By: Abdul Kamara

Sierra Leone and the Kingdom of Morocco have strengthened their longstanding diplomatic relationship with the signing of new investment agreements aimed at boosting cooperation in key sectors of Sierra Leone’s economy.

The deal was sealed following a high-level visit by a Moroccan delegation led by Yenja el Khatat, who met with Sierra Leone’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Alhaji Timothy Musa Kabba, in Freetown on October 21, 2025. The visit culminated in the signing of several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) that marked a renewed phase of collaboration between the two nations.

Minister Kabba warmly welcomed the delegation, describing the engagement as a reflection of Sierra Leone’s growing commitment to economic diplomacy. He explained that his ministry continues to prioritize partnerships that promote mutual growth and shared prosperity.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is at the heart of all international engagements. We have shifted our focus from political diplomacy to economic diplomacy, aligning with the global trend where international relations are driven by mutual benefits, shared values, and common interests,” he said.

Head of the Moroccan delegation, Yenja el Khatat, expressed optimism about the strengthened cooperation between the two countries. “We are engaging as friends and potential partners, seeking synergy in various sectors,” he remarked. He described the visit as a meaningful step toward decentralized cooperation, noting that it opens new pathways for local institutions in Sierra Leone to collaborate directly with their Moroccan counterparts.

Before their meeting with Minister Kabba, the Moroccan team held productive discussions with several key institutions, including the National Investment Board, the German Chamber of Commerce, and the Mayor of Kenema. These earlier engagements, according to the delegation, laid the groundwork for deeper cooperation in trade, infrastructure, and investment.

The visit also featured a panel dialogue that focused on youth empowerment, digitization, logistics and infrastructure development, and the rural economy. Particular attention was given to ports and marine resources, with discussions on land logistics tied to the development of a new fishing port and the promotion of tourism as a vital economic driver.

Minister Kabba extended his appreciation to the Moroccan Chargé d’Affaires in Sierra Leone, Akhsas Khalid, for facilitating the visit and supporting the country’s investment agenda. He also thanked the Kingdom of Morocco for its steadfast friendship and its continued backing of Sierra Leone’s development efforts.

In turn, the Moroccan delegation expressed gratitude for Sierra Leone’s unwavering support for the autonomy of the Moroccan Sahara, a stance they described as a testament to the strong diplomatic bond between the two nations.

The visit ended on a hopeful note, with both sides reaffirming their commitment to transforming the new agreements into tangible projects that will create jobs, enhance trade, and strengthen the foundations of economic growth and cooperation between Sierra Leone and Morocco.