Following Iran’s recent Third Iran-Africa International Economic Cooperation Conference, a high-level delegation from the Office of the President of Iran visited His Excellency Ambassador Salamu Koroma, signaling a strong interest in fostering trade and investment partnerships with Sierra Leone’s private sector. Led by Dr. Valiollah Aghayarzadeh, Assistant and Advisor on Agricultural Affairs to the Iranian President, the delegation conveyed Iran’s readiness to deepen economic and commercial ties across Africa, with particular focus on Sierra Leone. Dr. Aghayarzadeh stressed the crucial need for collaborative efforts between private sector investors from both nations to cultivate sustainable business ventures.
A prominent member of the delegation was Mr. Seyyed Mortez Sadat, Managing Director of Raouf Group, a leading Iranian manufacturer specialized in medical and technological equipment. Mr. Sadat highlighted their innovative oxygen production systems, which proved vital during the COVID-19 pandemic, and expressed significant interest in forging partnerships with Sierra Leonean medical equipment traders, a process Ambassador Koroma committed to facilitating.
Ambassador Koroma warmly received the Iranian delegation, emphasizing the enduring cordial relations between Sierra Leone and Iran. He candidly addressed existing challenges, particularly those related to transportation and visa facilitation, which he identified as critical impediments to enhancing bilateral trade. As a strategic solution, Ambassador Koroma proposed the establishment of a local medical equipment manufacturing facility in Sierra Leone, anticipating that such a venture would not only mitigate logistical hurdles, but also yield broader benefits for the entire West African region.
Further broadening the scope of potential cooperation, Dr. Aghayarzadeh suggested the establishment of academic partnerships between esteemed Iranian universities, including Tehran University and the University of Science and Industry, and Sierra Leonean institutions. This initiative aims to foster knowledge transfer and promote youth development. The delegation also included Miss Elmira Habibi, Advisor to the National Engineering, Agriculture, and Natural Resources Organization for Women’s Affairs, who actively participated in the discussions. Both Iranian and Sierra Leonean representatives expressed considerable optimism regarding the swift formalization of trade contracts and the establishment of university sisterhoods, underscoring a shared commitment to strengthening cooperation for mutual economic growth and development.
Elizabeth Mamie Campbell
Information Attaché, Tehran/ Iran