Dr. Kandeh Kolleh Yumkella, Chairman of the Presidential Initiative on Climate Change, Renewable Energy & Food Security (PI-CREF), engaged the British High Commissioner in discussions today at the State House, underscoring the importance of collaboration and strategic partnerships in addressing national priorities.
In a significant and productive meeting with the British High Commissioner, HE Lisa Chesney, and her team, Dr. Yumkella explained the mandate of PI-CREF and some of its activities so far. The UK team emphasized the critical need for a unified vision and narrative on Climate Change & Energy Issues.
Discussions delved into the need for policy coherence, energy nexus with women and food security, gender economic empowerment, and the urgent need for clear policy and regulations on climate finance and carbon trading. Additionally, a strategic approach to harnessing the opportunities of the Blue Economy was also discussed. Hon Dr. Yumkella thanked the FCDO for their pioneering support to start a mini-grid sector in the country, and their current technical assistance to the planning unit at the Ministry of Energy.
Later, in a consultative session with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), Dr. Yumkella facilitated discussions on designing and implementing a groundbreaking livestock and livelihood project focusing on scaling up poultry and small ruminant production, as part of Feed Salone.
The IFAD team, led by Country Representative, Madam Pascaline Barankeba, stressed that they aim to bolster agricultural sustainability and rural development in Sierra Leone. The PI-CREF Chairman also participated in a fruitful meeting chaired by Mr Joe Demby, the Presidential Adviser on Economic and Financial Policy, bringing together the Executive Director of the National Investment Board, the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), the Ministries of Water Resources, and Planning and Economic Development (MoPED).
This gathering focused on ensuring coherence in the development of public investment projects, consistency in prioritizing projects, making projects bankable, and strengthening the capacity of the NIB as the repository of the database of investible public investment projects. The day ended with a meeting with Palm Acres, an innovative agribusiness venture spearheaded by young female entrepreneurs. The young businesswomen presented their concept for processing and packaging palm oil, the value proposition for niche marketing the product, and they indicated the significant personal monetary investment they have already made. Hon Dr Yumkella encouraged them to pursue their dreams and serve as an inspiration to other well-educated youths to engage in agribusiness. He hoped that they could be integrated into the Feed Salone agricultural value chain enhancement program.
