By: Hajaratu S. Bangura
Freetown, Sierra Leone – Today, the Minister of Information and Civic Education, Hon. Chernor Bah, met with China’s Ambassador to Sierra Leone, Wang Qing, at the Ministry’s office. The key topic of discussion was the landmark $5 million Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with China’s Diming Yimo Printing Company, set to modernize the Government Printing Press. This agreement aims to transform the press into a digitally-driven, revenue-generating hub for national and regional printing services.
Minister Bah expressed profound gratitude for China’s enduring friendship and partnership. He highlighted how this joint venture, kick-starting with an initial $2 million investment, will revolutionize Sierra Leone’s printing sector. The project is slated to commence within the next three months, with equipment procurement from China and oversight by Chinese experts. A collaboratively developed business plan will soon be presented to Cabinet for final approval. The Minister also shared plans for establishing a printing training institute and confirmed an upcoming delegation trip to China in October for further knowledge exchange.
Ambassador Wang congratulated Sierra Leone on the partnership, underscoring its potential for digital innovation and resource mobilization. He urged accurate media reporting on China-Sierra Leone collaborations and affirmed the embassy’s commitment to supporting the initiative. The Ambassador also signaled interest in expanding bilateral exchanges, including training opportunities for journalists in China.
The productive meeting concluded with a formal presentation of a copy of the signed MoU agreement, witnessed by key Ministry officials. Both sides conveyed optimism about deepening ties and exploring further private sector collaboration to bolster Sierra Leone’s economic growth.
