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19/07/2022

The Digital Age And Democracy In Sierra Leone

By: Issa Francis Kamara, Esq

The right to freely and openly criticize the government is a keystone to holding the government accountable to the people. Free speech is also central in formulating creative solutions to national problems. However, the astonishing rise and ubiquity of the internet and social media in Sierra Leone has created extraordinary opportunities and unprecedented challenges. It has led to an increase in the volume and velocity of information sharing. Sierra Leoneans at home and abroad now have greater access to information about the country's political situation, which has led to wide-open, lively, and robust debates. Unfortunately, extremist groups and individuals have ominously coopted social media networks and are slowly using them to make their way into mainstream politics, hijacking and distorting the debate. Although this problem is not unique to Sierra Leone—as mature democracies face similar issues—it is magnified in fledgling democracies with high illiteracy like Sierra Leone.
Likeminded individuals have created political WhatsApp forums where they amplify a one-sided political narrative. Such echo chambers have given rise to political extremism and tribal hatred. Naturally, beliefs become increasingly extreme when people with similar ideas discuss them. They accept fanciful and outrageous views as reasonable. Politically, their thoughts become hardened, coarse, and incorrigible. However, the proliferation of audio and Facebook and Twitter posts have compounded the problem. These social media forums incredulously use these audios and posts as fodder to prop up their extreme views. Although some of these commentaries meaningfully contribute to the national dialogue, others are mere political hit jobs—by either a paid hitman or a lone ranger—who spread widely concocted canards.
Therefore, a discussion between two people from a different political party is like watching two ships sailing past each other in the middle of the night. Sometimes they argue about a fact from an alternate universe and end up talking past each other and not talking to each other. It is because they inhabit two different worlds—green and red echo chambers—and they assume, without trying to understand, that they already know the truth. The discussion also manifests a disconnect between facts (what is) and value (what ought to be). Dogmatism usually devolves into political drivel.
Some of these audios and posts have darted into areas of unprotected speech: incitement, hate speech, defamation, fighting words, and fraudulent misrepresentation. However, not every inflammatory and violent speech should be illegal. History has taught us that suppression of dissenting views--even outrageous and offensive ones--can only drive them underground, where they are usually more dangerous and subversive. Indeed, a free society should tolerate divisive or hateful speech, as long as they do not lead to an immediate breach of the peace. Because the free speech laws in Sierra Leone might not be well-developed, the police have sometimes acted shockingly in legally dubious ways.
As the elections draw near, this over-heated rhetoric on social media will ramp up. Therefore, political parties should repudiate hate speech and incitement done in the name of their party. Failing to do so might be interpreted by their supporters—wrongly or rightly—as a silent acquiescence to such views. Ordinary citizen should use their freedom to speak responsibly and fact-check the information they receive. The professional media should expose these lies and not fall into the political whirlwind of conspiracy theories. Lawyers should be willing to work with the police and fiercely defend the freedom of expression and law and order. The police should uphold law and order but not silence groups because they attack politicians or express an unpopular view. To prevent democratic backsliding, all well-meaning citizens must be vigilant in protecting the political guardrails and not view politics as a zero-sum game or a blood sport.

