Alhaji Timothy Musa Kabba, Chief Minister, Dr David Moinina Sengeh, Chernor Bah, and Dr Austin Demby
On September 30, 2025, the Ministry of Information and Civic Education, led by Minister Chernor Bah, hosted the first-ever U.S. edition of Sierra Leone’s Civic Day Series, a watershed moment in the administration’s efforts to deepen engagement with citizens both at home and abroad.
The event, which was part of a larger program of weekly government press conferences and monthly provincial civic engagements, brought ministers and senior officials to the Sierra Leonean diaspora in the United States to present progress in health, education, infrastructure, justice, technology, and other priority areas.
The Civic Day Series in the United States was designed as both an information briefing and an invitation to collaborate, highlighting President Julius Maada Bio’s stated goal of closing the information gap between government and the people. The event provided an opportunity to highlight policy accomplishments, explain ongoing reforms, and ask the diaspora to contribute to national development.
The keynote address was delivered by Chief Minister Dr David Moinina Sengeh, who thanked Sierra Leoneans living abroad for their long-standing contributions to critical sectors, including health, education, and agriculture. He urged diaspora members to become active problem solvers and partners in addressing the country’s development challenges, rather than passive supporters. Dr Sengeh reaffirmed the government’s commitment to promoting diaspora engagement and leveraging Sierra Leoneans’ skills, networks, and resources overseas.
Finance Minister Sheku Fantamadi Bangura took the opportunity to reassure the diaspora that Sierra Leone’s economy has stabilised following a period of high inflation. He cited a dramatic drop in inflation from 54% in 2023 to 5.8% in August 2025, as well as price drops in key commodities such as rice, fuel, and flour, which he attributed to measures that increased competition in domestic markets. Bangura also noted a stable exchange rate for more than two years and emphasised continued cordial relations with development partners, reporting that programs with the IMF, World Bank, and European Union are on track.
Alhaji Timothy Musa Kabba, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, outlined Sierra Leone’s rising international profile. He cited the country’s leadership roles in organisations such as the United Nations Security Council, the African Union C-10, and ECOWAS. He described a foreign policy based on mutual respect and inclusivity. Kabba also announced plans to increase diplomatic representation both in Sierra Leone and abroad, indicating a desire to strengthen bilateral and multilateral ties.
Attorney General and Minister of Justice Alpha Sesay reported on legal reforms aimed at improving the criminal justice system’s efficiency, including the implementation of a new Criminal Procedure Act to expedite investigations and court proceedings. On constitutional issues of concern to nationals living abroad, Sesay confirmed that diaspora voting rights are being considered as part of ongoing constitutional reform processes, and he clarified that dual citizens are eligible for most public offices, with the presidential position being the only exception.
Dr Austin Demby, the Health Minister, detailed measurable improvements in public health, including a 76% reduction in maternal mortality and a 95% increase in vaccination coverage. He emphasised investments in renewable energy to power health facilities; 330 of the nation’s 1,600 health facilities are now fully solar-powered. Connaught Hospital in Freetown has installed 1.2 megawatts of solar electricity to provide cleaner, more reliable power for clinical services. Dr Demby also announced plans to build new hospitals in Moyamba, Pujehun, Kerene, and Kerry Town, as well as the opening of an ultramodern hospital in Kono in October 2025.
Alhaji Fanday Turay, Minister of Transport and Aviation, highlighted progress in public transportation and urban infrastructure. He cited the success of the Waka Fine bus service, which now transports approximately 35,000 passengers daily, thereby reducing traffic congestion and improving mobility. The transportation portfolio also includes the construction of pedestrian bridges and new bus terminals with 24-hour electricity, the installation of traffic lights at major intersections, and plans to reintroduce a national railway system through a newly proposed National Railway Authority. The minister mentioned that the government is considering a $25 airport security tax.
Minister Salima Monorma Bah of the Ministry of Communications, Technology, and Innovation reported investments in ICT infrastructure totalling more than $200 million. The national fibre backbone has been expanded from eight to fourteen out of sixteen districts, and mobile network capacity has been increased from 798 to 1,405 mobile sites across the country. The launch of Starlink, a 5G open access network, and digital platforms such as PResTract (a system for monitoring pregnant women) and the Wan-Gov application, which consolidates government services such as identity cards, licenses, and passports, were among the new technologies and services mentioned. The minister also announced the establishment of the Felei City Tech and Innovation Zone and the Sierra Leone Innovation Investment Fund, both of which aim to mobilise resources for technology sector growth.
Dr Isata Mahoi, Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs, reviewed legislative and institutional advances for women and children, such as the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment (GEWE) Act, the Child Rights Act, and the Child Marriage Prohibition Act. She highlighted rising female ratios. Mahoi also emphasised services for survivors of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), such as a 116-number toll-free helpline and Rainbow Initiative-supported one-stop care centres, which have helped to increase SGBV reporting.
Ing. Alpha Kallon, Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation, detailed two major projects that aim to transform water access and sanitation. The Freetown WASH and Aquatic Environment Revamping Project, which is currently 65% complete, is expected to benefit over one million people in the capital, while the Sierra Leone Water Security and WASH Access Improvement Project, a $180 million World Bank-funded initiative, aims to provide clean water to five million citizens nationwide.
Throughout the Civic Day event, government officials repeatedly encouraged the diaspora to become more involved in Sierra Leone’s development, whether through direct investment, knowledge transfer, advocacy, or technical assistance. By launching the Civic Day Series in the United States, the Ministry of Information and Civic Education aimed not only to communicate policy successes and ongoing priorities, but also to strengthen ties between the state and its citizens abroad, demonstrating that national development is a collaborative effort.
