By Abdul Martins Foday Amara
Seasoned Representatives from the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) conducted a scoping visit to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MFAIC) to explore avenues for collaboration. Sierra Leone, in a proactive move, is seeking to enhance its climate change initiatives and green energy goals. The visit follows Sierra Leone's formal expression of interest in joining GGGI as a member country, marked by a Letter of Intent signed by President Julius Maada Bio in June 2024.
As planned, the primary objective of the visit is to identify synergies between GGGI's expertise and Sierra Leone's strategic environmental and developmental goals. Speaking at the meeting, Lahai Samba Keita, Director at the Ministry of Environment, introduced the GGGI delegation and reiterated Sierra Leone's unwavering commitment to advancing green energy initiatives and carbon pricing to meet its obligations under the Paris Agreement on Climate Change.
The Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Madam Frances Piagie R. Alghali, thanked GGGI for its support and acknowledged the potential benefits of Sierra Leone's membership in the organization. She recognized the critical role GGGI could play in helping Sierra Leone navigate climate-related negotiations and accelerate its industrialization through sustainable energy solutions.
Leading the GGGI delegation, Africa Director and Head of Programs, Dr. Malle Fofana, outlined GGGI's mission to assist Sierra Leone in meeting its climate goals. He emphasized that the organization is committed to providing capacity building, technical assistance, and support for Sierra Leone's climate diplomacy efforts. Dr Fofana further expressed GGGI's intention to establish an office in Sierra Leone once full membership is achieved, complete with a dedicated team to drive these efforts.
In her remarks, Deputy Minister Alghali highlighted Sierra Leone's eagerness to explore renewable energy options for industrial growth, emphasizing the importance of carbon pricing and green energy. She also mentioned Sierra Leone's involvement in the Africa Internet Technology Initiative (AITI), pointing out that GGGI's expertise could help Sierra Leone work more collaboratively with neighboring countries and international partners.
While the Ministry of Environment will serve as the primary collaborator with GGGI, Deputy Minister Alghali stressed the importance of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation in coordinating international negotiations. The ministry will appoint a focal person to facilitate smooth communication between Sierra Leone and GGGI.
GGGI, an intergovernmental organization headquartered in Seoul, South Korea, specializes in supporting developing countries with environmentally sustainable and socially inclusive economic growth. Its focus includes translating green growth strategies into investment plans, mobilizing financing for low-carbon and climate-resilient development, and building institutional capacity to ensure long-term sustainability. With this partnership on the horizon, Sierra Leone is poised to further its climate goals and make significant strides toward a greener, more sustainable future.
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