On Thursday, April 3, 2025, the People’s Republic of China donated 27,600 bags of 50kg rice to the Republic of Sierra Leone as part of an Emergency Food Assistance initiative. The donation underscores the continued commitment of China to support Sierra Leone’s efforts toward food security and sustainable development. The handing-over ceremony was held at the World Food Programme (WFP) Warehouse located at Kissy Dock Yard in Freetown, marking another milestone in the diplomatic and humanitarian ties between the two countries.
Speaking during the ceremony, Chinese Ambassador to Sierra Leone, Wang Qing, reaffirmed China’s dedication to enhancing Sierra Leone’s agricultural capacity and improving the livelihoods of its citizens. He highlighted that, between 2018 and 2024, China provided an estimated 10,600 metric tons of rice to support smallholder farmers, contributing significantly to efforts aimed at boosting local food production. Ambassador Wang also referenced key bilateral projects such as the China-Sierra Leone Friendship Hospital and the National Stadium as enduring symbols of cooperation, extending beyond agriculture into health, sports, and infrastructure development.
Accepting the donation on behalf of the Government of Sierra Leone, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr. Henry Musa Kpaka, expressed sincere appreciation to the Chinese government for its consistent and timely support, particularly during periods of heightened food insecurity. He emphasized that the rice donation will play a critical role in addressing immediate nutritional needs among vulnerable populations.
Dr. Kpaka announced that, following Cabinet’s strategic allocation, 7,000 bags of rice will be distributed to the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources. These will directly benefit registered artisanal fishing groups who play a crucial role in food production and economic activity in coastal communities. The remaining 20,600 bags are earmarked for the nationwide school feeding program, an initiative aimed at ensuring school-aged children across the country receive daily nutritious meals, thereby improving attendance and learning outcomes.
The Minister further reflected on the longstanding and multifaceted relationship between Sierra Leone and China, which has spanned over five decades. This partnership, he noted, is built on mutual respect, shared goals, and collaboration in sectors such as agriculture, health, infrastructure, education, and technology. He called for the continuation of such cooperative engagements, emphasizing their importance in fostering national development and resilience against global challenges.
The event was attended by representatives from the World Food Programme, government officials, community stakeholders, and members of the press, all of whom acknowledged the significance of the gesture in supporting Sierra Leone’s food systems. The donation not only addresses current food needs, but also exemplifies international solidarity in the face of global food crises exacerbated by climate change, economic shocks, and geopolitical disruptions.
As Sierra Leone continues to implement its national food security strategy, partnerships like the one with China remain instrumental in achieving long-term agricultural transformation and human capital development. The rice donation is expected to have an immediate impact, particularly for school children and artisanal fishing communities, while also reinforcing the bonds of friendship and cooperation that define the China-Sierra Leone relationship.