Embassy of Sierra Leone in Seoul.

22/07/2026

Embassy Bids Farewell to CUPIA Technical Team

SEOUL, Republic of Korea, July 22, 2026 –

The Embassy of Sierra Leone in Seoul has hosted a final operational readiness meeting and official send-off for a technical delegation from the Korea-based Cooperative of University, Industry and Public Institutions (CUPIA) ahead of the team’s deployment to Sierra Leone.

The meeting, chaired by Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to the Republic of Korea, His Excellency Paul Sobba Massaquoi, marked another milestone in the country’s digital transformation agenda as preparations were concluded for the Phase I implementation of the Sierra Leone National Single Window (SLNSW) Project.

The project is being implemented under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Agreement with BLUeRIBBON Solutions Ltd. and is expected to modernize trade facilitation by integrating customs, ports and other government services through a unified digital platform.

Discussions centred on CUPIA’s responsibilities to finance, design, develop, maintain and continuously enhance the SLNSW system architecture. Officials also reviewed key implementation priorities, including the integration of existing customs and port systems, alignment with international maritime standards and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) framework, and the phased harmonization of operations across key Ministries, Departments and Agencies.

The first phase of the project will involve the National Revenue Authority (NRA), Sierra Leone Ports Authority (SLPA), Sierra Leone Maritime Administration (SLMA), and the National Social Security and Insurance Trust (NASSIT).

Participants also reflected on the diplomatic engagements that laid the foundation for the initiative, including efforts made during the visit of the Minister of Youth Affairs, Hon. Ibrahim Sannoh, and the continued coordination of the Office of the Chief Minister in advancing the National Single Window Project.

Speaking at the meeting, Ambassador Massaquoi commended the growing partnership between Sierra Leone and the Republic of Korea and reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to using digital innovation to improve trade facilitation, strengthen institutional efficiency and create a more attractive investment climate.

The meeting concluded with an official farewell to the CUPIA technical delegation, which has departed for Sierra Leone to begin Phase I implementation of the project in Freetown. The Embassy expressed confidence that the team’s expertise, building on CUPIA’s successful UNI-PASS experience, will contribute significantly to the successful rollout of the National Single Window system.

20/07/2026

🇸🇱 A Monumental Diplomatic Triumph for Sierra Leone

On behalf of the Embassy of the Republic of Sierra Leone in Seoul, the diplomatic staff, and the Sierra Leonean diaspora community in the Republic of Korea, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio on the successful hosting of the 69th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government in Freetown.

This landmark summit marks a significant milestone in Sierra Leone's diplomatic journey, reflecting our nation's growing role in regional leadership, political stability, and economic transformation.

Under the leadership of His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio, in his capacity as Chairman of ECOWAS, the adoption of the ECOWAS Compact of the Future, together with the commissioning of the Julius Maada Bio International Conference Centre and the ECOWAS Logistics Depot in Lungi, demonstrates Sierra Leone's commitment to regional integration, peace, and sustainable development.

I also extend my sincere appreciation to Her Excellency Dr. Fatima Maada Bio, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MOFAIC), the Presidential State Staff, security agencies, development partners, and all stakeholders whose dedication and professionalism contributed to the success of this historic summit.

As Ambassador and High Commissioner of the Republic of Sierra Leone to the Republic of Korea, I am confident that this achievement further strengthens Sierra Leone's international standing and creates new opportunities to deepen cooperation with partners across East Asia in trade, investment, tourism, and sustainable development.
This is a proud moment for every Sierra Leonean at home and across the diaspora.

Congratulations, Your Excellency, Mr. President.

H.E. Dr. Paul S. Massaquoi
Ambassador & High Commissioner
Embassy of the Republic of Sierra Leone
Seoul, Republic of Korea
🇸🇱🤝🇰🇷

14/07/2026

His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio, President of the Republic of Sierra Leone and Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, presided over the opening session of the 12th ECOWAS Meeting in Sierra Leone.

The session brought together Heads of State, government representatives, and regional stakeholders to deliberate on key issues aimed at advancing peace, security, democracy, economic integration, and sustainable development across the ECOWAS region.

The Embassy of the Republic of Sierra Leone in the Republic of Korea is pleased to share highlights from this important regional engagement.

