Issuu

MP Reiterates ECOWAS Citizens’ Rights to Establish Businesses in Ghana

on. Mahama Ayariga (Ghana) had re-echoed the letter and spirit of the ECOWAS Protocol providing for the rights of citizens to establish business enterprises in any ECOWAS Member States, including the Republic of Ghana. This was in response to queries by Members of Parliament over the trade dispute with other ECOWAS nationals residing in Ghana,

Hon. Ayariga explained that the agitation of Ghanaian traders was over the none enforcement by Ghana Investment Promotion Council (GIPC), of the constitutional provisions which allow for Ghanaians only, to engage in trade at that retail level. In his recollection, he stated that, “A directive by the Ministry of Trade and Industry for all foreigners to stop retail trade by July 27, created tension in

most major markets in the country, with foreign traders appealing to the government to allow them trade in the spirit of ECOWAS. “Following this, the government engaged the leadership of foreign traders to submit documents regarding their immigration status, work permits and business registration to an interministerial task force”, he continued. Following spates of demonstrations and subsequent diplomatic shuttles, government was able to ensure that tensions abated and an impasse, averted. An appeal for calm was heeded to and resumption of business as usual has taken root in the country”, he further explained. He however, appealed to his colleagueparl.ecowas.int

Members of Parliament that the issue was being resolved. “Once you are an ECOWAS citizen and you move into Ghana, you also have the right to establish and the right to establish includes being able to set up your enterprise and carry out business in Ghana,” he said. He explained that although any country could opt out of the Protocol on Rights of Establishment, the Ghanaian Government understood that such position could result in reciprocal action against Ghana citizens in other ECOWAS countries. For this reason, he said that the government of Ghana was involved in diplomatic efforts to address the issue to ensure that all West Africans living in Ghana are able to participate in the economic activities of the Country. He assured that the matter would be resolved, stressing that ECOWAS Citizens from other countries would only be vulnerable in Ghana if the government opts out of the Protocol.

Source:science.howstuffworks.com

Electricity to be Exported by 2021 - Niger

he Country Report of Niger presented to the Paliament had indicated that the nation is anticipating revenues from the exportation of energy by 2021, following its huge investments in the power and energy sectors of its economy. Hon. Sawani Karimou, who presented the Report on behalf of the 6-member Nigerien delegation to Parliament, explained that Niger launched an Economic and Social Development Programme (PDES) for 2017 to 2021, a program which addressed varied social issues, inclusive of attaining a sustainable electricity supply within and outside Niger. Sawani further assured

Parliament that all measures were in place to bring to fruition, the goal of meeting local demands as well as exporting power by 2021. According to the Report, the government had electrified 1000 settlements, equipped 500 villages with optic fiber (to facilitate telecommunication and internet penetration) as well as installed 15,000 solar street lights. Additionally, the Niger Country Report noted that the government had invested massively in power projects, specifically in “Kandadji Hydroelectric Power Station of 130MW scheduled for completion by 2021, 13MW Solar and 6MW diesel Agadez Hybrid Plant and 7MW Malbaza

Solar Photovoltaic Plant financed by India”. The delegation informed Parliament in its Report that the Nigerien government was also committed to its investment in the SAKADAMNA coal complex in Tahoua, a 20MW Gorou Banda Solar Power Plant financed by the French Development Agency, in addition to the 2nd tranche of 20MW thermal diesel. Niger had also spent resources in the extension of the Chirozerine Coal Power Plant (Agadez) and Gas Thermal Power Plant in the Zinder region. “It is pertinent to note that the government’s establishment of the above renewable projects, is targeted towards making Niger Republic an Energy-Exporting country come 2021,” it revealed.

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Press Freedom: Gambia Issues First TV, Radio Licenses to Private Operators

n a bid to uphold constitutionally guaranteed freedom of the Press and freedom of expression by citizens, the Gambia debuted the granting of operating licenses to private television and radio broadcast stations. This development came after the 22-year period of the former President Yahya Jammeh, under whom the Press was totally gagged and deprived. This change in the media landscape of the country indicated that this newly found press freedom will enable the broadcasting of uncensored information to the

citizens and to the rest of the World. This was stated in the Gambia’s Country Report. The Report stated that over the years, the state-owned Gambia Radio and Television Services (GRTS) had been monopolizing media services, giving no room for privately owned media to operate. “However, with the advent of the new government, many private television broadcast stations had obtained licenses to operate and some of them had become fully operational. “The Gambian Constitution guarantees freedom of expression, which is why

several private daily and weekly publications have taken off. The freedom granted to the Press is significant to the commitment of the government of the Gambia towards Civil liberties and the respect of the fundamental human rights of citizens and various organizations of the Gambia,” the Report stated. On Human Rights, Hon. Filomena de Fatima Martins (Cabo Verde) sought to know the fate of the journalist who went missing during the era of former President Jammeh, to which Hon. Fatoumatta Njai stated that the case and similar others were being revisited by the current government. “The last government maltreated a lot of people, including journalists, rights were infringed upon and the Human Rights of people were taken from them for 22 years.The new government has begun compensation process and will ensure total peace is restored to the Gambia,” Hon. Njai responded.

