Freetown/Washington, D.C., March 11, 2026— Julius Maada Bio, President of the Republic of Sierra Leone and current Chairman of the Authority of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Heads of State and Government, has been appointed a Champion for Sustainable Education Financing by the Global Partnership for Education (GPE).
The announcement positions President Bio among global leaders advocating for stronger and more sustainable investments in education, at a time when the world is grappling with rapid technological change, economic uncertainty, and climate challenges.
According to GPE, more than 270 million children and young people worldwide remain out of school, while many others are unable to gain the foundational skills required for future opportunities.
In his new role, President Bio will work with international leaders, youth advocates, and development partners to help mobilize political commitment and financial resources aimed at expanding access to quality education.
The initiative will focus on encouraging governments and global partners to increase education financing and strengthen collaboration to ensure that children everywhere have access to learning opportunities.
Sierra Leone has gained international attention for its education reforms under President Bio’s administration, particularly through the Free Quality School Education programme launched in 2018. The initiative has significantly expanded access to schooling, with enrollment rising by nearly 50 percent and about one million additional pupils entering the education system.
The programme has also supported the provision of free school meals for more than 800,000 learners across the country, distributed teaching and learning materials to thousands of schools, and helped close the gender gap in primary school completion.
Authorities say the reforms have also contributed to a more than 30 percent reduction in teenage pregnancy.
Despite economic pressures, the government has continued to prioritize education spending. More than 20 percent of the national budget is currently allocated to the sector, reflecting the administration’s focus on human capital development as a key driver of national growth. Sierra Leone also records the highest primary school completion rate for girls among countries in its income category in West Africa.
The country’s education agenda has received international recognition, including when President Bio co-chaired the United Nations Transforming Education Summit in 2022 alongside António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations.
Through the new role, President Bio will also support GPE’s Multiply Possibility campaign, which seeks to raise $5 billion in donor funding and unlock an additional $10 billion in co-financing. The initiative aims to assist more than 90 countries in strengthening education systems and improving learning outcomes for nearly 750 million children.
Speaking on the appointment, President Bio said he was honored to serve as a global champion for education financing, emphasizing that investment in education remains essential for building stronger societies and unlocking opportunities for future generations.
