Sierra Leone Keen To Forge Stronger Ties With Qatar: Ambassador

Doha: The decision to open the Embassy of Sierra Leone in Qatar reflects the growing importance of bilateral relations between the two countries and it represents a proud milestone for Sierra Leone, the Ambassador of Sierra Leone to Qatar H E Ahmed Tejan Fadlu-Deen, has said.

In an interview with The Peninsula, H E Fadlu-Deen, the first Ambassador of Sierra Leone to the State of Qatar, expressed his immense pride in inaugurating a new embassy for his country in Qatar.

He recognized the significance of this moment while also acknowledging the challenges associated with his position, especially considering his previous experience in the private sector rather than in diplomatic roles.

“It's been a steep learning curve, but I've embraced all those challenges,” he remarked.

The embassy will be officially opened on February 18, marking the latest addition to the growing number of strong diplomatic ties forge between Qatar and other countries.

Over the past four decades, Qatar has supported various initiatives in Sierra Leone, primarily through organizations like the Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD). These efforts have focused on education, healthcare, agriculture, and infrastructure projects.

However, with a dedicated embassy now operational, Ambassador Fadlu-Deen believes the relationship can reach new heights.

“With an embassy here, hopefully, we will take it to another level,” he stated, emphasizing opportunities for foreign direct investment (FDI) and technical partnerships.

As the first ambassador, Ambassador Fadlu-Deen understands the importance of laying a solid foundation for future cooperation. Rather than rushing into large-scale investments, he advocates for a measured approach akin to Japan's meticulous planning model.

“Governments are like huge vessels; they don't just change direction every five seconds,” he observed. Aligning policies and building trust between the two nations is essential before pursuing ambitious projects.

According to him, his primary goal is to instill confidence among Qatari stakeholders-both public and private-that investing in Sierra Leone is a safe and rewarding endeavor.

This involves addressing concerns related to governance, legal frameworks, and risk mitigation. Once this comfort level is achieved, longer-term investments in sectors like oil and gas, medicine, and education can follow.

When asked about sectors ripe for investment, Ambassador Fadlu-Deen highlighted agriculture as one of the most promising areas. Sierra Leone boasts vast tracts of arable land-hundreds of thousands of hectares ready for cultivation-but lacks the efficiency and technology needed to maximize productivity.

He envisions collaborations where Qatari agri-companies partner with local farmers, providing expertise and resources while ensuring guaranteed offtakes for their produce.“It's a win-win situation,” he explained.“Existing jobs are preserved, and efficiencies are created.”

Beyond agriculture, other sectors such as mining, technology, and logistics present significant opportunities. Sierra Leone is renowned for its rich deposits of gold and diamonds, although Ambassador Fadlu-Deen cautioned against overstating their value compared to industries like agriculture, which offer broader socioeconomic benefits.

Logistics and supply chain management also emerged as a critical area for investment. Given Sierra Leone's extensive waterways, river transportation could revolutionize how goods are moved across the country.

Developing barges and inland ports would not only address logistical challenges but also create jobs and stimulate economic growth.

To attract investors, Sierra Leone offers a range of incentives, including tax breaks, foreign exchange provisions, and access to regional trade agreements within West Africa. The National Investment Board serves as a facilitator, supporting potential investors throughout the process.

“There are incentives for sure,” affirmed Ambassador Fadlu-Deen, urging businesses to explore the untapped potential of Sierra Leone.

One of the more intriguing avenues for cooperation lies in sports development. Qatar's reputation as a global hub for sports is well-established, hosting over 90 major events annually and investing heavily in world-class facilities like Aspire Academy.

For Sierra Leone, which possesses immense sporting talent but limited opportunities, partnering with Qatar could transform its athletic landscape.

Ambassador Fadlu-Deen, an avid golfer himself, recognizes the unifying power of sports.

“Sports is the one thing that brings everybody together,” he noted. While concrete plans are still in the works, he expressed interest in exploring how Qatari expertise and facilities could benefit Sierra Leonean athletes. This might include training exchanges, joint competitions, or even establishing sports academies modeled after the Aspire Academy.

Football and athletics stand out as key areas for collaboration. Despite financial constraints and inadequate training facilities at home, Sierra Leone produces exceptional talent year after year.

By leveraging Qatar's resources, Ambassador Fadlu-Deen hopes to provide young athletes with the tools they need to succeed on the global stage.“If we can get some of our guys to come out here and train with them or their athletes to go there and see how the facilities are, it would be fantastic,” he mused.

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