Following a high-level meeting earlier in the day with the Commonwealth Secretary-General, Sierra Leone’s Vice President, Hon. Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, continued his diplomatic engagements in London, this evening, with an official visit to the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), where he met with the UK Minister for Africa, Lord Collins of Highbury.
The discussions focused on strengthening the enduring partnership between Sierra Leone and the United Kingdom, with particular focus on diplomacy, immigration, trade, and sustainable development. The Vice President was accompanied by officials from the Sierra Leone High Commission in the UK.
Lord Collins welcomed the Vice President and his delegation, commending Sierra Leone’s regional leadership and commitment to democratic governance. “We deeply value Sierra Leone as a key partner in West Africa and across the Commonwealth,” he noted. “This is a moment for us to explore new areas of collaboration.”
Vice President Jalloh expressed appreciation for the UK’s longstanding support, particularly through the FCDO and British International Investment (BII). He briefed Lord Collins on recent progress under His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio’s “Five Game Changers” agenda—focusing on human capital development, food security, youth employment, technology, and infrastructure.
“The UK has been an important partner in Sierra Leone’s development journey,” said Vice President Jalloh. “We believe the time is right to expand our collaboration—particularly in areas like investment, justice sector reform, and capacity building.”
On immigration, the Vice President offered insights into the socio-economic drivers of migration and proposed constructive, joint approaches. “We must work together to address not just the symptoms, but the root causes of irregular migration,” he emphasized.
Trade and investment also featured prominently in the dialogue. The Vice President cited his recent engagement with the CEO of BII, noting ongoing discussions about expanding UK private sector investment in Sierra Leone’s energy, infrastructure, and finance domains.
He also reaffirmed Sierra Leone’s interest in attracting responsible and impactful UK investors. “There is enormous potential for UK companies in Sierra Leone’s emerging markets,” Dr. Jalloh stated. “We welcome partners willing to invest in long-term, inclusive growth.”
The Vice President was accompanied by H.E. Dr. Morie Komba Manyeh, Sierra Leone’s High Commissioner to the UK; Mrs. Yvonne King Odigboh, Deputy High Commissioner; and Second Secretaries Mr. Mohamed Kapu Lungay and Ms. Mbalia Sankoh.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to deepen bilateral cooperation, particularly in trade, governance, security, and education—affirming the historical and forward-looking partnership between Sierra Leone and the United Kingdom.
Abdulai Braima
Information Attaché
SLHC- London