🇸🇱🤝🌍

03/07/2026

Government of Sierra Leone Expands Diplomatic Representation in the Asia-Pacific with New Ambassadorial Accreditations

Seoul, Republic of Korea –

The Government of the Republic of Sierra Leone has further strengthened its diplomatic presence in the Asia-Pacific region with the appointment of Ambassador Paul Sobba Massaquoi as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Commonwealth of Australia, with residence in Seoul, Republic of Korea.

The appointment was made by His Excellency Dr. Julius Maada Bio, President of the Republic of Sierra Leone, and formally communicated through a Note Verbale issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Australia.

In addition to his accreditation to Australia, the Government of Sierra Leone has expanded Ambassador Massaquoi's diplomatic jurisdiction by accrediting him as non-resident Ambassador to the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, Negara Brunei Darussalam, the Republic of Indonesia, and the Republic of the Philippines, all with residence in Seoul, Republic of Korea.

The expanded accreditations underscore the Government's commitment to broadening Sierra Leone's diplomatic engagement and strengthening bilateral relations with countries across the Asia-Pacific region.

They also reflect Sierra Leone's strategic foreign policy objective of fostering stronger political, economic, and development partnerships through enhanced diplomatic representation.

From his resident mission in Seoul, Ambassador Massaquoi will work to deepen cooperation with the newly accredited countries by promoting trade and investment, facilitating business partnerships, advancing collaboration in education, agriculture, mining, technology, tourism, and sustainable development, and encouraging greater people-to-people exchanges.

The Government of Sierra Leone remains committed to expanding its global diplomatic footprint and cultivating partnerships that support national development, economic growth, and shared prosperity.

The new accreditations are expected to open additional avenues for cooperation while reinforcing Sierra Leone's presence and engagement within the Asia-Pacific region.

These appointments mark another significant milestone in Sierra Leone's diplomatic outreach, reaffirming the country's dedication to building enduring international partnerships based on mutual respect, friendship, and cooperation.

Michaella Bonnie
Information Attaché
Embassy of the Republic of Sierra Leone
Seoul, Republic of Korea

02/07/2026

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/h-e-paul-sobba-massaquoi-543475116_sierraleone-southkorea-diplomacy-share-7478310147421859840-kUIo/?utm_source=social_share_send&utm_medium=ios_app&rcm=ACoAADPMqFoBErTLkj6kGPzZNrH14Vagqvx_kjw&utm_campaign=copy_link

Historic milestone! 🇸🇱🇰🇷 MOFA Korea I am absolutely thrilled to share a monumental breakthrough for our nation. Ministry of Foreign Affairs Korea has officially confirmed the establishment of a permanent, resident Embassy in Freetown, Sierra Leone, relocating jurisdiction from Abuja effe...

24/06/2026

SIERRA LEONEAN PUBLIC OFFICIALS COMPLETE KOICA CAPACITY-BUILDING PROGRAMMES IN SOUTH KOREA

Thirty Sierra Leonean public officials have successfully completed specialized capacity-building programmes on Diplomacy and Digital Transformation in the Republic of Korea under the sponsorship of the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), marking another significant milestone in the growing partnership between Sierra Leone and South Korea in human resource development and institutional capacity strengthening.

The programmes, facilitated with the support of the Embassy of the Republic of Sierra Leone in Seoul, were designed to enhance the knowledge and skills of public servants through professional development, knowledge sharing, and exposure to global best practices in governance, diplomacy, digital innovation, and public administration.
Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to the Republic of Korea, Paul Sobba Massaquoi, commended the participants for their commitment and dedication throughout the programmes and encouraged them to apply the knowledge and experiences gained to support national development and improve public service delivery in Sierra Leone.

The Ambassador also expressed appreciation to the Government of the Republic of Korea and the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) for their continued support in strengthening human capital development and fostering closer cooperation between Sierra Leone and South Korea.

Throughout the programmes, participants engaged in intensive lectures, presentations, case studies, and interactive discussions led by Korean experts and development practitioners. The training provided practical insights into South Korea’s development journey, governance systems, public sector reforms, and technological advancement.

As part of the learning experience, the participants undertook a series of educational visits to key institutions and development centres across South Korea. These visits enabled them to observe firsthand the policies, innovations, and technologies that have contributed to South Korea’s transformation into one of the world’s leading economies.

Among the highlights of the programme was a visit to smart city technology facilities, where participants observed advanced systems used for traffic management, public safety monitoring, urban planning, and digital service delivery. The exposure provided valuable lessons on how technology can be utilized to improve efficiency, transparency, and citizen-centered governance.

