maada Bio for what he called “bold vision and unwavering leadership,” citing the President’s efforts in placing Sierra Leone at the center of regional and continental cooperation initiatives.
Dr. Sengeh praised ongoing national strategies such as the Feed Salone food security project and the government’s digital transformation drive, noting that they align with the broader objectives of South-South and Triangular Cooperation.
“South-South and Triangular Cooperation gives us a tested, trusted, and timely pathway,” Dr. Sengeh emphasized. “It allows us to build partnerships based on mutual respect, harness home-grown innovations, and mobilize shared resources in pursuit of our collective ambitions.”
The forum aimed to advance dialogue on reshaping the global financial architecture, particularly by promoting financial sovereignty for developing countries and enabling inclusive, sustainable growth across the Global South.
Panel discussions throughout the event focused on fiscal justice, climate finance, debt restructuring, regional trade, and digital infrastructure as key levers for transformation.
Delegates also explored how cooperation among developing nations can enhance the implementation of the African Union’s Agenda 2063, a strategic blueprint for inclusive growth and sustainable development across the continent. Participants hailed Sierra Leone’s leadership in hosting the event, noting the country’s growing influence in continental discourse and policy innovation.
Chief Minister Sengeh called for stronger partnerships that go beyond aid dependency and instead focus on capacity building, knowledge exchange, and innovation ecosystems. He pointed to Sierra Leone’s progress in digital governance, educational technology, and agricultural development as models that could be scaled regionally through cooperation.
“In this era of transformation, Africa must speak for itself, act for itself, and invest in itself,” Dr. Sengeh asserted. “Let this forum be a springboard for real action—action that reflects the aspirations of our people and the potential of our continent.”
As the forum concluded, delegates echoed the Chief Minister’s call for African-led solutions and reaffirmed their commitment to deepening South-South partnerships. Many agreed that the road to a more just and equitable global order begins with cooperation rooted in shared history, mutual benefit, and African agency.
