Sierra Leone's newly appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mohamed Rahman Swaray, has made economic diplomacy a central focus of his foreign policy agenda. Speaking at a diplomatic briefing in Freetown on October 6, 2026, Swaray emphasized that the country's international relationships must translate into tangible economic opportunities for its people. He stated that Sierra Leone's diplomacy must deliver results for the nation.
Swaray's approach to economic diplomacy involves attracting investment, expanding trade, facilitating technology transfer, and developing skills and productive capacity. He noted that Sierra Leone remains open to investment, technology, market access, development finance, and long-term commercial partnerships. However, he stressed that international engagement must respect national sovereignty, the rule of law, and equal opportunity. The Minister's approach is anchored in the country's national interests and aligned with the Medium-Term National Development Plan 2024–2030.
Swaray has tasked Sierra Leone's diplomatic missions abroad with assuming a more active economic role. This includes identifying opportunities, connecting investors and international partners with relevant institutions, and helping to strengthen confidence in the country's investment potential. He emphasized that attracting investment alone is not enough; the quality of growth matters as much as its scale. Investment should strengthen Sierra Leone's productive capacity, develop the skills of its citizens, and create sustainable economic opportunities.
The Minister's priorities also include peace, institutional balance, and accountability; citizen protection and legal migration; diaspora and consular services; and regional, multilateral, and community engagement. Swaray pledged to modernize Sierra Leone's Foreign Service through greater professionalism and accountability, increased digital service delivery, and stronger coordination across government. Improving consular and other services available to Sierra Leoneans living abroad is also part of the reform agenda.
The diplomatic briefing, which brought together members of the diplomatic and consular corps, media representatives, civil society, and other stakeholders, marked the beginning of regular and constructive engagement with Sierra Leone's international partners. Swaray described the meeting as an opportunity for diplomats and domestic stakeholders to exchange views on the country's international priorities and potential areas for practical cooperation.
Before his appointment to the Foreign Affairs Ministry, Swaray served in other government positions, including Minister of Information and Communications and Minister of Employment, Labour, and Social Security. During his tenure at the Information Ministry, Sierra Leone repealed its longstanding criminal libel law and organized a media investment and viability conference. At the Labour Ministry, his tenure coincided with the enactment of the Social Protection Act 2025.
Swaray's focus on institutional reform and delivery is now being translated into Sierra Leone's international engagement, with economic diplomacy emerging as a major priority. The Minister's efforts aim to create jobs, stimulate economic growth, and improve the lives of Sierra Leoneans. His approach has been welcomed by stakeholders, who see it as a crucial step towards achieving the country's development goals.
Key points
- Sierra Leone's Foreign Minister Mohamed Rahman Swaray prioritizes economic diplomacy to attract investment and create jobs.
