By Amin Kef Sesay

Ten journalists from different African countries participating in the Austria-Africa Media Fellowship Programme 2026 in Vienna, Austria, on Tuesday, 19 May 2026, engaged Austria’s State Secretary at the Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs, Sepp Schellhorn, in an extensive and insightful discussion centered on democracy, Austria–Africa relations, media literacy, cultural diplomacy, tourism, investment opportunities, and the growing global threat posed by misinformation and fake news.

The high-level engagement formed part of activities under the Austria-Africa Media Fellowship Programme, which has brought together ten accomplished journalists from across Africa for professional exchanges and policy engagements in Vienna. The session provided participants with a rare opportunity to directly interact with a senior Austrian government official and gain deeper insight into Austria’s foreign policy priorities, international partnerships, democratic values, and engagement strategy with African nations.

The participating journalists represented a broad spectrum of African media institutions and countries, including Favour Ulebor-Emmanuel of Vanguard Newspaper in Nigeria, Alhassan Bala, Founder and Editor of Alkalanci (The Arbiter) in Nigeria, Albert Oppong-Ansah, Editor and Desk Head for Environment, Science and Energy at the Ghana News Agency, Amin Kef Sesay, Managing Editor of The Calabash Newspaper in Sierra Leone, Miriam Angil of Swahilipot Hub Foundation in Kenya, Clement Manyathela, host of The Clement Manyathela Show on Radio 702 in South Africa, Erin Marisa Bates, Anchor and Presenter at Carte Blanche in South Africa, Eyasu Zekarias Tadesse, Reporter and Fact Checker with Capital Ethiopia/FM 97.7, Ernestina Asante of GhanaWeb, and Farai Shawn Matiashe, an international journalist from Zimbabwe.

Welcoming the journalists to the Foreign Ministry, Sepp Schellhorn expressed delight in meeting the delegation and acknowledged the intensive schedule already undertaken by the fellows, which included engagements at the Austrian Parliament and the United Nations headquarters in Vienna.

Introducing himself, Sepp Schellhorn disclosed that he oversees several portfolios, including deregulation, simplification of administrative systems, European affairs, arts, culture, and aspects of Austria’s foreign engagement. He stressed that arts and culture remain close to his heart, describing cultural diplomacy as one of the most effective and peaceful mechanisms for building bridges among nations and peoples.

According to Sepp Schellhorn, Austria strongly believes in the power of culture as a diplomatic instrument capable of fostering mutual understanding, strengthening dialogue, and reducing misunderstandings among nations.

“We believe arts and culture are among the easiest ways of building bridges between nations and people,” Sepp Schellhorn said, noting that Austria continues to prioritize cultural engagement as part of its broader foreign policy approach toward Africa and other regions.

He revealed that Austria had opened a cultural forum in Accra, Ghana, in February, underscoring the country’s growing commitment to engagement with Africa through culture and creative exchanges. He further disclosed that Austria’s Africa strategy is built around four key pillars: education, business and economic cooperation, culture, and migration.

Speaking during the exchange, Sepp Schellhorn explained that Austria sees education as a critical area of partnership with Africa, citing scholarship opportunities and exchange programmes as pathways for strengthening people-to-people relations and building long-term cooperation. He also highlighted Austria’s expertise in areas such as hydro-energy transformation, business innovation, and institutional cooperation.

The State Secretary emphasized that Austria, despite being a relatively small European nation, remains committed to fostering partnerships with African countries through diplomacy, cultural engagement, and multilateral cooperation. He noted that Austria’s status as a neutral country places it in a strategic position to facilitate dialogue and cooperation at the global level.

Responding to questions from journalists regarding Austria’s international standing and partnerships with Africa, Sepp Schellhorn said Austria’s neutrality remains central to its foreign policy, particularly as the country seeks a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council for the 2027–2028 term.

He explained that smaller and neutral countries such as Austria play an essential role in promoting inclusive global dialogue and ensuring that the voices of less powerful states are represented in international decision-making processes.

As discussions progressed, journalists raised critical questions surrounding tourism, investment, misinformation, democracy, governance, and cultural preservation.

