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Sierra Leone Strengthens Global Fisheries Ties at 2025 Global Fishery Forum in Russia St. Petersburg, Russia – Sierra Leone has taken significant steps to boost its fisheries sector on the global stage as the country’s Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources, Mrs. Princess Betty Dugba, led a high-level delegation to the Eighth Global Fishery Forum and Seafood Expo 2025 in St. Petersburg. Accompanied by the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Brima S.T. Kebbie, and Director of Fisheries, Mr. Sheku Sei, Minister Dugba engaged in a series of strategic bilateral meetings and technical sessions focused on innovation, investment, and international market access. The delegation was officially welcomed by Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to Russia, His Excellency Mohamed Yongawo, who played a pivotal role in coordinating engagements on the sidelines of the event. Focus on Innovation, AI, and Aquaculture During the forum, Minister Dugba participated in high-level sessions themed around “Artificial Intelligence: New Opportunities for the Fishery Industry,” “Aquaculture Tomorrow – Shaping the Future Today,” and trends in global fish consumption. These discussions aligned with Sierra Leone’s agenda to modernize its fisheries operations through the use of technology, data-driven practices, and sustainable aquaculture. Strengthening Bilateral Relations with Russia A key highlight of the visit was a bilateral meeting with Mr. I.V. Shestakov, Head of the Organizing Committee for the Russian Federal Agency for Fisheries. Minister Dugba conveyed warm regards from His Excellency, President Julius Maada Bio, and reaffirmed Sierra Leone’s commitment to strengthening its longstanding partnership. “I am here to continue our bilateral discussions initiated during your visit to Sierra Leone and reaffirm our areas of cooperation,” she stated. She outlined Sierra Leone’s strategic priorities, including training opportunities, technological collaboration, acquisition of fishing vessels, and the provision of ice-making machines to support local fishing communities. Director of Fisheries, Mr. Sheku Sei, highlighted additional areas of cooperation, emphasizing the need for blast freezers, laboratory facilities for fish testing, and ice production infrastructure. “Above all, we want our fish to be exported to the Russian market,” he added. Mr. Shestakov assured the delegation of Russia’s readiness to collaborate and advance the agreed areas of cooperation. Engaging Russian Industry Leaders for Technology Transfer In an effort to attract investment and introduce advanced technologies into Sierra Leone’s fisheries and maritime industries, the delegation held productive discussions with several major Russian industrial and research institutions, including: • RusHydro (All-Russian Research Institute of Hydraulic Engineering) – Russia’s largest hydroelectric plant designer and builder. • ORION Group of Companies – A leading manufacturer of shipbuilding, aviation, and nuclear equipment. • ANO “CKS” (Association of Shipyards of St. Petersburg) – Expressed interest in maritime cooperation, led by Chairman Mr. Anton Narvish. • Scientific and Production Association “GIDROENERGOSTROY” – Developers of innovative marine wave energy technologies. Expanding Global Cooperation: Türkiye and Cuba The minister also extended Sierra Leone’s international outreach through separate bilateral meetings with Mr. Turgay Türkyılmaz, Director General of Fisheries and Aquaculture of the Republic of Türkiye, and Mr. Alberto López Díaz, Minister of the Food Industry of Cuba. These engagements aimed at deepening partnerships in aquaculture development, capacity building, and market expansion. Boosting Sierra Leone’s Global Fisheries Ambition The participation of Sierra Leone at the Global Fishery Forum and Seafood Expo 2025 signifies the government’s renewed commitment to transforming the fisheries sector into a key pillar for economic growth, job creation, and export diversification. Through these strategic engagements, the government aims to secure advanced technologies, bolster local infrastructure, and open new international markets for Sierra Leonean fish products. The delegation is expected to continue follow-up engagements to translate these discussions into actionable agreements that will benefit Sierra Leone’s fishing communities and the broader economy. For More Inquiries: Festus J. Lahai Information Attaché Embassy of the Republic of Sierra Leone Moscow, Russian Federation information.attache@ru.slembassy.gov.sl Website: www.slembassyrussia.org
