By Saidu Dumbuya
In a significant event that underscores Sierra Leone’s commitment to fostering collaboration among developing nations, the Minister of Political and Public Affairs, Amara Kallon, officially inaugurated the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) High-Level Forum on South-South and Triangular Cooperation at the Youyi Building in Freetown. This vital forum serves as a platform for dialogue and exchange, and in his stirring keynote address, Minister Kallon highlighted that the next five years are crucial for Africa’s trajectory towards sustainable development. He called for a united front among countries of the Global South and emphasized the urgent need to redefine African identity within the broader global stage.
Kallon passionately urged fellow African nations to break away from a long-standing dependency on Western frameworks and instead embrace a cooperative approach grounded in shared cultural heritage, historical connections, and common values. He acknowledged the progress made in enhancing data governance and institutional capacities since the Bucca 20 summit; however, he insisted that more effort is necessary to prioritize collective action rather than individual recognition in the developmental landscape.
This year’s forum marks a remarkable milestone, as it is the first time Sierra Leone has hosted such a significant event, following successful previous editions in Uganda and Egypt. The gathering saw an impressive assembly of representatives from 66 countries, along with influential development partners including the African Union, various UN agencies, and numerous non-governmental organizations. The high-profile attendance included esteemed officials such as the President of Ghana and the Prime Minister of Algeria, elevating the event’s status and reflecting its diplomatic importance.
In a forward-looking announcement, Kallon revealed plans to establish a permanent coordination office dedicated to South-South cooperation in Sierra Leone, further strengthening the country’s position in this vital arena. This initiative will receive support from influential partners, including the UN Development Programme (UNDP), China, and India, and aims to create a vibrant hub for dialogue, innovation, and policy exchange among African nations and stakeholders of the Global South.
A standout feature of the forum was the international exhibition showcasing an impressive array of technology and development solutions from over 35 nations. Attendees were treated to displays of electric vehicles, innovative digital public management tools, and cutting-edge smart security systems, all aimed at demonstrating scalable innovations that can effectively tackle shared challenges faced across the African continent.
Youth empowerment emerged as another critical focal point of the forum, with young innovators from various corners of Africa engaging in policy dialogues and sharing transformative ideas to catalyze the continent’s progress. Kallon underscored the importance of centring youth in Africa’s development agenda, recognizing their vital role in shaping future policies and technological advancements.
With the engagement of 44 African Union member states in the APRM process, Sierra Leone’s role as the host positioned the nation centrally within the continent’s policymaking sphere. Kallon concluded the forum with an impassioned call for confidence and originality among African nations, declaring: “Africa must be African.”
The APRM representative, Sara TawfikHamouda, reinforced the necessity of translating the forum’s recommendations into actionable initiatives, while the UNDP encouraged the formulation of a clear roadmap to ensure sustained impact over time. Closing remarks by Professor Ezekiel DuramanyLakkoh emphasized the significance of accountability and responsible leadership as foundational pillars for national progress, leaving participants with a profound sense of purpose and commitment to the dialogue initiated at the forum.