The officials also visited major industrial facilities in Ulsan, South Korea’s industrial hub, where they toured automobile manufacturing plants operated by Hyundai Motor Company and Kia Corporation. They further visited large-scale shipbuilding complexes and technology production centres associated with Samsung and LG Electronics, gaining practical insights into industrial development, innovation, and productivity.

Participants also explored South Korea’s cultural and historical heritage through visits to the National Museum of Korea and several UNESCO-recognized heritage sites. These visits provided a broader understanding of the country’s history, culture, and development trajectory.

For participants enrolled in the Digital Transformation programme, a major highlight was an engagement at the National Digital Platform Centre, where they learned about South Korea’s digital governance framework, e-government systems, integrated public service platforms, and the use of technology to improve government efficiency and citizen engagement.

At the conclusion of the programmes, the participants expressed their appreciation to the Governments of Sierra Leone and the Republic of Korea, as well as KOICA, for providing them with a valuable opportunity to learn from South Korea’s development experience and best practices.

In his closing remarks, Ambassador Massaquoi urged the participants to serve as agents of change within their respective institutions by utilizing the skills, knowledge, and experiences acquired during the programmes to contribute meaningfully to national development, institutional reform, and public sector transformation in Sierra Leone.

The successful completion of the KOICA capacity-building programmes reflects the growing cooperation between Sierra Leone and the Republic of Korea and underscores the shared commitment of both nations to promoting knowledge exchange, capacity development, and sustainable socio-economic progress.

Michaella Bonnie
Information Attaché
Embassy of the Republic
of Sierra Leone Seoul

19/06/2026

Embassy of Sierra Leone Signs Book of Condolence at Thai Embassy in Seoul
The Embassy of the Republic of Sierra Leone in Seoul signed the Book of Condolence at the Embassy of the Kingdom of Thailand following the passing of Her Royal Highness the Princess of Thailand.
Representing His Excellency Ambassador Paul Sobba Massaquoi, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Sierra Leone to the Republic of Korea, First Secretary Musu Langley conveyed the Embassy's deepest sympathies and condolences to the Royal Family and the people of Thailand during this period of mourning.
The gesture reaffirmed the cordial relations between the Republic of Sierra Leone and the Kingdom of Thailand and underscored Sierra Leone's solidarity with the Thai people at this difficult time.
The Embassy of the Republic of Sierra Leone extends its heartfelt condolences and wishes strength, peace, and comfort to all those affected by this loss.
Michaella Bonnie
Information Attaché
Embassy of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Seoul, Republic of Korea.

05/06/2026

SIERRA LEONE AND GHANA LEAD HIGH-LEVEL MARITIME PARTNERSHIP DIALOGUE WITH KOREA MARITIME AND OCEAN UNIVERSITY

The Embassy of the Republic of Sierra Leone in the Republic of Korea, in collaboration with the Embassy of the Republic of Ghana, hosted a high-level strategic engagement at the Sierra Leone Embassy in Seoul with Korea Maritime and Ocean University to explore enhanced cooperation in maritime education, research, innovation, and capacity building.

The meeting brought together senior university officials, diplomatic representatives, and maritime stakeholders to discuss strategic initiatives aimed at strengthening institutional partnerships between the Republic of Korea and West Africa, particularly Sierra Leone and Ghana.

The engagement was attended by one representative each from the Embassy of Mauritania and the Embassy of Ghana, namely Mr. Alpha Thiam, Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of Mauritania, and Mr. Christian Nii Odoi Cadesia, Counsellor of the Embassy of Ghana, alongside other diplomatic and technical officials.

His Excellency Ambassador Paul Sobba Massaquoi underscored the strategic importance of maritime development in driving national economic transformation.

He emphasized the need for stronger partnerships with world-class maritime institutions to support modernization, technical training, and human resource development within Sierra Leone’s maritime sector.

He noted that the engagement builds on recent high-level discussions with Korea Maritime and Ocean University and reflects a shared commitment to advancing practical and impactful cooperation in maritime education and innovation.

Representing Ghana, Mr. Christian Nii Odoi Cadesia, Counsellor of the Embassy of Ghana, reaffirmed his country’s commitment to deepening collaboration with Korean maritime institutions and highlighted the importance of expanded academic and professional exchanges for students, researchers, and maritime practitioners across both regions.

