Iowa, United States, October 31, 2024 – President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone engaged with business executives, innovators, agricultural entrepreneurs, and international organizations during the 2024 Norman E. Borlaug International Dialogue hosted by the World Food Prize Foundation. The event, themed “Bold Measures to Feed Africa,” focused on sustainable solutions to address food security across the continent.
The session, led by African Development Bank Group President Dr. Akinwumi A. Adesina, provided President Bio with an opportunity to highlight the progress made through Sierra Leone’s Feed Salone Agenda. He discussed various investment prospects within the nation, inviting investors to support Sierra Leone’s journey toward agricultural sustainability and economic growth.
President Bio explained the vision driving the Feed Salone initiative, emphasizing its dedication to combating food insecurity, generating jobs for young people, and boosting the country’s economy. Acknowledging the pressing challenges of climate change, he underscored the need for climate-resilient farming practices to build a sustainable agricultural sector.
He assured the audience of his government’s commitment to creating a supportive environment for private sector investment in agriculture. “I am here to share Sierra Leone’s story and to invite reputable partners to join us,” he remarked, emphasizing the country’s readiness for collaborative growth.
Additionally, President Bio reaffirmed his commitment to uplifting women and youth, providing them with accessible financing, incentives, and policies to encourage their participation in agriculture. He highlighted the vital link between agriculture and education, central to his human capital development vision.
In closing, President Bio expressed his desire to be recognized as a “human capitalist” President who prioritized investing in his people.
Following his presentation, he joined President Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania and Dr. Adesina for a press conference, where they collectively highlighted the critical role of policy, technology, and political determination in securing Africa’s agricultural future.
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