By Amara Kargbo

Representatives from the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) have conducted a scoping visit to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MFAIC) to explore avenues for collaboration.

Sierra Leone is moving proactively to enhance its climate change initiatives and green energy goals. This visit follows Sierra Leone’s formal expression of interest in joining GGGI as a member country, marked by a Letter of Intent signed by President Julius Maada Bio in June 2024.

The primary objective of the visit was to identify synergies between GGGI’s expertise and Sierra Leone’s strategic environmental and developmental goals. Speaking at the meeting, Lahai Samba Keita, Director at the Ministry of Environment, introduced the GGGI delegation and reiterated Sierra Leone’s unwavering commitment to advancing “green energy initiatives” and carbon pricing to meet its obligations under the Paris Agreement on Climate Change (PACC).

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Madam Frances Piagie R. Alghali, thanked GGGI for its support and acknowledged the potential benefits of Sierra Leone’s membership in the organisation.

She recognized the critical role GGGI could play in helping Sierra Leone to navigate on climate-related negotiations and accelerate its industrialization through sustainable energy solutions.

Leading the GGGI delegation, Africa Director and Head of Programmes, Dr. Malle Fofana, outlined GGGI’s mission to assist Sierra Leone in meeting its climate goals.

He emphasised that the organisation is committed to providing capacity building, technical assistance, and support for Sierra Leone’s climate diplomacy efforts.

Dr Fofana further expressed GGGI’s intention to establish an office in Sierra Leone once a full membership is achieved with a dedicated team to drive these efforts.

In her remarks, Deputy Minister Alghali highlighted Sierra Leone’s eagerness to explore renewable energy options for industrial growth, emphasising the importance of carbon pricing and green energy. She also mentioned Sierra Leone’s involvement in the Africa Internet Technology Initiative (AITI), pointing out that GGGI’s expertise could help Sierra Leone work more collaboratively with her neighbouring countries and international partners.

While the Ministry of Environment will serve as the primary collaborator with GGGI, on this, the Deputy Minister Alghali stressed the importance of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation in coordinating international negotiations. “The ministry will appoint a focal person to facilitate smooth communication between Sierra Leone and GGGI,” he said.

GGGI, an intergovernmental organization is headquartered in Seoul, South Korea, and it specializes in supporting developing countries by ensuring an environmentally sustainable, social and inclusive economic growth.

Its focus includes translating green growth strategies into investment plans, thus mobilizing financing for low-carbon and climate-resilient development while building institutional capacity to ensure long-term sustainability.

With this partnership on the horizon, Sierra Leone is poised to further its climate goals and make significant strides toward promoting a greener, more sustainable future.