Freetown, 27 June 2025 —
Sierra Leone is preparing to offer Russian fishing companies an annual catch quota of up to 40,000 metric tons as part of a broader effort to deepen cooperation between the two countries, according to the Russian Federal Agency for Fisheries (Rosrybolovstvo).
The potential deal was discussed during the inaugural session of the Russian-Sierra Leone Fisheries Commission, held recently in Freetown.
Rosrybolovstvo announced the development via its official Telegram channel, highlighting Sierra Leone’s interest in attracting up to 20 Russian fishing vessels to operate within its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
“The country is interested in attracting up to 20 vessels to work in its exclusive economic zone,” the agency stated, adding that negotiations will move forward once biological and economic assessments are finalized.
The announcement follows joint marine research conducted by Russian and Sierra Leonean scientists under the Great African Expedition, launched by Rosrybolovstvo in August 2024. The research focused on evaluating the biomass and distribution of small pelagic species, data deemed crucial for shaping any long-term fishing agreements.
Beyond fishing, Sierra Leone is also seeking Russian support in modernizing port infrastructure, upgrading its fishing fleet, and developing coastal refrigeration and monitoring systems, according to Rosrybolovstvo. These areas are expected to feature prominently in future bilateral investment talks.
Russia’s broader engagement across Africa has intensified in recent years, with growing partnerships in energy, defense, education, and trade.
The Kremlin has designated Africa as a key pillar of its foreign policy, and recent agreements with Burkina Faso and Mali on peaceful nuclear energy development underscore that strategic shift.
Earlier this year, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Maria Zakharova, confirmed plans to open new embassies across the continent, including one in Sierra Leone. At present, Russia’s diplomatic presence in the country is limited to a Consulate General in Freetown.
On the sidelines of the XVI International IT Forum in Khanty-Mansiysk last week, Sierra Leone’s ambassador to Russia, Mohamed Yongawo, also signaled interest in technology cooperation.
He highlighted prospects for partnerships with Russian IT companies like Yandex, especially in the education and healthcare sectors.
As discussions on fisheries and broader economic cooperation advance, both Moscow and Freetown appear poised to forge a deeper, multi-sectoral partnership.