Sierra Leone Makes Strong Energy Investment Pitch to Russian Partners at Moscow Forum.

Korovy Val, Moscow -17 September 2025:

In a decisive move to strengthen international energy partnerships, Sierra Leone’s Deputy Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources, Hon. Umaru Napoleon Koroma, Esq., has extended a direct invitation to Russian investors, positioning the West African nation as a promising destination for investment in oil, gas, and power infrastructure.

Minister Koroma delivered this appeal during a high-level panel at the Russian Energy Week International Forum, where he served as a panelist in the session titled “Russia–Africa: Towards the Practical Implementation of Energy Projects.”

“We need partners to develop our energy sector,” Minister Koroma declared. “We want Sierra Leone to manufacture its own iron - it’s time for Russia, it’s time for partnership.”

Framing his message within a broader historical perspective, Minister Koroma highlighted Russia’s longstanding role in Africa’s development, from its support during decolonization to its growing engagement in modern economic transformation. He emphasized that Africa is once again looking to Moscow - this time as a vital partner in building the energy infrastructure essential for sustainable growth.

While noting Sierra Leone’s rich mineral endowment, Minister Koroma underscored that the absence of a strong domestic energy industry has limited value addition. He described energy as the “bedrock of development,” vital for progress across various sectors, including mining, agriculture, education, ICT, and healthcare.

In a significant development, he announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the mining ministries of Sierra Leone and Russia, a concrete step toward deepening bilateral cooperation in the extractives and energy sectors.

Echoing the Call for Investment

The Sierra Leonean delegation’s message was reinforced by Mr. Foday Bangali Lahai Mansaray, Director General of the Petroleum Directorate, during a separate panel discussion on global energy markets. Echoing the vision of His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio, DG Mansaray highlighted the “vast potential and opportunities” within Sierra Leone’s oil and gas sector.

He pointed to the government’s recent legal and regulatory reforms as key enablers for investment.

“What is absolutely key when negotiating a contract is speed,” Mansaray noted. “Sierra Leone has created laws that are conducive to business, ensuring a favorable environment for investors.”

He called on major international oil and gas companies, including Gazprom Neft, Rosneft, Lukoil, and global players such as TotalEnergies and Shell, to explore partnerships and help build a dynamic energy industry in Sierra Leone.

Progress on the Sidelines

Beyond the formal sessions, the Sierra Leone delegation held a “significant and successful” sideline meeting with executives from Gazprom Neft, focusing on collaboration opportunities in the oil and gas sector.

The delegation to this year’s Russian Energy Week International Forum was led by Hon. Mathew Sahr Nyuma, Leader of Government Business in the Parliament of Sierra Leone, alongside His Excellency Ambassador Mohamed Yongawo and senior officials from the Mines and Petroleum sectors.

This engagement marks a strategic step in Sierra Leone’s broader agenda to attract global capital and technical expertise, aiming to transform its abundant natural resources into a foundation for sustainable national development.

For More Information:

Festus J. Lahai

Information Attaché

Embassy of the Republic of Sierra Leone

Moscow, Russian Federation