EU Celebrates 50 Years of Partnership with Sierra Leone

The press launch celebrated a golden jubilee of partnership, shared progress, and unwavering solidarity that has driven sustainable development since the establishment of the Delegation in Sierra Leone in 1976.

The auspicious event, hosted at the Country Lodge in Freetown, brought together the EU and its Member States, including EU Ambassador Jacek Jankowski, German Ambassador Dr. Pascal Richter, Irish Ambassador Patrick McManus, and France's Chargé d'Affaires to Sierra Leone, Jean Lamy. The launch was also graced by the distinguished presence of the Hon. Kenyeh Barlay, Minister of Planning and Economic Development, representing the Government of Sierra Leone.

The media briefing highlighted the key achievements of this long-standing partnership, emphasizing major progress in infrastructure, governance, education, agriculture, the economy, and social services-all of which have significantly contributed to improved livelihoods across the country.

Addressing the press, EU Ambassador Jacek Jankowski noted that over the past 50 years, the European Union has built a profound relationship with Sierra Leone. Today, the EU is widely recognized by Sierra Leoneans as a credible and reliable partner deeply committed to the nation's prosperity.

Ambassador Jankowski emphasized that the Golden Jubilee is a celebration of a common history but also a showcase of tangible impacts in diplomacy, economic growth, and sustainable development. He described the relationship as one firmly built on "mutual respect, cooperation, and solidarity."

"Over the past five decades, we have worked tirelessly alongside successive governments, civil society, political parties, the media, and the people of Sierra Leone to promote peace, stability, democracy, human rights, and sustainable socio-economic development," Ambassador Jankowski stated.

He further explained how the EU closely aligns its development assistance with Sierra Leone's National Development Plans. The EU has proudly supported the country's efforts over the last two decades to consolidate peace following the civil war, while strengthening security, governance, fundamental freedoms, gender equality, and inclusive economic growth.

As Team Europe, the EU and its Member States pool their resources and expertise to invest in Sierra Leone, ensuring that European taxpayers' funds are effectively targeted toward growth. Over the last 50 years, this bond has successfully evolved from a traditional, aid-driven relationship into a broad strategic alliance that included democratic governance and regional cooperation.

Representing the Government of Sierra Leone, the Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Hon. Kenyeh Barlay, expressed her delight regarding the enduring bilateral relationship with the EU and Team Europe.

"On behalf of the Government of Sierra Leone, I extend my sincere appreciation to the European Union for its long-standing friendship, solidarity, and immense contribution to our national development journey. Indeed, for five decades, Sierra Leone and the European Union have walked together through different phases of our national history," Minister Barlay remarked.

The Minister highlighted that the EU has stood firmly by Sierra Leone through its most critical eras: before the war, during the conflict, and throughout the post-war peace consolidation, institutional building, and developmental transformation.

"Today, we are observing a remarkable milestone of 50 years of robust, transformative, and unwavering cooperation," she emphasized. "This Golden Jubilee anniversary is a powerful reminder that development partnerships are not built overnight. They are forged through trust, consistency, shared values, and a common commitment to improving the lives of our people."

Reinforcing this shared vision, the Ambassadors of Germany, Ireland, and France reaffirmed their collective Team Europe commitment to supporting Sierra Leone's future development aspirations.