14/06/2022

SLeSCA Achieves Its 2021/2022 Target

- Dr Chakanda Discloses

By SLeSCA Communication Team

In an exclusive interview with the Executive Director of the Sierra Leone Seed Certification Agency, Dr. Robert Chakanda, it was revealed that the agency had made impressive achievement of its 2021 target, which included an end to government’s importation of seed, more seed production locally and setting up of better seed system.
Explaining further about the progress made, Dr. Chakanda disclosed that all what they had promised to achieve in 2021, they were able to do. He furthered that the government is no longer importing seed into the country and that seed production has now been taken over by the private sector. Since 2021 to date, he maintained that seed companies in the country have produced eight times the amount of seed imported before the decision of the government to stop importing seed. To achieve this feat, there was need to strengthen the seed system. Thus, people claiming to be seed dealers, were given minimum criteria to fulfil before they are registered as dealers, which included the following: that they should at least have a shop, where they could do their business, have a store to keep the seeds, should be registered with the government and paying taxes to the NRA. He disclosed that some 250 people applied, but during the vetting, it was discovered that some do not even have a telephone number that they could be reached on, and many did not meet the criteria set down. Eventually, only some 22 were qualified to be dealers.
As the government had stopped importation of seed, it was therefore necessary to strengthen the seed value chain, which meant that there should be a lot of research taking place to ensure quality seed is produced. In this regard, he explained that a lot of research is being done at several research centres in the country, like the Rokupr Rice Research centre. These concentrate on developing new varieties of rice seed, and these are then given to the companies, who in turn use these research products and advance them to foundation seeds, certified by SLeSCA. These advanced foundation seeds are then given to the growers. The vendors then sell these seeds to farmers for cultivation and better yield.
Dr. Chakanda noted that this arrangement has seen huge result, as the sector was able to produce 8 times the number of seed that was imported before this period. He disclosed that the International and National Seed Companies produced 919.2 tons of rice seed of high quality standard, against the 161 tons that was imported in 2021, also Local Seed producers nationwide, produced 1,018.29 tons of QDS under the supervision of District Agriculture Officers and SLeSCA, against 986 tons needed for farmer support. Thus all districts now have seed quantities of QDS to support rice production this year. He maintained that with this development, there is therefore no need for the government to import seed for farmers. He however, hastened to say that not every grower was a seed grower, as they were able identify seed growers. With this arrangement, seed operators were organised along the value chain of seed investment. Thus, they now have Researchers, Growers, Value addition sector, Vendors and users of seed, as well as private sector seed importers. In respect of the latter, they had to meet certain minimum criteria, which included having a shop, storage etc. These belong to a special class, and SLeSCA will have to inspect their facilities, get information about where the seeds are being imported from and the quality of such seed. He maintained that any single entity can import seed but they should have the facility and SLeSCA should know about the company from which they are importing seed from. He furthered that all seed producers were identified and monitored by the District Agriculture Officers and SLeSCA. He expressed happiness that things have taken shape now, a far cry from the old free for all system that was operating before.
Speaking on the voucher system introduced by the government to support farmers, Dr, Chakanda noted with satisfaction that the Ministry of Agriculture now has a data base of all seed operators in the country certified by SLeSCA. He further clarified that SLeSCA had encouraged seed companies and vendors to open shops in all districts across the country. Currently there are some five dealers with shops in every district, from which farmers could buy their seed, stressing that initially, seed shops were only located in Freetown, but with this new arrangement, the seed shops are brought closer to the farmers. Thus, they do not have to travel all the way to Freetown to get their seed.
This opportunity taken by SLeSCA to establish seed shops in every district has helped the farmers greatly to access seed. These dealers and growers are given technical advice by SLeSCA on how to manage their business and maintain the quality of the seed, as well as training, adding that training is a consistent practice in the sector to achieve the desired objective. So far things are looking good for the seed sector and food security in the country, he concluded.

02/06/2022

26/04/2022

19/04/2022

As Planting Season Approaches...
Dr. Chakanda Assesses National Seed Issues

By SLeSCA Communication Unit

During the course of the week, the Executive Director of the Sierra Leone Seed Certification Agency (SLESCA), Dr. Robert Chakanda, visited Private Farmers and District Agriculture Offices of the Ministry Of Agriculture and Forestry in Kenema, Kailahun, Bo and Pujehun Districts, in his bid to access the progress made in the production of seeds to achieve this year's seed-sufficiency, as well as to identify and proffer solutions to the challenges faced. His first stop was the Eco Rice farm of the current Minister of Foreign Affairs, Professor David Francis. During the said engagement, he stressed the policy shift of the government in respect of the seed sector and how this policy will benefit both the farmers and the nation.

At the Eco Rice farm, Dr. Chakanda was informed of an increase in yield of 80 bags of seed rice planted last season to 500 bags harvested. He was also told that due to the late engagement of the farm, they were not able to plant all the seeds given to them by SLeSCA. He assured them to keep the seeds and will direct the team on what.to.do next.

Speaking to the District Agriculture Officer in Kailahun, Tamba Karimu, Dr. Robert Chakanda maintained that the policy shift of the government is to transfer all agricultural support to big private farmers, who will then be giving seed rice, fertilizers and pesticides, and government will support these farmers to purchase only from approved dealers. Cash will be transferred to accounts of the farmers on their phones, which they can access through the bank. By so doing, the government will not be importing seed into the country, and farmers will be expected to grow quality seeds that they could use to get promissing yields. He furthered that his visit is to ensure that quality seeds are available, as well as help those with seeds in their stores to be able to sell to farmers. He maintained that for those who have the seeds in their stores, SLeSCA will be examining them with the aim of determining their quality.

