By Musa Aiahson Koroma
Dr Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, Vice President of the Republic of Sierra Leone, on Thursday evening addressed Sierra Leoneans in London on the government’s reform achievements. The event took place at Westminster as part of the Civic Day Series organized by the Ministry of Information and Civic Education. It was the first edition of the programme in the United Kingdom and drew a packed hall of diaspora members eager to hear about progress at home.
The Vice President outlined reforms carried out over the past eight years in energy, trade, healthcare, and governance. He explained that Sierra Leone had secured the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Compact, a $480 million grant, after President Bio tasked him with leading the effort. “Today we’ve won it, and that money will be invested heavily in strengthening our energy sector,” he said. He added that Nant Power, an American company, is building a major facility expected to ease the electricity burden by 2027.
Energy projects are already reshaping the sector. President Bio recently commissioned a 40MW solar farm in Newton, while other investments have expanded electricity access nationwide from 17 percent to 36 percent. Dr Jalloh said these steps are laying the foundation for reliable power supply across Sierra Leone.
On trade, he pointed to reforms through the National Investment Board, which now protects and supports investors. He reported that more than $800 million has been invested in manufacturing alone. “We are opening up the manufacturing sector, creating jobs every day, and generating revenue for government,” he told the audience.
Dr Jalloh praised President Bio’s leadership, noting that Sierra Leone has maintained stability in prices and the availability of essential goods despite global challenges. He stressed that the government’s vision has helped the economy remain steady at a time when many countries are facing inflation and shortages.
The Vice President also responded to questions on healthcare, the economy, and land reforms. He explained that healthcare reforms are improving access and delivery, while land reforms are being designed to protect ownership rights and encourage investment in agriculture. He urged Sierra Leoneans abroad to return, engage, and invest in the country, saying their skills and resources are vital for national growth.
Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah, said the Civic Day Series is intended to strengthen ties between Sierra Leone and its diaspora communities. He confirmed that London was the first edition in the UK and promised more engagements across the world.
The London town hall was not only a presentation but also a dialogue. Dr Jalloh’s message was clear: Sierra Leone is reforming, investing, and opening opportunities, and the government wants its citizens abroad to be part of the transformation.
Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Monday, 22nd June 2026 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)