University President Dr. Ryu Dong-geun welcomed the initiative and expressed appreciation for the growing engagement with African partners. He provided an overview of the university’s academic strengths, research capacity, and extensive international cooperation networks.

Founded in 1945 and located in Busan, Korea Maritime and Ocean University is the Republic of Korea’s leading institution specializing in maritime studies, ocean science, marine engineering, fisheries, logistics, and shipping management.
The university is internationally recognized for producing highly skilled maritime professionals and contributing to innovation and sustainable ocean development.

University officials further highlighted KMOU’s advanced research facilities and global partnerships, expressing readiness to collaborate with Sierra Leone and Ghana on structured programmes that support maritime capacity building and institutional development.

A key outcome of the engagement was progress toward the development of a formal partnership framework through a Draft Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Korea Maritime and Ocean University and relevant maritime institutions in Sierra Leone and Ghana.
The proposed MoU is expected to cover maritime education and training, joint research, faculty and student exchanges, professional development programmes, and technical cooperation.
Once finalized, the agreement is expected to serve as a foundation for long-term strategic cooperation, strengthening knowledge exchange and institutional linkages between Korea and West Africa while advancing sustainable maritime development.

The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to continued consultations and accelerated efforts toward implementation. All parties expressed optimism that the partnership will generate long-term benefits for maritime education, research, and industry development across Sierra Leone, Ghana, and the Republic of Korea.

This engagement marks a significant milestone in strengthening Korea–Africa maritime relations and reflects the shared commitment to advancing cooperation through education, innovation, and sustainable ocean governance.

Michaella Bonnie
Information Attaché
Embassy of the Republic of Sierra Leone
Seoul,

02/06/2026

SIERRA LEONE ADVOCATES STRONGER KOREA–AFRICA COOPERATION AT HIGH-LEVEL FOREIGN MINISTERS' MEETING IN SEOUL

The Republic of Sierra Leone has reaffirmed its commitment to deepening cooperation with the Republic of Korea and advancing the implementation of key commitments made under the Korea–Africa partnership framework during the just-concluded Korea–Africa Foreign Ministers' Meeting held in Seoul.

The high-level ministerial meeting brought together foreign ministers, senior government officials, diplomats, and representatives from across the African continent and the Republic of Korea to review progress since the historic 2024 Korea–Africa Summit and to strengthen cooperation in areas including trade and investment, critical minerals, climate action, technology, health, peace and security, and sustainable development.
Representing the Right Honourable Alhaji Timothy Musa Kabba Esq., Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Republic of Sierra Leone, His Excellency Ambassador Paul Sobba Massaquoi delivered Sierra Leone's national statement during the ministerial session.

In his address, Ambassador Massaquoi conveyed warm greetings from His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio and the Government and people of Sierra Leone. He commended the Government of the Republic of Korea, particularly the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, for successfully convening the important gathering and for its continued commitment to strengthening cooperation between Korea and African nations.

The Ambassador reaffirmed Sierra Leone's support for the objectives and outcomes of the conference and called for the effective implementation of commitments made during the 2024 Korea–Africa Summit. He emphasized the importance of translating diplomatic commitments into practical initiatives that deliver meaningful benefits for African countries and their citizens.

Highlighting Sierra Leone's strategic importance within the Korea–Africa partnership, Ambassador Massaquoi underscored the country's abundant natural resources, youthful population, and growing investment opportunities. He noted that Sierra Leone is well positioned to contribute to Korea's green development ambitions and sustainable supply chain objectives through enhanced cooperation in critical minerals, agriculture, renewable energy, infrastructure development, aviation, and the emerging oil and gas sector.

The Ambassador further encouraged stronger bilateral engagement and increased private sector investment between Sierra Leone and the Republic of Korea, stressing that mutually beneficial partnerships would contribute significantly to economic growth, job creation, and sustainable development.

He also advocated for deeper diplomatic engagement between the two countries and encouraged continued discussions on the establishment of a resident Korean Embassy in Freetown, noting that an expanded diplomatic presence would further strengthen political, economic, and people-to-people relations.

The meeting concluded with the adoption of a Joint Statement reaffirming the commitment of African countries and the Republic of Korea to deepen cooperation in strategic sectors, strengthen economic partnerships, promote sustainable development, and advance the implementation of commitments agreed upon during the 2024 Korea–Africa Summit.