Amin Kef Sesay, Managing Editor of The Calabash Newspaper in Sierra Leone, used the opportunity to inquire about Austria’s diplomatic and development cooperation with African countries, particularly Sierra Leone.

Amin Kef Sesay sought clarity on how Austria’s foreign policy and international cooperation framework could create meaningful opportunities for African countries in areas such as education, trade, youth empowerment, governance, peacebuilding, institutional development, and sustainable economic growth.

Among the questions posed by Amin Kef Sesay were how Austria intends to strengthen diplomatic and development cooperation with African nations, the specific initiatives available to support education and climate resilience, and how countries like Sierra Leone can benefit from Austrian scholarships, investments, technical support, and international partnerships.

Responding to concerns over misinformation and digital manipulation, Sepp Schellhorn acknowledged that fake news, misinformation, and disinformation remain growing global challenges affecting democracies across the world, including Austria.

He maintained that misinformation does not only threaten political systems in Europe but increasingly influences elections and public opinion globally, making the protection of independent journalism more important than ever.

According to Sepp Schellhorn, combating misinformation requires a collective effort involving governments, media institutions, and society as a whole, while emphasizing the importance of protecting free and responsible journalism.

“This is not just a problem between Austria and African countries; it is a global issue,” he remarked, warning that digital platforms and social media have significantly increased the spread of false narratives and manipulative information.

The discussion also examined tourism and cultural preservation, with journalists seeking lessons from Austria’s globally admired tourism industry and heritage conservation systems.

Sepp Schellhorn explained that Austria’s tourism success has been built over decades through deliberate investment in preserving cultural heritage, historical landmarks, museums, and public infrastructure. He emphasized that Vienna’s attractiveness as a tourism destination lies not only in its architecture and history but also in the country’s commitment to maintaining heritage sites for future generations.

He encouraged African countries to identify and strengthen their unique tourism identities while protecting cultural and historical assets that can attract international visitors.

The session climaxed with an engaging question-and-answer segment in which journalists from Ghana, South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Zimbabwe, and Sierra Leone explored issues relating to investment risks, democratic governance, corruption, migration, tourism recovery after COVID-19, and opportunities for stronger Austria–Africa cooperation.

At the close of the meeting, participants expressed appreciation for the frank and interactive engagement, describing the dialogue as insightful and beneficial to understanding Austria’s governance model, foreign relations priorities, and growing partnership ambitions with Africa.

For many of the African journalists, the engagement represented not only a diplomatic exchange but also an opportunity to reflect on how strengthened Austria–Africa relations could contribute to sustainable development, democratic governance, media advancement, and stronger people-to-people cooperation across continents. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/state-secretary-sepp-schellhorn-hosts-african-journalists-highlights-austrias-neutrality-and-global-cooperation/

By Amin Kef Sesay

Ten journalists from different African countries participating in the Austria-Africa Media Fellowship Programme in Vienna, Austria, on Tuesday, 19 May 2026, engaged senior Members of the Austrian Parliament in an insightful and wide-ranging discussion on democracy, media literacy, misinformation, Austria–Africa relations and the growing threat of foreign disinformation campaigns on democratic institutions and societies.

The engagement, held as part of the Austria-Africa Media Fellowship Programme, brought together journalists from Sierra Leone, Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa, Kenya, Ethiopia and Zimbabwe with Austrian lawmakers for an exchange of ideas on governance, digital security, media responsibility and the future of international partnerships between Africa and Europe.

The meeting featured Member of the Austrian National Council and Vice-Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Andreas Minnich, alongside Member of the Austrian National Council, Henrike Brandstötter, who both shared perspectives on Austria’s democratic system, geopolitical realities and the country’s growing concern over the spread of fake news and digital manipulation.