He disclosed that SLeSCA wants serious farmers who can be selected to produce seeds of good quality, where farmers will buy from. Those selected will only be producers of quality seeds and not dealers. Thus, all what they grow will be used as seed for the farmers. This move, he furthered, is to ensure that there is enough seed in the country for farmers, stressing that it is due to the determination of the government to stop the importation of seeds, that it supported farmers last year with seeds to plant. The harvest from this activity is going to be used as seed for the next planting season.

Dr Chakanda noted that there has been no system in the seed sector, and to address this situation, SLESCA is developing a system wherein certain farmers will be selected to be the dealers of seed in the district, from whom the farmers will buy. The dealers will source all the farming materials they need, but noted that these selected farmers will meet a particular quota to be able to sell their seeds. These will be trained by SLeSCA to produce quality seeds.

On the area of research, Dr. Chakanda stressed that President Bio is determined to ensure that a partnership between Vietnam and Sierra Leone is maintained, with the exchange of technology and skills to improve the quality of seeds and yield.

In his brief explanation of activities in Kailahun, Tamba T. Karimu, District Agricultural Officer in Kailahun, said that their role in the district is to monitor, supervise, coordinate agricultural activities across the district of both farmers and partners, as well as give technical advice where necessary, adding that last year the government supported farmers with seed rice to some 1,100 farm, both small holders and youths farms. He noted that the harvest was encouraging, with private farmers doing very well in harvesting their rice, but with the youth farms, there were problems. He disclosed that the problem was that the youth ministry has told youth supervisors of the youth farms to get youth volunteers who will serve as labour and will be paid, but since the payment was not forthcoming, those youths abandoned the youth farms, leaving the youth supervisors to go alone on their farms, thus the yield was minimal. He also disclosed that one of the youth farms was gutted by fire as it was approaching harvest, as a result they lost all their products. He also disclosed that each youth farm had 40 hectares, and there are 16 youth farms in the district, adding that there are some 6 projects supporting agricultural projects in the district.
Karimu noted that with 80 bags of rice seed provided, they were able to produce 500 bushells, which, in his estimation, is good, adding that not all the seeds supplied were used because they started late. He re-echoed the government’s shift in policy, which included contracting dealers who will in turn be selling seeds to farmers, and these dealers are farmers growing seed for sale. He explained that government will be supporting these farmers with cash to buy from the private farmer contracted by the government. He also disclosed that government bought 8 tractors and 25 power tillers, which is being used by the farmers on rental basis.
Karimua furthered that farmers have now adapted to the erratic climate change, and have burnt their farms waiting to plant their crops, whilst others are in the process of burning their farms in preparation for farming. He encouraged farmers to focus on farming, as with it, they will be able to feed themselves and the nation.

In Pujehun, Dr. Chakanda engaged the District Agricultural Officer, Alex Kissan, on how farmers worked with the ministry to produce seeds between last year to date, and the progress made so far. Dr. Chakanda informed him that he should identify five farmers who will be able to produce seeds and those would be trained and their seeds examined to ensure that they produce the best quality seeds that will be sold to other farmers for greater yield. He noted that government supported farmers with rice seed for 1,500 hectres.

He disclosed that since youth farms got seeds last year, all what they produced will be their profit, as the government will give them money this year to buy seeds from their products, which they will then plant, and they can also sell from their last year product to others across the country. He informed that there should be an agro-dealer shop in each district across the country and so.also as in the case.of growers, to.avoid monopolize in the seed market and not to deprive others. He advised the Agricultural Officer to encourage farmers to buy phones so that they will be able to have the voucher from the government to purchase seed from the dealers. He again stressed that the government is not going to import seeds, but that the private sector can import. The rationale is to ensure that farmers grow their own seeds in the country.
The Agriculture Officer said that he has been in the district for nine months now, but maintained that he has had good relationship with farmers, and that they have been producing seeds in the district, among whom is Hon. Sadik Sillah, the District Master Farmer, who is also the current Ambassador to Egypt.

