By Amin Kef (Ranger)

Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh on February 13, 2026, met with the European Union (EU) Ambassador and his delegation to discuss ongoing and emerging areas of cooperation between Sierra Leone and the European Union.

The meeting focused on strengthening collaboration in international maritime security, food security and the EU’s Global Gateway initiative, while also highlighting Government’s new priority to reform the country’s waste management system as part of its climate action strategy.

According to the Vice President, discussions with the EU delegation were productive and centered on consolidating long-standing partnership goals. On international maritime security, both sides underscored the importance of continued collaboration to secure regional waters, combat illegal activities at sea and protect marine resources vital to Sierra Leone’s economy.

Maritime security remains a strategic concern for Sierra Leone, given its dependence on fisheries, port operations and maritime trade. Officials say enhanced cooperation with international partners such as the EU will help strengthen surveillance, enforcement capacity and regional coordination.

Food security also featured prominently in the discussions. Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh reiterated Government’s commitment to agricultural transformation under the “Feed Salone” strategy, which aims to boost domestic food production, reduce import dependency and build resilience against climate-related shocks.

He noted that partnerships with development partners are essential to improving agricultural value chains, enhancing productivity and supporting smallholder farmers across the country. The EU has been a key partner in supporting agricultural and rural development initiatives.

The meeting further explored opportunities under the EU Global Gateway, the European Union’s €300 billion infrastructure initiative designed to support green and digital transitions globally. Sierra Leone is seeking to leverage the initiative to expand infrastructure development, strengthen digital connectivity and accelerate investments in renewable energy and climate-resilient projects.

Beyond those traditional areas of cooperation, the Vice President highlighted Government’s emerging priority to overhaul the national waste management system. He described waste management reform as a critical component of Sierra Leone’s climate change mitigation and environmental protection agenda.

Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh disclosed that engagements are already ongoing with relevant Ministries, sector leads, the Freetown City Council (FCC), other local councils and private operators to design a sustainable waste management architecture. The objective is to replace outdated and inadequate infrastructure with a system that is efficient, environmentally sound and market-driven.

The Vice President emphasized that modernizing waste management is not only an environmental necessity but also a public health and economic opportunity. A reformed system, he said, would help reduce pollution, create green jobs and contribute to a circular economy model.

The meeting comes shortly after the launch on February 6, 2026, of a $5.4 million United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)-led initiative focused on promoting circular economy and zero-waste systems in Sierra Leone. In addition, a major waste-to-energy project in Freetown, supported by the EU-backed Climate Investor Two fund, is expected to convert approximately 365,000 tonnes of annual waste into green electricity.

Observers say the engagement reflects strengthened Sierra Leone–EU relations, with climate action, food security and sustainable infrastructure development emerging as key pillars of cooperation going forward. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/vice-president-highlights-national-waste-management-reform-in-high-level-eu-meeting/