The African journalists participating in the fellowship included Favour Ulebor-Emmanuel of Vanguard Newspaper, Nigeria; Alhassan Bala, Founder and Editor of Alkalanci (The Arbiter), Nigeria; Albert Oppong-Ansah, Editor and Desk Head for Environment, Science and Energy at the Ghana News Agency; Amin Kef Sesay, Managing Editor of The Calabash Newspaper, Sierra Leone; Miriam Angil, Head of Communications at Swahilipot Hub Foundation, Kenya; Clement Manyathela, Host of The Clement Manyathela Show on Radio 702, South Africa; Erin Marisa Bates, Anchor and Presenter at Carte Blanche, South Africa; Eyasu Zekarias Tadesse, Reporter and Fact Checker at Capital Ethiopia/FM 97.7, Ethiopia; Ernestina Asante, Multimedia Journalist at GhanaWeb; and Farai Shawn Matiashe, International Journalist from Zimbabwe.

The engagement provided participants with a firsthand understanding of Austria’s parliamentary system, political dynamics and democratic governance, while also allowing room for meaningful dialogue on global issues affecting both continents.

Speaking during the session, Henrike Brandstötter gave a detailed overview of Austria’s current political structure, explaining that the country operates under a five-year parliamentary term and is presently governed through a three-party coalition arrangement.

According to Henrike Brandstötter, Austria’s National Council consists of 183 members, while the Federal Council represents the country’s federal system and regional interests.

She explained that Austria’s political environment, like many democracies around the world, is increasingly shaped by economic pressure, geopolitical instability and political polarization.

Henrike Brandstötter noted that the Russia–Ukraine war, instability in the Middle East, inflation and economic challenges continue to influence policymaking and political discourse in Austria and across Europe.

She further highlighted concerns over the growing influence of far-right political movements, warning that democratic institutions must continue to evolve to remain resilient in increasingly polarized environments.

According to Henrike Brandstötter, Austria’s coalition government is a necessary democratic arrangement designed to maintain stability despite ideological differences among the governing parties.

She acknowledged that governance in such circumstances can be challenging but stressed the importance of dialogue, compromise and shared responsibility in protecting democratic systems.

Turning to Austria’s engagement with Africa, Henrike Brandstötter disclosed that Austria is repositioning its approach toward African partnerships through a renewed Africa Strategy focused more on trade, investment, innovation and equal cooperation rather than limiting relations to development assistance and humanitarian support.

She emphasised that Austria increasingly views Africa as a continent of opportunity and long-term partnership.

“The future is in Africa,” Henrike Brandstötter stated, stressing that Europe must rethink its approach and begin engaging African countries more as strategic partners capable of driving global economic growth and innovation.

She maintained that Austria seeks stronger cooperation with African countries through parliamentary exchanges, development programmes, diplomatic engagement and mutually beneficial economic partnerships.

A major focus of the discussions centered on misinformation, disinformation and foreign propaganda, particularly the impact of Russian misinformation campaigns in Europe and Africa.

Andreas Minnich and Henrike Brandstötter both acknowledged that disinformation has emerged as a major threat to democracy, national security and public trust across Europe.

According to Andreas Minnich, misinformation campaigns often exploit social tensions, target vulnerable populations and seek to weaken confidence in democratic institutions and traditional journalism.

He stressed that misinformation, particularly online disinformation, spreads rapidly and cheaply, making it increasingly difficult for governments, institutions and journalists to respond effectively.

The Austrian lawmakers noted that fake news and manipulated content continue to shape political narratives, influence public opinion and deepen societal divisions, especially through digital platforms and social media.

They explained that Austria is increasingly treating misinformation not only as a media challenge but also as a national security issue requiring coordinated responses.

The African journalists also shared experiences from their respective countries, providing practical examples of how misinformation and propaganda have influenced political discourse, elections and public perception across the continent.

Journalists from Nigeria, South Africa and Ghana described how social media manipulation, false narratives, fake job opportunities and foreign propaganda increasingly target young people and communities with low media literacy.

Some participants explained that misinformation spreads rapidly through WhatsApp, Facebook, radio stations, influencers and online platforms where fact-checking mechanisms are often weak or nonexistent.

They observed that misleading narratives frequently gain traction during elections, protests and periods of political uncertainty, increasing the risk of instability and mistrust among citizens.

Amin Kef Sesay, Managing Editor of The Calabash Newspaper in Sierra Leone, raised questions regarding Austria’s parliamentary cooperation with African countries, particularly Sierra Leone.

