Tuesday 8th April 2025
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
By: Zacharia Jalloh, Strategic Communications Unit, Ministry of Information and Civic Education
The Ministry of Information and Civic Education held its weekly press briefing on Tuesday, 8th April 2025, highlighting major developments across the governance and extractive sectors of Sierra Leone. The following are the Key highlights:
President Bio Committed to Rule of Law and Constitutional Order
The Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah, reaffirmed President Dr. Julius Maada Bio’s unwavering commitment to upholding the rule of law and respecting the constitutional order of Sierra Leone. He categorically stated that the President has no intention of seeking a third term or extending the presidential term limits.
Minister Bah explained that the ongoing constitutional review process is aimed at strengthening democracy and the rule of law. The review seeks to modernize the 1991 Constitution by addressing contemporary governance issues to better serve the needs of Sierra Leoneans.
In a related civic development, Minister Bah announced that beginning this year, the Ministry of Information and Civic Education, in partnership with other Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), will commemorate Independence Day with an annual National Symposium. The event is designed to bring together stakeholders to discuss Sierra Leone’s history and cultural heritage and to promote civic responsibility and a renewed sense of nationalism.
This year’s symposium will take place on 28th April 2025 at Fourah Bay College (FBC), an institution deeply rooted in the country’s intellectual and cultural identity.
First Lady Fatima Bio Takes Over Leadership of OAFLAD
On international developments, Minister Bah announced that Her Excellency Dr. Fatima Maada Bio, the First Lady of Sierra Leone, was officially inaugurated as the President of the Organization of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD) in Ethiopia on 8th April 2025.
In her acceptance speech, the First Lady pledged to champion the welfare of women and girls across Africa and Sierra Leone. She is committed to implementing innovative and transformative initiatives that will help OAFLAD achieve its mission of promoting inclusive development across the continent.
Sierra Leone to Chair African Diamonds Producers Association (ADPA)
Speaking on the ongoing Mining Week, Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources Julius Mattai revealed that Sierra Leone will assume the leadership of the African Diamonds Producers Association (ADPA) for a two-year term. This announcement came ahead of the 10th Ordinary Meeting of the ADPA Council of Ministers, scheduled to be held during Mining Week.
The Mining Week, which runs from 8th to 12th April 2025 at the Bintumani Conference Center, features exhibition booths, panel discussions, and cultural performances, showcasing the vibrant potential of the country’s mining sector.
Update on Mining Revenues and Exports
Minister Mattai outlined the structure of mining revenues in Sierra Leone. He explained that Tax revenues, including corporate income tax, withholding tax, GST, and customs/excise duties, are handled by the Ministry of Finance and the National Revenue Authority (NRA), while Non-tax revenues, such as royalties and license fees, are managed by the Ministry of Mines.
He reported that non-tax revenues for 2024 amounted to approximately $50 million, while tax revenues generated from the sector were between $8–9 million.
In terms of exports:
2023 recorded a total mineral export value of $1.6 billion.
2024 saw a slight drop to $1.2 billion, largely due to Sierra Rutile halting operations.
Breakdown of 2024 export contributions:
Iron Ore: 70% of total exports, worth $785 million, mainly from Kingho Mining Company and Marampa Mines.
Diamonds: 12%, with $102 million in export value—$82 million from Koidu Holdings and $20 million from artisanal miners.
Gold: $11 million, with $10 million from artisanal mines and $1 million from large-scale mining.
A significant development is the licensing of FG Gold, a large-scale gold mining company projected to generate over $300 million annually, a substantial increase from the current $1 million in large-scale gold exports.
Minister Bah clarified that while export values are high, these figures represent private investment, not direct government income. However, the government earns through taxes and royalties derived from these exports.
Challenges and Public Role in Mining Sector Promotion
Ibrahim Sorie Kamara, representing MEYA Mining and the Chamber of Mines, addressed the volatility of global commodity markets, noting a decline in diamond prices and a rise in iron ore value. He pointed to uncertainties caused by U.S. tariffs, which continue to affect investor confidence.
Mr. Kamara emphasized that, despite external challenges, Sierra Leoneans have a role to play by promoting positive stories about the country online to improve its image and attract potential investors.
ADPA’s Vision for Sustainable Development
Mrs. Ellah Muchemwa, Executive Director of the African Diamonds Producers Association (ADPA), is currently in Sierra Leone to participate in Mining Week. She provided insight into the history and purpose of the association, established in Rwanda in 2006 to promote cooperation, coordination, and sustainable development among diamond-producing countries.
Mrs Muchemwa stressed the need for community-focused benefits from diamond mining and commended Sierra Leone’s leadership in hosting the 10th Ordinary Meeting of the ADPA Council of Ministers during the Mining Week festivities.
