Special Envoy For Tarde Deepens Investment Relations With U.S Ambassador

By Ambassador James Baimba
Mr. Alpha Lavalie meets with U.S. Ambassador Bryan D. Hunt at the U.S. Embassy today, October 22, 2024. Some Staff of the US Embassy attended the highly engaging meeting. The purpose of the meeting was to talk about possible ways to promote and strengthen investment and trade between the two friendly countries.
Mr. Lavalie opened the meeting by thanking the U.S. government and its people for their ongoing support to Sierra Leone, particularly in the energy sector. He emphasized the strong bilateral relationship and highlighted Sierra Leone’s urgent need for increased U.S. investment in key areas such as agriculture, mining, fisheries, and trade.
One of the significant points of discussion was the potential for U.S. intervention in supporting Sierra Leone’s export capabilities, particularly in the fisheries sector. Ambassador Hunt mentioned that the U.S. could assist Sierra Leone in exporting its fisheries products and help facilitate the importation of vital equipment, such as trains and bridge components, to boost the country’s infrastructure. He also revealed that discussions have already taken place with Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Agriculture to implement a knowledge exchange program, which will involve U.S. farmers visiting Sierra Leone to share expertise and foster agricultural development.
Ambassador Hunt acknowledged some challenges facing potential investors in Sierra Leone, particularly concerns about the country’s limited workforce. In respond, Mr. Lavalie highlighted Sierra Leone’s strategic position as a hub for trade and investment across West Africa, offering access to neighboring countries and broader markets.
In the course of the meeting, Ambassador Hunt also mentioned the potential role of Prosper Africa, a U.S. Government initiative aimed at connecting U.S. and African businesses with new buyers, suppliers, and investment opportunities. He stressed that this program could significantly enhance trade relations and open up new investment opportunities between the two nations.
Miss Chloe Combes, Counselor for Economic and Commercial Affairs at the U.S. Embassy, expressed her optimism about the discussions, reaffirming her willingness to work closely with Mr. Lavalie’s office to bring U.S. investors into Sierra Leone. She noted that the U.S. Embassy remains committed to exploring every opportunity to strengthen economic cooperation.
Mr. Lavalie concluded the meeting by reiterating the importance of trade between the two countries and encouraging more U.S. investors to seize the opportunities available in Sierra Leone’s emerging sectors. He affirmed that continued collaboration would drive mutual benefits for both nations and unlock Sierra Leone’s full economic potential.