By Josephine Sesay

Financial Secretary, Mr Mathew Dingie

Financial Secretary Matthew Dingie has said presidential overseas trips play an important role in attracting foreign investment and opening up economic opportunities for Sierra Leone.

Speaking on AYV’s State of the Nation programme, Dingie maintained that the value of presidential travels should be measured by the economic benefits and opportunities they bring to the country.

“From a finance perspective, whenever the President travels, we look at the benefits that come with those trips. He goes there to unlock opportunities and position our country to attract investors,” he stated.

According to Dingie, presidential engagements abroad are aimed at creating opportunities for Sierra Leone to connect with potential investors and strengthen its position as an attractive destination for international business.

His explanation reflects the government’s emphasis on international engagements as a strategy for promoting economic growth, encouraging investment and supporting national development.

However, beyond the diplomatic engagements and investment discussions, the real impact of such trips will ultimately depend on the results they produce.

For ordinary Sierra Leoneans, the expectation is that these engagements will translate into practical economic benefits, including employment opportunities, business expansion, improved infrastructure and increased investment across key sectors.

The public interest therefore remains focused on the commitments secured during these visits, the investments realised and the extent to which the opportunities identified contribute to improving the country’s economy.

As the government continues to promote Sierra Leone internationally, transparency and accountability in reporting the outcomes of presidential trips will remain essential in demonstrating their value to taxpayers.

Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Monday, 2nd November 2026 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)