Sierra Leone Diaspora - Day 1

And so it was that the first day of the conference was held at Kimbima Hotel. Today was Diaspora day and most of the speeches reflected that theme. It was highlighted that the Sierra Leone Diaspora apparently remits back $1bn annually. If this is the case there is a definite need to tap into those resources and direct those resources from consumer based consumption to investment based consumption as highlighted by one of the speakers.

In the morning Kadie Sesay spoke about the diaspora but also focused on womens’ issues. After this, part of the audience departed to join what I think was a women’s discussion forum. The session following that saw the Chairman of the Sierra Leone Chamber of Commerce, Amadu Ndoeka with, Joseph J James, Min. for Development of Economic Planning (Hon Daramy) and Managing Director of KPMG David Carew on the panel. This section had an interesting exchange between the two. The Minister went first and spoke at length about Sierra Leone and the various initiatives, signed treaties and incentives for investors. He informed us that though he will not give a precise date for the solution to the electricity problems in Freetown he thinks that any day between now and the end of April when Eksom complete their project we can expect big things. I saw some rather sarcastic smiles in the audience - with a sort of "where have i heard that before?" look. I guess when it comes to electricity and other issues of infrastructural development, seeing is believing.

Then it was Carew’s turn to talk. He spoke about Public Private Parternships (PPPs) and their advantages, challenges and identified possible areas where PPPs would become incredibly useful due to lack of govt funds.

Later he gave an example, that a newly qualified doctor will earn Le300,000. Of course most of them refuse to work for the govt and in most cases leave to offer their services elsewhere. As a result govt approaches the international community for doctors. International community offers to pay their salaries but asks that the govt at least provide accommodation. Accommodation turns out to be around the range of $10,000 a year. Money he believes could have been put towards locally qualified doctors. The minister at this point interjects to state that Carew does not know what is going on. Carew then does not argue and says he accepts he doesn’t. Carew then goes on to mention a certain bridge that has been much talked about but to date has yet to become a reality (hon. looked a bit uncomfortable at this point). He pointed out that projects such as this and electricity would be ideal for PPP. Minister passes a note to the chairman which states that govt are ready and open to offers regarding the bridge. At the end of Carew’s speech he informed us that firstly, the President did not promise to build a bridge, he promised to carry out feasibility studies… this has now been completed and they are ready to listen to offers and engage companies in the possible building of the bridge.

The other panellist Joseph J James (a VSL forumite) spoke about his Peace Diamond Alliance, and a Bio-Mass project which is looking at converting waste into energy. He also spoke about the historical links between Sierra Leone and South Carolina and presented future opportunities for closer co-operation with the growth of DNA testing by African-Americans.

During the course of the day we heard from investors in the field of security and risk assessment, satellite services, investment services. We also heard a talk from a Sierra Leonean in the diaspora, a young man doing big things (another active VSL forumite). Conrad Parkes spoke about their investments in various parts of Africa but also what it was like coming to set up Bo’s first ISP in Sierra Leone. He also gave some useful recommendations for govt which were based on his experience – in particular around Company Registrations and Clearing goods at the Ports Authority.

The Ombudsman commented that clearing should not take more than 24hrs and if you find yourself being delayed for no apparent reason you can call his office and the issue would be resolved ASAP.

We also heard talks from Ade Daramy (Sierra Leone Diaspora Network) who appealed for words to be put into action and Oluniyi Robbin Coker (Sierra Leone Network) who provided interesting array of areas where policy changes are needed with urgency. Proud to say both are also VSL Forumites.

All in all not a bad first day, good opportunity for dialogue.. and the opportunity for govt to publicise some of the reforms that it has been undertaking. Eg issues surrounding dual citizenship which even though the Minister (or was it the Ombudsman?) claimed that Sierra Leoneans can now have dual citizenship - is still not clear. However if they said so... it must be true.

The forum will commence proper tomorrow following the official launch by His Excellency the President at Bintumani Hotel.