He sought to understand how Austria intends to deepen partnerships with African countries in areas such as democratic governance, education, youth empowerment, media development, investment and diplomatic cooperation.

Amin Kef Sesay also inquired about opportunities for parliamentary exchanges, scholarships and institutional partnerships that could directly benefit Sierra Leone and other African countries.

In response, the Austrian parliamentarians reaffirmed Austria’s commitment to strengthening relations with African countries through dialogue, diplomacy and mutually beneficial engagement.

Henrike Brandstötter emphasized the importance of strengthening media literacy, especially among young people and citizens in rural communities, as one of the most effective ways to combat misinformation.

She explained that Austria is increasingly introducing educational programmes aimed at helping young people identify fake news, verify information and better understand responsible digital behaviour.

According to her, schools are gradually incorporating media literacy and digital awareness programmes to equip students with skills to navigate online content responsibly.

She further revealed that discussions are ongoing in Austria about strengthening safeguards for children and young people against harmful online content and excessive social media influence.

The parliamentarians also underscored the importance of trusted journalism, ethical reporting and professional fact-checking in defending democracy against misinformation.

They encouraged journalists to prioritize accuracy, verification and balanced reporting in order to maintain public confidence in traditional media.

The engagement climaxed with an interactive question-and-answer session where participants exchanged experiences, discussed practical strategies to counter misinformation and explored opportunities for stronger Austria–Africa cooperation.

The discussions highlighted the urgent need for governments, journalists, educators and civil society organizations to work collaboratively in promoting media literacy, protecting democratic values and combating the increasing spread of false information.

For the participating African journalists, the meeting offered valuable insight into Austria’s parliamentary system, democratic processes and policy approaches to addressing global challenges, while also strengthening dialogue on future partnerships between Africa and Europe based on trust, cooperation and shared interests.

  https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/austria-parliament-engages-african-journalists-on-democracy-disinformation-stronger-africa-relations-during-media-fellowship-in-vienna/

By Foday Moriba Conteh

The Government of Sierra Leone, through the Ministries of Finance and Health, has signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with consultants and contractors aimed at ensuring the completion of three major tertiary hospital projects in the Western Area, alongside an Oxygen Production Facility in Kerry Town.

The agreement, signed on Thursday, 14 May 2026, involves the Government of Sierra Leone, represented by the Ministries of Finance and Health, consultancy firm IDEAS Limited, and four construction companies tasked with completing the stalled projects. The facilities include the Lumley Government Hospital, Macauley Street Government Hospital, Waterloo Government Hospital and an Oxygen Production Facility in Kerry Town.

The signing marks a major breakthrough for projects that had for years been described as abandoned or failed following the closure of the financing window from the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development. The withdrawal of funding had resulted in a prolonged halt in construction activities, leaving the projects incomplete and raising concerns over healthcare infrastructure development in the country.

Speaking during the signing ceremony, Financial Secretary, Matthew Dingie, underscored the significance of the projects in addressing Sierra Leone’s growing healthcare needs. He explained that the Government considers the completion of the hospitals critical to strengthening healthcare delivery and reducing pressure on existing facilities, particularly in the Western Area.

Matthew Dingie disclosed that in response to the funding challenges, the Ministry of Finance pursued an alternative and innovative financing mechanism to revive and complete the projects. He noted that extensive negotiations were held with both contractors and consultants to determine the total resources required for the completion of the remaining original works, as well as approved additional works across all four project sites.

Minister of Health, Dr. Austin Demby, emphasized the urgent need for expanded healthcare infrastructure in the Western Area, noting that rapid population growth has heightened the demand for quality health services.

He maintained that the expansion of hospital capacity remains essential to improving access to healthcare and easing congestion in existing health facilities. Dr. Austin Demby further assured that the Ministry of Health has already begun mobilizing personnel, medical equipment and other logistical supplies to ensure the facilities become fully operational immediately upon completion.

Meanwhile, Minister of Finance Sheku Ahmed Fantamadi Bangura disclosed that the projects are already between 80 to 90 percent complete, expressing optimism that the remaining works would soon be finalized under the new arrangement.

