Sierra Leone’s Chief Minister, Dr. David Moinina Sengeh, Friday 16th May 2025, paid a courtesy visit to the Sierra Leone High Commission in Holborn, London, where he was warmly received by High Commissioner H.E. Dr. Morie Manyeh, Deputy High Commissioner Mrs. Yvonne King Odigboh, and staff of the Mission.
Dr. Manyeh welcomed the Chief Minister on behalf of the mission team, commending his patriotism and service. In return, Dr. Sengeh expressed his appreciation and emphasized the value of open dialogue, encouraging staff to share their views, ask questions, and give feedback. He reflected on his visits to the UK during his time as Education Minister and said this latest mission is focused on strengthening diplomatic and economic ties with relevant institutions in the UK—“a reliable partner with whom we share a broad spectrum of aligned interests.”
He cited mutual priorities such as gender equality, protection of children and women’s rights, climate action, and general development programs, underscoring President Bio’s Big Five Agenda as the guiding framework for bilateral engagement. He stressed the need for Sierra Leone to present itself not as a nation asking for aid, but as one seeking mutually beneficial investment. “This is not charity,” he said, and went on to emphasise the role of trade and investment in “creating jobs, adding value, and strengthening the economy.”
The Chief Minister also highlighted the importance of the Mission’s role in tracking and supporting outcomes from bilateral meetings and reiterated the need to maintain dignity and clarity in international engagements.
The visit to the chancery followed a series of productive meetings Dr. Sengeh has held with UK political and business leaders since he landed in London yesterday, 15th May, 2025.
He has met with former British Prime Minister, the Right Honorable Sir Tony Blair, whose Tony Blair Institute (TBI) continues to drive investment opportunities into Sierra Leone. He has also met with the UK Minister for Africa Lord Collins, and British International Investment (BII) CEO Lesley Maasdorf. As a result of these engagements, Sierra Leone has been designated a “strategic investment priority” by BII, which currently holds a $100 million portfolio in the country and has expressed the intent to double that investment. With a £7 billion global portfolio and up to £2 billion in annual development funding, BII is central to the UK’s strategy of using investment—not aid—to drive sustainable growth in developing countries.
During his meeting with the SLHC staff, Dr. Sengeh proposed establishing a Diaspora Investment Desk as a matter of priority, to channel investment opportunities, national bodies such as the National Investment Board (NIB), an institution created to streamline and enhance Sierra Leone’s investment landscape by consolidating several key investment-related agencies into a single, centralized body.
The Chief Minister also praised the work of Sierra Leonean entrepreneurs like Idris Elba and Foday Labrum Dumbuya for attracting global interest and capital into the country.
With reference to concerns raised in relation to reports of bottlenecks encountered in clearing goods from the ports, Dr. Sengeh reiterated his commitment to accelerating reform. “We build systems in order to eradicate or minimise human failings. Part of my job involves breaking down unnecessary brick walls so that business thrives,” he said, promising to follow up with appropriate policy changes and stronger institutional support.
Following his visit to the Mission, Dr. Sengeh went on to attend other scheduled meetings with private capital firms investing across Africa, particularly in projects that protect ecosystems like forests, wetlands and waterways, while delivering sustainable economic growths.
The visit concluded with a vote of thanks from Mr. Mohamed Kapu Lungay, who commended the Chief Minister’s leadership and forward-looking approach to development.
Credit: Abdulai Braima
