Author: gleanernewspaper
By Abu Bakarr Kargbo in Beijing President Xi Jinping of the People’s Republic of China unveiled an ambitious plan to deepen China-Africa cooperation and spearhead Global South modernization over the next three years during the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation summit in Beijing on Thursday. The Chinese government will provide significant financial support through ten partnership actions aimed at fostering mutual learning, trade prosperity, industrial chain cooperation, connectivity, development cooperation, health initiatives, agriculture and livelihood projects, people-to-people exchanges, green development, and common security measures. President Xi Jinping revealed at the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation summit in Beijing on Thursday that in…
In a significant diplomatic gesture, His Excellency Xi Jinping, the President of the People’s Republic of China, has lauded the leadership of Sierra Leone’s President Dr Julius Maada Bio during a bilateral meeting in Beijing. This meeting took place on the eve of the 9th Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), where both leaders discussed the future of their nations’ partnership. President Xi expressed his admiration for President Bio’s contributions to global peace and security, particularly commending his recent successful tenure as the President of the United Nations Security Council. He highlighted the importance of Sierra Leone’s role in international diplomacy…
DERI and DSTI signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore the application of data science and machine learning to predict and mitigate the impacts of climate change on rainfall patterns in Sierra Leone, one of the countries in West Africa. The collaboration aims to develop a more accurate understanding of rainfall patterns and inform effective climate change adaptation strategies. The partnership will involve helping DSTI in its analyses of satellite data to identify trends and patterns in rainfall distribution and intensity. By leveraging advanced data analytics techniques, researchers hope to develop predictive models that can help anticipate extreme weather…
Senior officials from Sierra Leone’s National Communications Authority (NATCA) and the Ministry of Communication, Technology and Innovation recently visited Conakry, Guinea, to engage with their counterparts from Guinea’s Regulatory Authority for Posts and Telecommunications (ARPT) and the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications, and the Digital Economy (MPTEN). The discussions centred on finalizing technical details for a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two nations. The MoU aims to enhance cooperation in critical areas, including fibre optic interconnection, combating cybercrime, and the implementation of a “Free-Roaming” initiative. Guinea’s Secretary General of MPTEN emphasized the importance of this partnership for regional technological growth,…
On 29 August 2024, the Government of Sierra Leone and the European Union signed a landmark Financing Agreement for the “Nature Nourishes” Programme. This agreement represents a significant step forward in the collaborative efforts between the EU and Sierra Leone to promote environmental protection and human development across the nation. In line with the Global Gateway strategy of the EU, “Nature Nourishes” also focuses on providing modern quality education for all children and youths, as well as enhancing teachers’ competencies and skills. “Nature Nourishes” is a EUR 90 million EU-funded programme, focusing on enhancing Sierra Leone’s resilience against internal and…
The Government of Sierra Leone, through the Ministry of Communications, Technology and Innovation, has signed a USD$50 million agreement with China National Technical Import & Export Corporation for the SMART Sierra Leone Project. The signing took place on the margins of the FOCAC Summit in Beijing, marking a significant step forward in Sierra Leone’s digital transformation efforts. During the signing ceremony, His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio highlighted the three main objectives of the SMART Sierra Leone Project: expanding internet connectivity to over 400,000 previously unconnected citizens, establishing national data centres to manage and protect sovereign data, and enhancing security…
Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee in the Parliament of Sierra Leone, who doubles as the Deputy Speaker of Parliament, on Monday 2nd September 2024, accorded the Northern Bureau Chief for the Sierra Leone News Agency (SLENA) and senior correspondent for the Sierra Leone Broadcasting Cooperation (SLBC) – Hassan Bruz, a standing ovation. This is in recognition of his steadfastness in the field of journalism and dedicated service to the People of Sierra Leone, and Port Loko District in particular. The Honorable Deputy Speaker, who is also a veteran Member of Parliament, made the accord at the Port Loko District…
By Abu Bakarr Kargbo in Beijing Top officials of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) highlighted the deepening economic cooperation between China and African countries, underscoring the significant strides made in fostering mutually beneficial partnerships and promoting sustainable development across the continent. Lin Honghong, Deputy Director General of the Department of International Relations of CCPIT, emphasized the longstanding friendship and strategic guidance that has underpinned the fruitful collaboration between China and Africa. According to Lin, the foreign direct investment from China to Africa surged to an impressive $40 billion in 2023, with Chinese companies creating over…
A tribunal set up by President Julius Maada Bio’s administration has released its findings on the suspended Auditor-General, Mrs Lara Taylor-Pearce, and her Deputy, Mr Tamba Momoh. The investigation concluded that both officials engaged in “selective reporting” while auditing. According to the report, Mrs. Taylor-Pearce and Mr. Momoh intentionally halted the Freetown City Council’s auditing process for projects funded by the Sierra Leone government. This decision appeared to be influenced by a desire to protect the Mayor of Freetown City Council’s interests, despite serious concerns the audit team leader raised. By failing to complete the audit, they misrepresented the council’s…
Rakesh Gurbani (Roky) In a distressing revelation, the leadership of Shona Enterprises, located at No. 31, Ecowas Street, Freetown, Sierra Leone, is facing serious allegations of modern-day slavery and the mistreatment of Indian employees. The company’s Directors, Rakesh Gurbani (commonly known as Roky), Vishal Dhanwani, and Shona Carman, have come under scrutiny, as reports surface detailing the harrowing experiences of workers under their management. One particularly alarming incident involved an employee, who, overwhelmed by unbearable working conditions, attempted to escape to India. However, his desperate flight was thwarted when he was apprehended in Kambia. This incident underscores the grim reality…