Africa-Press – Sierra-Leone. The Chief Minister of Sierra Leone, Dr. David Moinina Sengeh, expressed strong support for Africa’s inclusion in global decision-making during the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9), held from August 20 to 22, 2025.
With the theme “Co-create innovative solutions with Africa,” the conference focused on critical areas including Economy, Society, and Peace and Stability.
Sengeh highlighted a unified global advocacy for Africa’s representation in multilateral institutions, particularly the United Nations Security Council.
He stated, “The UN Secretary General and several leaders made this case loudly,” emphasizing the need for action to secure Africa’s voice as a permanent member of the Security Council.
He argued, “Until we make these multilateral institutions, including the IMF and World Bank, more radically inclusive, we will keep moving further away from a more just society.”
Addressing the challenges of the current global financial system, Sengeh noted that it often places poorer countries in precarious fiscal situations. He remarked, “African nations want to invest in infrastructure and social services, but the financial terms do not reflect our realities.”
He called for greater focus on domestic revenue mobilization, debt restructuring, and new financial services to support large-scale infrastructure projects essential for sustainable development.
He praised the commitment of African leaders to initiatives such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the African Credit Rating Agency (AfCRA).
Sengeh also underscored the importance of Africa’s youth, who represent nearly 70% of the continent’s population. He described them as “the coders without devices, the farmers without tractors, and the researchers without the labs.”
He expressed hope for their potential, stating, “The function of government and partners must be to support them so they can unlock their full potential.”
Sengeh further highlighted the evolving role of the private sector in fostering development. He advocated for innovative financing models that utilize grants to reduce risks for private investors.
“Countries like South Africa and Sierra Leone held Trade and Investment Forums in Japan, which will attract more investors to our continent,” he noted.
He introduced the concept of “conscientious concessions,” where private sector profits align with environmental protection and government interests.
In closing, Sengeh acknowledged the importance of TICAD and similar conferences in fostering collaboration among nations. “Our citizens must demand results from these engagements, and it is our responsibility as leaders to bring them along on our journey of transformation in Africa,” he concluded.
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