The Finance Minister urged contractors to strictly adhere to the mutually agreed implementation timeline outlined in the Memorandum of Understanding, stressing the Government’s determination to ensure timely delivery of the facilities for public use.

He also reaffirmed the Ministry of Finance’s commitment to guaranteeing the prompt disbursement of funds in accordance with the procedures and funding arrangements detailed in the MOU.

According to the agreement, a total allocation of Four Million, Three Hundred and Twenty-Three Thousand, Five Hundred and Ninety-Three United States Dollars and Sixty-Three Cents (US$4,232,593.63) has been approved for the completion of the projects.

The contractors, Cubic Construction Company Limited, Fajaha International Construction, Hariss Construction and Nimo Construction and Trading Enterprises, are expected to undertake the remaining original works and approved additional works within the stipulated project timeline, raising renewed hopes for improved healthcare delivery and infrastructure development in Sierra Leone. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/government-contractors-commit-over-us4-2-million-to-finalize-stalled-hospital-projects/

Zenith Bank (SL) Limited on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, successfully held its Eighteenth (18th) Annual General Meeting (AGM) alongside its quarterly Board and Committee meetings at the New Brookfields Hotel on Jomo Kenyatta Road, Brookfields, Freetown, where the Bank announced remarkable financial growth and operational resilience despite prevailing economic challenges.

The high-level meeting attracted several dignitaries and key stakeholders, including representatives from the Bank of Sierra Leone, the institution’s regulators, external auditors Kreston Sierra Leone, members of the media, members of the Board of Directors and a cross-section of staff of Zenith Bank (SL) Limited.

The AGM served as an important platform for the Bank to reflect on its operational and financial performance over the past year while outlining strategic plans for sustained growth and improved service delivery.

Speaking during the meeting, the revered Chairman of the Board, Mr. Tapsiru L. Dainkeh and the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Ugochukwu Irechukwu, disclosed that Zenith Bank (SL) Limited recorded significant growth in 2025 despite the year being characterized by considerable economic and commercial challenges.

According to the Bank’s leadership, Zenith Bank Sierra Leone demonstrated resilience and strong performance, with notable improvements recorded across key financial indicators.

The Bank’s Profit Before Tax (PBT) witnessed a significant increase of 97.58 percent, rising from NLe249.88 million in 2024 to NLe493.71 million in 2025. Similarly, Profit After Tax (PAT) experienced substantial growth, increasing from NLe186.58 million in 2024 to NLe368.93 million in 2025.

Gross Earnings also recorded a major boost, rising by 62 percent from NLe441.46 million in 2024 to NLe715.67 million in 2025, underscoring the institution’s growing financial strength and expanding operational footprint.

Officials described the financial performance as an impressive and trail-blazing achievement since the establishment of the Bank in Sierra Leone, emphasizing that the institution continues to strengthen its position within the country’s banking and financial sector.

Management highlighted that Zenith Bank Sierra Leone has expanded significantly across almost every sector while demonstrating exceptional resilience in the face of global economic uncertainty and commercial obstacles that affected many businesses and institutions in 2025.

Board members and Directors present at the AGM commended the Bank’s Management and staff for what they described as their unwavering commitment, professionalism and dedication to delivering excellent banking services to customers.

Special recognition was given to the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Ugochukwu Irechukwu, whose leadership and strategic vision were credited for driving the Bank’s strong performance and sustained growth trajectory.

Directors praised his spectacular leadership style and strategic mindset, noting that his stewardship has positioned Zenith Bank (SL) Limited among the leading financial institutions in Sierra Leone.

Members at the AGM also extended appreciation to the Bank’s loyal customers, acknowledging their continued trust and confidence as a major driving force behind the institution’s success story.

According to stakeholders, customers remain central to the Bank’s operations and their patronage continues to inspire Zenith Bank Sierra Leone to improve service delivery and maintain excellence in the country’s banking sector.

The successful hosting of the 18th Annual General Meeting further reaffirmed Zenith Bank (SL) Limited’s commitment to transparency, accountability and sustainable growth as it continues to expand its influence and strengthen confidence within Sierra Leone’s financial landscape.

