AYV News, June 10, 2026
Sierra Leone’s Chief Minister, Dr. David MoininaSengeh, has intensified calls for Sierra Leoneans living abroad to return home, invest, and collaborate with the government in advancing the country’s development agenda and achieving middle-income status.
Speaking during a series of international diaspora engagements in the United Kingdom and the United States, Dr. Sengeh emphasised the critical role of the diaspora in supporting national development through financial investments, skills transfer, and human capital development.
He noted that the government’s ambitious development priorities, popularly known as the “Big Five” Agenda, require strong partnerships with Sierra Leoneans across the globe.
According to the Chief Minister, the diaspora possesses invaluable expertise, resources, and networks that can significantly contribute to transforming key sectors of the economy.
He highlighted healthcare, agriculture, and education as strategic areas where diaspora-led investments and professional contributions can drive sustainable growth and improve the quality of life for citizens.
Dr. Sengeh also underscored the importance of strengthening communication and engagement between the government and Sierra Leoneans living abroad.
Through the Civic Day Series, an initiative spearheaded by the Office of the Chief Minister in partnership with the Ministry of Information and Civic Education, the government has been creating platforms for dialogue, accountability, and collaboration with diaspora communities.
The initiative aims to bridge the gap between government institutions and citizens abroad, ensuring that Sierra Leoneans in the diaspora remain informed and actively involved in national development efforts.
To further encourage diaspora participation, the government is pursuing institutional mechanisms such as the proposed Diaspora Investment Desk, which is intended to simplify investment processes, provide guidance to potential investors, and maximize the impact of diaspora-funded projects across the country.
The Chief Minister reiterated that achieving Sierra Leone’s long-term development aspirations will require collective action from citizens at home and abroad, urging members of the diaspora to view themselves as key partners in building a prosperous and resilient nation.
Observers believe that increased diaspora engagement could play a crucial role in accelerating economic growth, attracting investment, and fostering innovation in Sierra Leone’s development journey.
