The Parliament of Sierra Leone on Thursday, April 24, 2025, unanimously ratified a Cooperation Agreement and a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Government of Sierra Leone and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, aimed at fostering mutual development and strengthening bilateral ties.
Presenting the documents to the House, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Francess P. Alghali, explained that the agreements, signed earlier in Saudi Arabia, are intended to enhance collaboration across several key sectors, including investment, health, agriculture, and economic growth.
She highlighted the broad scope of the cooperation agreement, noting that it lays the foundation for meaningful engagement in multiple areas, with a strong emphasis on boosting trade and human capital development, particularly in technology and other strategic sectors.
The Deputy Minister emphasized that the MoU on political consultations will serve as a framework for continued diplomatic engagement and policy dialogue between the two nations, underscoring its importance in promoting national interests.
Contributing to the debate, Acting Leader of the Opposition, Honourable Daniel Brima Koroma, expressed strong support for the agreements, describing them as non-controversial and clearly beneficial to both countries. He urged the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to deepen its diplomatic outreach and secure more partnerships with Saudi Arabia.
However, he raised a concern over the tendency to award local contracts to foreign firms, stressing the need to prioritize Sierra Leonean workers and businesses. Referring to Article 8 of the agreement, he called for diligent monitoring of the implementation process to ensure its effectiveness and accountability.
Speaking on behalf of the government, the Leader of Government Business, Honourable Mathew Sahr Nyuma, pointed to Article 7 of the agreement, which highlights the importance of mutual consent in investment decisions. He underscored the critical need for full implementation, noting that follow-through has historically been a weak point in such agreements.
Honourable Nyuma reiterated the potential of the deal to spur advancements in technology and digital infrastructure, and stressed the importance of private sector involvement in achieving the intended outcomes.
In response to the concerns raised by lawmakers, the Deputy Minister assured Parliament that the implementation of both the agreement and the MoU will be closely monitored to ensure they deliver tangible benefits for Sierra Leone.