16/04/2022

08/04/2022

Taking Over Total In Sierra Leone…
Conex Poise To Transform Fuel Sector

According to sources at the PRA, a new Oil Marketing Company, Conex, has taken over from Total in Sierra Leone. Conex now owns all Total’s assets in the country. It has its Headquarters located in Monrovia, Liberia, and is a Pan-African Company. It’s visionary and Chairman Mr Cherif Abdallah and his partners are poised to take Conex Sierra Leone to a different height.
After an agreement signed in November 2021, Conex commenced operations, and has been bringing in two fuel vessels per month to ensure availability of fuel always on the market. According to its local Partner, Amadu Jah, the company has promised to ensure that fuel is always available in the country.
During a meeting last week end with President Bio, Amadu Jah promised His Excellency that Conex will ensure fuel availability in the country. On Sunday 3rd April 2022, one fuel vessel arrived in the country with diesel and other fuel, which was offloaded on Monday 4th April and is currently being distributed across the country for sale. A second shipment of petroleum product is due this week. This, Amadu Jah maintained, is part of their promise to ensure that fuel is available in the market always. Conex, he stressed, always keeps its promises.
Conex is the new kid in the block, but not new in the industry and has hit the ground running from day one.

08/04/2022

Taking Over Total In Sierra Leone…
Conex Poise To Transform Fuel Sector

According to sources at the PRA, a new Oil Marketing Company, Conex, has taken over from Total in Sierra Leone. Conex now owns all Total’s assets in the country. It has its Headquarters located in Monrovia, Liberia, and is a Pan-African Company.
After an agreement signed in November 2021, Conex commenced operations, and has been bringing in two fuel vessels per month to ensure availability of fuel always on the market. According to its local Partner, Amadu Jah, the company has promised to ensure that fuel is always available in the country.
During a meeting last week end with President Bio, Amadu Jah promised His Excellency that Conex will ensure fuel availability in the country. On Sunday 3rd April 2022, one fuel vessel arrived in the country with diesel and other fuel, which was offloaded on Monday 4th April and is currently being distributed across the country for sale. A second shipment of petroleum product is due this week. This, Amadu Jah maintained, is part of their promise to ensure that fuel is available in the market always. Conex, he stressed, always keeps its promises.
Conex is the new kid in the block, and has hit the ground running from day one.

08/04/2022

Bollore Offers Iftar To Moa Wharf & Seaside Communities.

By Mackie Jalloh

At a ceremony held in the compound of the Bollore Logistics at the Queen Elizabeth II Quay, the new Managing Director of the company, Nicolai and management, donated assorted food items to elders of the Moa Wharf and Seaside Communities for onward transmission to the residents, as well as to the SLPA, as part of its support during the Ramadan Muslim fasting period.

Bollore Manager, Nicolai, in an exclusive interview with this writer, said that the essence of the donation is to take care of the people in whose community they are operating, adding that Bollore is very committed to its Corporate Social Responsibility policy, stressing that they have a strong CSR program, furthering that as the month of Ramadan is at hand, they thought it fit to take this action now. He also disclosed that this donation is not only going to be done to these communities alone, but will be replicated in the other communities. He disclosed that it is barely two months since he took over the mantle of leadership from his Predecessor, and that he is learning more about the people and the community. He stressed that their future plan is to help- the country develop.

Explaining the background for the initiative to raise awareness on drug abuse, he said that during the engagement and visits to the community when he took up office, the concern from the various stakeholders, including the Member of Parliament was about the abuse of drugs in the community by youths. He maintained that Bollore has a strong policy against drug abuse, and he felt that with all the concerns raised by the various stakeholders in the Community, he should do whatever he can to help the youths overcome this situation.

Nicolai also disclosed that he has worked in countries where there is a high Muslim population and understands what happens during the Ramadan period, so he decided to fast track the donation to help the people prepare for the Fast. He then wished them a wonderful Ramadan.

Speaking during the donation, Member of Parliament for Constituency 122, Hon Koyo, said that Corporate Social Responsibility has been regularly shown by Bollore since its inception, with the donation of huge consignments of food items to cushion the effect of the Ramadan month, as well as other actions in various communities. He furthered that he is not surprised at this gesture by the company, which he said a sign of appreciation of the people in whose community they are operating. He also dwelt on the issue of drug abuse spoken about by the Bollore manager, noting that this is adversely affecting youths in the community. JHe disclosed that during discussions with the MD, he was pleased to know that the Manger is also determined to help in addressing this menace through an awareness raising campaign planned for Saturday 26th March 2022 to sensitize residents and youths about the effect of drugs on the youth population in the community. He called on all community members to engage others about the donation of the company and the visit of company officials to raise awareness over the effect of drug abuse.