With impressive financial indicators and a clear strategic direction, Zenith Bank (SL) Limited appears poised to sustain its growth momentum while maintaining its commitment to serving customers in their best interest. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/zenith-bank-sl-celebrates-profit-surge-and-strategic-success-at-18th-agm/

By Alvin Lansana Kargbo

Chief Executive Officer of Africell Sierra Leone, Shadi Gerjawi, has emphasized the indispensable role of digital infrastructure in strengthening digital sovereignty and advancing sustainable technological development across West Africa during the 18th Edition of the West Africa Internet Governance Forum (WAIGF 2026) held in Freetown.

The high-profile regional forum, officially opened on Thursday, May 14, 2026, at the Miatta Conference Centre, Youyi Building, brought together policymakers, technology experts, regulators, youth representatives, development partners and private sector actors from across West Africa to deliberate on the future of internet governance, emerging technologies and digital transformation in the region.

Speaking on behalf of Sierra Leone’s Mobile Network Operators (MNOs), Shadi Gerjawi, CEO of Africell, underscored that digital sovereignty cannot exist without strong physical infrastructure, stressing that telecommunications towers, fibre optic networks and last-mile connectivity remain the backbone of digital advancement.

Shadi Gerjawi noted that mobile network operators have made substantial investments in strengthening telecommunications infrastructure across Sierra Leone and the wider region, explaining that countries with strong digital connectivity are better positioned to compete globally while safeguarding their citizens in an increasingly digital world.

According to him, extending reliable connectivity to underserved and remote communities requires sustained investments, supportive Government policies, targeted subsidies and regulatory frameworks that encourage investment. He pointed out that despite continuous network expansion in recent years, service costs have significantly declined, making telecommunications services increasingly accessible to citizens.

The Africell CEO further emphasized that digital infrastructure alone is insufficient to drive meaningful transformation, highlighting the important role mobile operators play in digital literacy and capacity building.

He explained that telecommunications operators engage millions of people daily and therefore possess the capacity to collaborate with Governments, schools and educational institutions to equip young people with practical digital skills necessary to thrive in the digital economy.

Shadi Gerjawi also stressed the responsibility of Mobile Network Operators in ensuring secure and trustworthy digital networks, maintaining that user data protection and online safety remain essential priorities, especially for vulnerable groups.

Looking toward the future, he identified mobile money services as one of the region’s most successful financial inclusion models, urging stakeholders to deepen financial integration through expanded access to credit, savings and insurance products. He called for stronger regulatory cooperation and continuous innovation to maximize the transformative potential of digital financial services.

While commending Sierra Leone for hosting the regional forum, Shadi Gerjawi praised the country’s leadership role in advancing discussions on digital governance and internet development in West Africa.

The five-day forum commenced after the successful hosting of the West Africa School on Internet Governance, held from May 11 to 12, where experts, facilitators and fellows explored issues surrounding internet governance, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, digital cooperation, data governance and emerging technologies.

The opening ceremony also featured strategic discussions on regional digital transformation, cybersecurity, digital inclusion and innovation, with Government officials reaffirming commitments to stronger collaboration aimed at building a secure, resilient and digitally sovereign West Africa.

WAIGF 2026 is expected to generate actionable recommendations that will shape internet governance policies, digital inclusion efforts and innovation strategies across the West African region. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/africell-ceo-highlights-mnos-critical-role-in-securing-west-africas-digital-future/

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh has described President Dr. Julius Maada Bio as a bold and visionary leader whose unwavering commitment to inclusive governance, democratic accountability and human capital development continues to position Sierra Leone as a model of progressive leadership on the African continent.

Speaking on Wednesday, 13 May 2026, at the Freetown International Conference Center during the landmark Julius Maada Bio Leadership Colloquium, Vice President Juldeh Jalloh said President Bio’s leadership continues to inspire democratic reforms and inclusive national development at a time when many African nations are grappling with political and economic uncertainty.

