Former Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn Visits Sierra Leone to Strengthen Agricultural Sector
Former Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn, now Board Chair of the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), visited Sierra Leone to discuss agricultural development and food security with top government officials. His visit is part of President Julius Maada Bio’s efforts to transform the country’s agricultural sector.
Desalegn met with Dr. Henry Musa Kpaka, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, and Alpha Ibrahim Sesay, Minister of Trade and Industry, to explore ways to enhance food production and integrate agriculture with trade. Minister Kpaka acknowledged AGRA’s ongoing support in improving Sierra Leone’s seed system but noted that the country is not yet a priority for the organization. He expressed hope that Desalegn’s visit would strengthen AGRA’s engagement with Sierra Leone.
During a press conference, Desalegn praised President Bio’s leadership and outlined key steps for agricultural transformation, stressing the need for policy execution, private sector partnerships, and small-scale farmer support. He emphasized that achieving food security requires sustained investment and resilience.
Touring President Bio’s farm, Desalegn commended women’s cooperatives for their contributions to agriculture and warned of climate-related risks, including deforestation and environmental degradation. He urged the government to focus on water conservation and sustainable farming.
Minister Sesay highlighted Sierra Leone’s commitment to integrating agriculture with trade, noting the country’s participation in the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA). He revealed that Sierra Leone is increasing exports of cassava and palm oil and is working to establish factories in partnership with private companies. He also noted that reduced checkpoints have lowered trade costs and improved efficiency.
Desalegn concluded by encouraging Sierra Leone to prioritize regional and global competitiveness in agriculture rather than competing with neighboring countries. He called for a national dialogue on trade-friendly agricultural investments and urged collaboration with ECOWAS and the African Union to achieve long-term economic goals.
