THE INCREASED U.S. – SIERRA LEONE BILATERAL ENGAGEMENT

BY UYOJO JEREMIAH

 

The Republic of Sierra Leone established a full diplomatic office in Miami in July 2019 to advance strategic collaboration with Miami Dade County, the state of Florida, as well as the neighboring markets of Latin America and the Caribbean. Thus, the primary responsibility of the Consulate General of the Republic of Sierra Leone in Miami is to protect the interests of Sierra Leoneans in South Florida, promote business opportunities, facilitate investment flow from the United States into Sierra Leone while providing support to Americans who would like to do business in the West African country.

The Sierra Leonean community has been growing steadily in Florida. Currently, it has about 11,000 citizens residing in the state. The largest population of Sierra Leoneans are in the Orlando, Tampa and Jacksonville areas while many also live in South Florida.

As part of the overall strategy to strengthen bilateral relations between the United States and Sierra Leone, the country has proactively stepped up its visibility and public engagement in the United States under the leadership of President Julius Maada Bio, who recently delivered the 3rd Annual Distinguished Lecture in African Studies at Perry World House at the University of Pennsylvania. At the well-attended event by members of the academia and the public, the President shared the Sierra Leone experience in describing how progressive politics and inclusive development in Africa can help the continent to navigate the future.

Also, Dr. Fatima Maada Bio, the First Lady of Sierra Leone has played a prominent role in representing the country at high profile events in U.S. institutions. She recently visited the “Teachers College” in Columbia University, and she was featured as a distinguished guest speaker at the Harvard Center for African Studies during the 2024 International Women’s Day celebration. While this approach takes the nation closer to building stronger bonds with the United States in general, the country’s diplomatic presence in Miami has a specific mandate – to forge commercial ties with Miami Dade County.

“To increase collaboration with Miami Dade County, we are working on establishing sister city relationship between Miami and Freetown, as well as signing a sister seaport agreement between PortMiami and Port of Freetown,” says George Hamilton, Consul General of the Consulate of Sierra Leone in Miami.

Sierra Leone is rich in natural resources such as diamond, gold, bauxite, aluminum and rutile (Titanium dioxide). It is known as the hidden pearl in West Africa with white-sand beaches, lush rainforests and unique heritage. The capital city of Sierra Leone, Freetown, has one of the world’s largest natural harbors, and these are some of the assets that set Sierra Leone apart from other investment and travel destinations in West Africa.