Freetown: Sierra Leone and the European Union have renewed their commitment to a long-standing partnership focused on development, trade, democracy, and regional security during this year's Europe Day celebration on the 29th May 2026 in Freetown. Speaking before senior government officials, diplomats, parliamentarians, religious leaders, civil society representatives, and members of the media, the EU Ambassador to Sierra Leone, H.E. Jacek Janknowski, described the relationship as one built on shared values, mutual respect, and a common commitment to peace and progress.
According to Sierra Leone News Agency, the ambassador reflected on the origins of European unity, recalling the 1950 Schuman Declaration, which promoted the idea that former enemies could become lasting partners through cooperation and shared interests. He noted that Sierra Leone's own journey from civil conflict to peace and national dialogue gives the country a deep understanding of that vision. The ambassador highlighted the shared history of struggle, resilience, peacebuilding, and development between Sierra Leone and Europe, emphasizing the strength of a partnership that has endured for five decades.
He pointed out that over 50 years, the European Union has committed about 1.7 billion euros to Sierra Leone's economy, including nearly half a billion euros in direct budget support. He mentioned that the EU remains the only development partner providing grant support directly to Sierra Leone's national budget, enabling the country to pursue its own development priorities. The ambassador emphasized that the EU maintained its support even during Sierra Leone's most difficult periods, including the civil war, post-war reconstruction, successive elections, the Ebola outbreak, and the Covid-19 pandemic.
He stated that the European Union is now seeking to deepen its engagement by supporting infrastructure development, green and digital transformation, and agricultural value chains, with European private sector investment being central to that effort. On the trade front, the ambassador described the EU as a strong business partner for Sierra Leone, expressing the bloc's desire for the country to become a more attractive destination for European investment and a stronger supplier to the European single market. Plans for establishing a European Union Chamber of Commerce in Sierra Leone were also announced to strengthen commercial ties.
Additionally, the ambassador noted that 20 years have passed since the EU launched its development initiative, granting Sierra Leone and other eligible countries duty-free and quota-free access to the European market. He acknowledged concerns about market standards and emphasized that European requirements on quality, safety, and climate responsibility should be viewed as opportunities rather than barriers. The EU is prepared to help Sierra Leone build the capacity needed to meet those standards and improve its global competitiveness.
The occasion featured the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Alhaji Timothy Musa Kabba, as the Guest of Honor. He praised the EU's contribution to the country's national development and democratic progress, commending the bloc and other international partners for supporting democratic institutions, electoral processes, justice sector reforms, and civic participation over the years. The minister highlighted the government's commitment to strengthening political dialogue, institutional reform, national cohesion, and democratic stability, describing democracy as a continuous process that depends on tolerance, accountability, strong institutions, and inclusive governance.
Looking ahead, Minister Kabba expressed Sierra Leone's anticipation of deeper cooperation under the EU's Global Gateway initiative, which offers significant opportunities for investment in sustainable infrastructure, renewable energy, digital transformation, transport, education, healthcare, and private sector development. He reiterated the government's commitment to working closely with the European Union to ensure that the initiative delivers tangible benefits for citizens, especially young people, while promoting transparency, accountability, and local ownership.
He identified renewable energy, sustainable mining, maritime security, climate adaptation, agricultural value chains, digital innovation, and skills development as key areas for future cooperation, emphasizing their importance in building resilience and advancing Sierra Leone's development ambitions. Beyond development and trade, the ceremony also highlighted broader international concerns, including peace and security in West Africa and the Sahel. Sierra Leone stressed the growing threat of terrorism in the region and called for stronger regional cooperation and international partnership to address the challenge.
Minister Kabba concluded by stating that Sierra Leone will continue to engage with the European Union in support of multilateralism, peace, security, and development, while reaffirming shared commitments to democracy, human rights, constitutional governance, and the rule of law. The event ended with a toast to continued friendship, partnership, and shared prosperity between Sierra Leone and the European Union.