President Bio’s “Waka Fine” In China Brings Benefits
By Elizabeth Campbell
“Waka Fine” in our local krio language means walk better or walking better. “Waka Fine” can also be interpreted in different forms to suit what you wants to say.
With President Julius Maada Bio’s “Waka Fine” in china, Sierra Leone stands to now benefit a whole lot.
President Julius Maada Bio, concluding visit to China for the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) concluded a series of crucial agreements securing a number of goodies for the country and marking significant strides in Sierra Leone’s economic and developmental landscape.
“The Waka Fine” or visit not only strengthened bilateral ties between Sierra Leone and China but also positioned Sierra Leone to benefit from China’s increased financial commitment to Africa.
Sierra Leone and its people stand to benefit from the USD $50 Billion Financial Support for African Countries.
Among the goodies from the “Waka Fine” visit to China the 2024 FOCAC summit was the announcement by Chinese President, Xi Jinping, of a USD $50 billion financial package for African countries over the next three years.
The additional US$20 billion increase from the previous FOCAC summit in Dakar, Senegal will witness a number of Chinese projects in Africa in the coming years. With this support Sierra Leone including other affrican countries will be able to develop their Infrastructure, technology and development projects. It is also a boast to the country’s economy in line with government big five game changer.
President Bio after the “Waka Fine” in China posted on his facebook “My precursory meeting to FOCAC 2024 with President Xi Jinping was high-yielding. We agreed on cooperation on the key goals of our Big Five Agenda. I look forward to a stronger partnership between the People’s Republic of China and Sierra Leone.”
The “Waka Fine” also saw Sierra Leone signing a US$50 Million Agreement on SMART Sierra Leone Project.
The aim is to drive the country’s digital transformation, focusing on enhancing public administration, e-governance and the provision of digital services.
The country’s mining sector also stands to benefit significantly from the visit of President Bio with another agreement signed by the Mineral Wealth Fund to expand mining operations. The agreement focuses on Tonkolili’s vast iron ore deposits, promising significant infrastructure investment. This expansion is projected to create thousands of jobs and attract additional foreign investment, positioning Sierra Leone as a major player in the global iron ore market.
President Bio’s “Waka Fine” to China underscores the deepening relationship between Sierra Leone and China and during the meeting with President Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing cooperation on issues of mutual interest. President Xi highlighted China Sierra Leone relationship noting that they should continue to stand together on critical issues and expressed China’s readiness to strengthen coordination with Sierra Leone on global platforms like the United Nations.
The Chinese leader also emphasized China’s role in promoting practical cooperation with African countries, further advancing modernization and creating a shared future for China and Africa.
With China’s continued investment in Africa, Sierra Leone is now well-positioned to benefit from strengthened ties and increased investments.
President Bio’s “Waka Fine” in China has brought significant benefits to the country securing series of agreements that will drive the country’s economic and social development.
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