Hon Koyo said that as a member of the constituency, he is also concerned about the abuse of drugs by youths, and warned against leaders encouraging youths on drug abuse. He also expressed deep appreciation to the new MD, Nicolai, for this gesture, and prayed for the continued collaboration between the company and the constituency.

Sheik Mohamed A. Bangura, Representative of the Seaside community, also expressed appreciation to the company, adding that the message of the MP was timely and a sign of respect for all in the community. To the Bollore management, he said that he is not surprised over their current expression of love for the community, as this has been their usual contribution and consideration for the community. He called for unity among all in the community and the company.

Abubakarr Barrie, Representative from Moa Wharf community, expressed joy and appreciation for the good gesture, and welcomed the initiative of the company to engage the youths in the community on the issue of drug abuse, adding that this step is an indication that the company cares about every individual in the community.

Mr. Rogers, Ports Security Manager, expressed appreciation to Bollore for the gesture, adding that it is timely for such an act. He called on the community to help the Port to maintain security of the area, as they will also be able to identify any criminal escaping from any activity at the Port. He then wished the Muslims in the community a happy Ramadan.

08/04/2022

Journalists Benefit From BANs Public Financial Management Training

At a workshop held at the conference room of the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists on Campbell Street in Freetown, the Budget Advocacy Network (BAN) took journalists through the various processes of the budget. The one-day workshop was graced by many journalists and various heads of departments in some key institutions, who explained the various processes to them via electronic presentations, and these included Dr. Ibrahim-Sorie Kamara and Dr. Philip Michael Kargbo from the NRA, who dealt with overall revenue mobilization strategy and the ECR rollout, whilst officials from the Ministry of Finance dealt with the Processes and procedures involved in allocating budget to MDAs.

Making his presentation, the head of domestic Tax, Dr. Ibrahim-Sorie Kamara explained that the NRA has done a lot to enhance compliance, disclosing that they have implemented the Administrative phase of the BMS in the Western area, rolled out a mobile payment App for especially the medium and small taxpayers, creation of an E-Portal to serve as a central source of information to taxpayers. He furthered that the NRA will be implementing a Whistle Blower scheme to report non-compliance to issuance of ECR receipts to customers.

Dr Ibrahim Sorie maintained that the NRA has made many reforms, such as: the implementation of the ASSCUDA WORLD for the customs department, implementation of the Electric Single Window, introduction of ITAS and ECR for GST administration and enhancing tax compliance through the DTFS. He furthered that after an OSIWA Study conducted, they developed and implemented a formalization strategy for the informal sector. They also engaged others in the provinces with a view to incorporate them into the tax system, through a formal registration system. He also disclosed that the NRA had some challenges, which included inadequate and stable revenue to support government spending, low compliance from weak taxpaying culture and inadequate tax education of the taxpayers, often resulting in refusal to pay tax. He stressed that crown all these challenges was the global impact of COVID-19, which gravely affected revenue generation, as flow of import chain became drastically affected. He however, noted that the NRA has also embarked on enforcement of tax laws against defaulters, which included, but not limited to fines, and engagement for the setting up of a Court to deal with such matters.

In conclusion, Dr. Ibrahim-Sorie Kamara maintained that in a whole, the NRA has delivered impressively on its mandate and hopes to build on the successes of 2021 in revenue mobilization in 2022, as they prepare for a strategic plan for 2023 -2027, adding that they have collected revenue to the tune of Le6.9 trillion.

In his presentation, the representative from the Ministry of Finance said that total government receipts are projected at Le10.0 trillion, and this included domestic revenue and grants, which is 19.7% of the GDP. Domestic Revenue is Le7.65 trillion, (15.1% of GDP), Grant receipts Le2.35 trillion (4.6% of GDP) OF WHICH Project Grants if Le1.34 trillion (2.4% of GDP) AND Programme Grant Le1.01 trillion (2.0% of GDP). He furthered that total expenditure for FY2022 is projected at Le11.9 trillion (23% of GDP). This comprises of the following: Recurrent Expenditure (salaries and other charges) Le8.2 trillion (16.1% of GDP), Capital Expenditure Le3.6 trillion (7.2% of GDP) and this is made up of: Foreign Loans and Grants Le2.5 trillion (4.8% of GDP), Domestic Capital Expenditure Le1.2 trillion (2.3% of GDP). Therefore the projected deficit is Le1.9 trillion (- 4% of GDP).

