Kish Island, Iran: Sierra Leone is making a determined push to attract Iranian investment, focusing on its vast agricultural potential as a key driver for economic growth and food security. At the inaugural Iran-Africa Investment and Trade Summit, Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to Iran, His Excellency Salamu Koroma, issued a compelling call to action, urging Iranian businesses to explore the opportunities that lie within his nation’s fertile lands.
Ambassador Koroma, addressing a gathering of African diplomats and Iranian investors, emphasized the urgent need for mechanization, infrastructure development, and technology transfer within Sierra Leone’s agricultural sector. He painted a picture of a nation blessed with abundant resources, yet hampered by outdated farming practices and limited processing capabilities.
“Iran has the potential to support Africa’s economic rise,” the ambassador stated, underlining the desire for a partnership built on mutual respect and shared prosperity. He further stressed that “Africa recognizes Iran as a reliable and trustworthy business partner,” advocating for a strengthened Iranian presence on the continent.
A key focus of Ambassador Koroma’s presentation was the disparity between Sierra Leone’s agricultural potential and its current productivity. While 70% of the population relies on agriculture, contributing significantly to the GDP, the dominance of smallholder farmers and the lack of modern equipment pose significant challenges. “Sierra Leone has an abundance of fertile land that remains underutilized,” he explained, highlighting the need for investment in mechanization and food processing to enhance competitiveness. 1
The summit provided a platform for direct engagement between African diplomats and Iranian investors. Ambassador Koroma seized this opportunity to hold one-on-one discussions with key Iranian business figures, generating palpable interest in the Sierra Leonean market.
Organized by Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the summit aimed to forge stronger economic ties between Iran and African nations. Discussions spanned various sectors, including energy, mining, and technology, reflecting Iran’s ambition to expand its economic footprint across the African continent. This proactive approach by Sierra Leone, in seeking to bolster its agricultural sector, highlights its determination to leverage international partnerships to achieve its economic objectives.
