During the International Development Association IDA21 for African Heads of State Summit in Nairobi on April 29, 2024, Sierra Leone’s President, Dr Julius Maada Bio delivered a speech emphasising the necessity of addressing Africa’s substantial infrastructure deficit to unlock the potential for transformation, particularly in the fields of energy and technological innovation.
President Bio expressed confidence that increased funding from IDA would help Africa achieve its objective of becoming a climate-resilient continent.
He underscored the vital role of infrastructure in promoting economic growth and sustainable development in Africa, noting its capacity to facilitate trade, reduce business expenses, and enhance competitiveness on a global scale.
President Bio also outlined Sierra Leone’s dedication to people-centred development through initiatives like the country’s Mid-Term National Development Plan and his five key priorities: Feed Salone; Human Capital Development; Youth Employment; Revamping Public Services; and Tech and Infrastructure.
He called for more concessional resources from IDA21, including measurable debt financing to enable quantifiable repayment, aligning with Africa’s development aims.