The high-level colloquium, organized by the African Young Leadership Convergence (AYLC) as part of activities marking President Bio’s birthday, brought together African leaders, policymakers, diplomats, traditional authorities, youth representatives, women leaders and governance experts to discuss the future of leadership across the continent. Held under the theme, “Reimagining African Leadership: Courage, Accountability, Innovation and Leadership in an Era of Global Uncertainty,” the event focused on strengthening democratic governance, innovation and accountable leadership in Africa.

In his welcome remarks, Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh underscored President Bio’s determination to foster democratic accountability and inclusive governance, noting that Sierra Leone’s growing reputation on the continent reflects deliberate efforts to strengthen institutions and empower citizens through education and development initiatives.

He maintained that President Bio’s emphasis on human capital development, particularly in education and youth empowerment, demonstrates leadership committed to long-term national transformation and sustainable development.

Delivering a keynote address, President Julius Maada Bio described the colloquium as more than a ceremonial gathering, stressing that it represented a critical moment of reflection and responsibility for African leaders.

“We are here to confront a defining and unavoidable question: What kind of leadership will shape Africa’s future in this century?” President Bio stated, emphasizing the urgent need for courageous, accountable and innovative leadership capable of responding to contemporary challenges facing the continent.

President Bio asserted that Africa must take ownership of its future through decisive leadership and structural transformation, cautioning against symbolic reforms that fail to address real societal needs. According to him, leadership should not be measured by the ability to retain power, but by the transformation of institutions and improvement in people’s lives.

Reflecting on his own political journey, President Bio recounted his historic decision in 1996 to hand over power to a democratically elected civilian Government, describing the move as a demonstration of democratic conviction and responsible stewardship.

As Chairman of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), President Bio also highlighted the growing governance and security challenges confronting West Africa. He warned that governance failures, economic inequality and declining trust in democratic institutions continue to threaten regional peace and stability.

The President further called for stronger African integration, increased intra-African trade and a unified continental voice in global affairs, insisting that Africa must no longer remain on the margins of international influence.

Former Commonwealth Secretary-General, Baroness Patricia Scotland, commended President Bio for promoting women’s empowerment and inclusive governance, while former President of Malawi, Joyce Banda, encouraged African Governments to create more opportunities for women and young people.

The event concluded with renewed commitments from participants to promote accountable governance, inclusive leadership and democratic stability across Africa, while former Vice President Victor Bockarie Foh described the colloquium as an inspiring and historic initiative for Sierra Leone. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/vice-president-applauds-president-bios-commitment-to-inclusive-leadership-and-national-development/

In a demonstration of its continued commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), Orange Sierra Leone has made a financial donation to the Sierra Leone Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC) to support the institution following the recent fire incident and to contribute to national broadcasting and media development initiatives.

The donation underscores Orange Sierra Leone’s dedication to supporting national institutions and strengthening strategic partnerships that contribute to information dissemination, public awareness and national development across Sierra Leone.

As a longstanding strategic partner of SLBC, Orange Sierra Leone acknowledged the important role the national broadcaster continues to play in promoting access to information, enhancing public awareness and supporting national development efforts through responsible and effective broadcasting.

The financial support was formally presented during a brief ceremony held on Friday, 15 May 2026. The presentation was led by Orange Sierra Leone’s Chief Marketing Officer, Abdramane Kone, alongside the company’s General Secretary, Danetta Younge.

Receiving the donation on behalf of SLBC were the Director General, Josephine Kamara and Deputy Director General, Mohamed Asmieu Bah, who welcomed the support and recognized the significance of the partnership during a challenging period for the institution.

Also present at the presentation ceremony was the Chief Executive Officer of OWL Newspaper, Alhaji Dauda Bangura, who joined the Orange Sierra Leone delegation during the handing-over event.

Orange Sierra Leone reaffirmed its commitment to supporting impactful partnerships and initiatives that contribute to national development, community empowerment and the strengthening of institutions that serve the public interest. Through such interventions, the company continues to position itself as a responsible corporate institution committed to supporting Sierra Leone’s growth and development agenda. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/orange-sierra-leone-supports-slbc-with-financial-donation-following-fire-incident/