Sierra Leone's delegation to the Foreign Ministers' Meeting was led by His Excellency Ambassador Paul Sobba Massaquoi and included Dr. David Sidikie Yambasu, Senior Adviser to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Republic of Sierra Leone, and Mr. Momodu Adama Wurie, Deputy Director of Policy at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
The delegation was supported by officials of the Embassy of the Republic of Sierra Leone in Seoul.

The active participation of Sierra Leone at the ministerial meeting reflects the country's continued commitment to economic diplomacy, international cooperation, and the pursuit of strategic partnerships that support national development priorities under the leadership of President Julius Maada Bio.
As Korea and Africa move forward with the implementation of the ministerial outcomes, Sierra Leone remains committed to working closely with the Republic of Korea and fellow African nations to advance shared goals of economic transformation, sustainable development, peace, and mutual prosperity.

Michaella Bonnie
Information Attaché
Embassy of the Republic of Sierra Leone
Seoul, Republic of Korea

31/05/2026

Sierra Leone Participates in Korea–Africa Senior Officials Meeting in Seoul

Seoul, Republic of Korea, May 31, 2026 — The Republic of Sierra Leone on Sunday joined delegates from across Africa and the Republic of Korea at the Korea–Africa Senior Officials Meeting (SOM), held at the Crystal Ballroom of the Lotte Hotel Seoul ahead of the Korea–Africa Ministerial Meeting scheduled for June 1.

The meeting, held under the theme “Partnership for Joint Responses to Global Challenges,” brought together representatives from more than 50 African countries, the Republic of Korea, the African Union (AU), the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat, and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) to discuss ways of strengthening cooperation and addressing shared global challenges.

Sierra Leone’s delegation comprised Mr Momodu Adama Wurie Deputy Director General Policy at the ministry of foreign affairs and international Cooperation and Dr. David Sidikie Yambasu, Senior Technical Adviser to the the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, They were accompanied by Ambassador Paul Sobba Massaquoi, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Sierra Leone to the Republic of Korea; Ms. Rachel Musu Kanu, Head of Chancery at the Embassy of Sierra Leone in Seoul; and other diplomatic staff of the Mission.

Opening the meeting, Ms. Chung Eui-hae, Deputy Minister for Political Affairs of the Republic of Korea, welcomed delegates to Seoul and highlighted the growing importance of Korea–Africa cooperation amid increasing global uncertainty, including economic challenges, supply chain disruptions, food and energy security concerns, public health threats, and rapid technological transformation.

Deputy Minister Chung noted that Africa and the Republic of Korea share common interests and challenges and stressed the importance of strengthening partnerships that promote sustainable development, economic resilience, innovation, and shared prosperity. She expressed confidence that deliberations at the Senior Officials Meeting would contribute significantly to preparations for the Korea–Africa Ministerial Meeting and help deepen cooperation between both sides.

Discussions focused on a wide range of priority areas, including agriculture, digital transformation, infrastructure development, healthcare, trade, investment, human resource development, and capacity building. Delegates also reviewed progress made since the inaugural Korea–Africa Summit and examined practical measures for implementing commitments agreed upon by leaders from Africa and the Republic of Korea.

A major component of the meeting was the consideration of a proposed joint statement expected to be adopted at the conclusion of the Korea–Africa Ministerial Meeting. The document is expected to provide a framework for future cooperation and outline shared priorities for strengthening Africa–Korea relations.

Speaking during the engagement, Ambassador Paul Sobba Massaquoi welcomed the continued expansion of Africa–Korea relations and emphasized the importance of ensuring that the proposed joint statement reflects the development priorities and aspirations of African countries.

Ambassador Massaquoi stated that Sierra Leone values its growing partnership with the Republic of Korea and remains committed to advancing cooperation in areas that support sustainable development, economic transformation, investment, innovation, capacity building, and mutually beneficial partnerships. He noted that the meeting provides an important platform for dialogue, collaboration, and stronger engagement between African countries and the Republic of Korea.

Participants reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation and promoting practical partnerships capable of addressing emerging global challenges while supporting inclusive growth and sustainable development. The outcomes of the Senior Officials Meeting will feed into discussions at the Korea–Africa Ministerial Meeting, where ministers are expected to adopt a joint statement outlining a roadmap for future cooperation.

Sierra Leone reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening bilateral and multilateral cooperation with the Republic of Korea and supporting initiatives that promote shared prosperity, sustainable development, and stronger Africa–Korea partnerships.

Michaella Bonnie
Information Attaché
Embassy of Sierra Leone, Republic of Korea