Explaining the process through which MDAs request for budgetary allocation, he furthered that the MDAs prepare their request and put in a resource envelop which is then submitted to the ministry of finance, and receipt of same, the ministry will then match it with the following expenditures: non-discretional expenditure like salaries and debt services, discretional expenditures, like subsidies and transfers, goods and services; Budget call circular containing ceilings issued to MDAs, Policy hearing held as well as Budget discussions to discuss MDAs submissions. Agreed MDAs� submissions are then compiled into the Budget estimates. The Budget is then laid in Parliament by the Minister of Finance and then debated and approved. He furthered that the Director of Budget approves or rejects any transaction, If the transaction is approved, it is sent through the system to the Accountant General�s Department for processing and release of funds.

08/04/2022

Orange Launches 4th Edition Of OSVP

During a meeting held at its headquarters at Hill Station, Orange-SL�s new CEO, Sekou Amadau Bah, officially launched the company�s 4th edition of the Orange Social Venture Prize (OSVP) in Sierra Leone. During the said event, the CEO disclosed that there will be two categories, one for men and the other for women. The one for men will attract a prize of Le100 million for the winner, whilst the female winner will get Le50 million.

Read Statement Below:

The CEO, Mr. Sekou Amadou Bah and Directors of Orange SL, our Implementing partner � Freetown Pitch Night, Past Winners of Orange Social Venture Prize, Representatives of Various Institutions and Colleges across the Country, Members of the Fourth Estate, Distinguished Guests, Colleagues, Ladies and Gentlemen, Good morning.

We are thrilled and excited to have you here this morning to witness the Press launch of the 4th Edition of Orange Social Venture Prize (OSVP) in Sierra Leone. As a mobile telecoms company, Orange is positioned to be the lead digital partner for startups in Africa and the Middle East. This is why Orange Middle East & Africa (OMEA) initiated OSVP 12 years ago to reward the best technological projects with positive impact and solution to social challenges, mainly in the fields of education, health, agriculture, mobile payments or sustainable development in Africa and the middle East. The competition is organized annually in all 17 Orange affiliates in OMEA. The three winners from each of the 17 countries get an opportunity to compete in a grand international contest were 1 out of the 51 contestants emerges as the winner. The International winner bags a whooping sum of 25 thousand Euros .


Orange Sierra Leone joined the OSVP challenge in 2019 three years after joining the OMEA family. We have successfully held three national competitions in 2019, 2020 & 2021 respectfully. The 2019 winner, Aminata Kandeh, and the 2020 winner, Bayoh Turay, won 10 million and 20 million Leones respectively, to support the growth of their businesses. Today Aminata is a proud owner of a thriving Agro-Fish farm in Bo, while Bayoh Turay is now gainfully employed by Orange, as a trainer in our Orange Digital Centre, where he is providing his expertise in coding and mentorship to young aspiring innovators.

Last year, we accelerated the tempo of OSVP with the support of our Partner, innovation Sierra Leone, to bring more meaning to the innovation axis and increase empowerment for young startups/innovators/entrepreneurs in the country. Out of a total of 128 applicants, Haja Isata Bah of �Uman for Uman emerged as the Winner of 2021, with a prize of 100million leones, to improve her business that is positioned to support women and girls by ensuring availability and affordability of recycled menstrual hygiene pads. Also in 2021, we introduced an additional prize to increase female participation and to promote projects offering a technological solution to improve the living conditions of women. In this new category, Sia Chaywai emerged as the winner, with a 50 million leones grand prize to support the enhancement of her mobile clinic project.

This year, we are poised to spend a whooping 150 m leones for the 2 categories of the OSVP competition, 100 m for the general prize and 50 m for the women�s category. For the second consecutive year, we will continue with the women category, and this year, we shall go live on a local theme with the catch phrase �Orange Tech Queen�.

Applications for both categories opens today, and competition rules including eligibility criteria, will be expounded by our partner, immediately after my statement.

As a mobile telecoms company, Orange is positioned to be the lead digital partner for startups, whilst ensuring that we transform the lives of young people in Sierra Leone.

Let me at this point take this opportunity to thank our implementing partner, innovation Sierra Leone, for their commitment in the innovation ecosystem in Sierra Leone and their contribution to the successful ex*****on of OSVP. I want to encourage young entrepreneurs, women as well as men, to participate with the best of ideas to ensure Sierra Leone gain a spot in the international contest this year.

Thank you for your attention.