Source: kibarya.com

Burkina Faso Parliament Resolves to Curb Insecurity as 400 Schools Shut

he security challenges

bedeviling Burkina Faso had forced over 400 schools to shut down despite several interventions by its Defense and Security Forces, which were yet to yield the desired results. This was revealed in the Member State’s County Report presented by the head of Burkina Faso delegation, Hon. Reine Bertille

Benao Sakande, who noted that insecurity had led to wide spread attacks in the nation, forcing the National Assembly to make recommendations to the authorities, geared toward curbing the threat. It stated that the legislature had advised the executive to accelerate the review of the laws on National Defense Policy and the Army Reforms Act.

Other recommendations according to the Report include: adopting a contingency plan to support the military; taking into account motivations, intelligence and a massive and rapid exceptional recruitment of a contingent in 2018. “Government must strengthen defense and security measures along borders, speed up the implementation of the status of ward of the nation, in order to make the mechanisms for dealing with victims and their families more effective”, stated the Report. “We have to reintroduce the military training into the National Development Service, implement the provisions of the Military Planning Act and ensure its compliance through the effective implementation of the annual budget programming”, it enumerated.

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ECOWAS 101: Functions/ Definitions/ Descriptions of Basic Concepts The Authority of Heads of State and Government This

the

supreme

institution of the Community

Mali Government Moves for National Reconciliation

n order to ensure lasting peace and reconciliation in the country, the Government of Mali had initiated a number of measures to facilitate the process. The Country Report presented by Hon. Moussa Badiaga, revealed that all parties involved in the peace process, including the government, the Coordinators of the Azaward Movements and the Platform coalition of armed groups, have resolved to work together. It stated that with mediation from Algeria, the government had been able to implement the processes that would lead to lasting peace. Some of the processes according to the Report, include the implementation of the 21-actions roadmap which will foster the peace and reconciliation process. “In the light of this deal, the Government of Mali reaffirms its commitment with the support of the international community to accelerate the full and inclusive

implementation of the Agreement, which is essential to stability in Mali and the Sahelo-Saharan region. It added that the Malian government had also carried out certain actions for the implementation of the provisions on reconciliation, justice and humanitarian affairs. “The government has created an enabling environment to implement the Agreement, including the operationalization of the Joint Force of the Group of Five Sahelian Countries to combat terrorism. Government has progressively deployed Operational Coordination Mechanism and joint patrols in the Kidal and Timbuktu regions and accelerated the cantonment and disarmament, demobilization and reintegration process. The Malian government also ensured effective operationalization of interim authorities in all northern regions and further Strengthening of basic social services for the population,” the Report highlighted.

which comprises all Heads of State and/or Government of Member States. This institution is responsible for the general direction and control of the Community, and takes all measures to ensure its progressive development and the realization of its objectives. Customarily, the chairmanship of the Authority is rotated annually, amongst the 15 Member States of the Community.

Council of Ministers The Council consists of the Ministers in charge of ECOWAS Affairs in the Member States. The Council is responsible for making recommendations to the Authority of Heads of State, appointing all statutory appointees other than the President of the Commission. It also makes recommendations to the Authority on the appointment of the External Auditors as well as approves the work programs and budgets of all Community institutions. The Council reports to the Authority.

cont. 7

Niger to Reduce Poverty Level to 31%

overty level in the Republic of Niger, which currently stood at 45%, will reduce to 31 % by the year 2021, going by its government’s poverty alleviation plans, according to the Country Report presented by its Parliamentary delegation to the Plenary. This lofty aspiration would be achieved by strengthening the conditions for the emergence of a middle class so as to get more Nigeriens, especially the women, out of poverty. The Report disclosed that many of Niger’s youths also remained unemployed, a situation that has

heightened the poverty level in the country. It stated that the youths who make up 44.4% of the population of Niger are largely unemployed and are also entangled in the scourge of drugs, prostitution, extremism and begging. “According to the last general population census, Niger’s population is made up of 48.4% of youths. In addition to the problem of unemployment, this youth population is confronted with certain scourges such as drugs, extremism, begging and prostitution. As part of the 2017-2021 Economic and Social Development Plan (PDES), as

contained in the President of the Republic’s Programme de Renaissance Act II, support for youth initiatives is envisaged to facilitate the massive creation of micro and medium enterprises.” “To this end, the youth promotion centers will be endowed and equipped to take charge of the education of the youth component outside the educational system and consequently, to make human capital (which is) conducive to local and national development, ready for quality production,” it added. As a push towards mobilizing adequate resources to drive the poverty reduction plans, the President of the Republic had initiated a campaign to rid the Member State of corruption, the Report also stated.

Source: concernusa.org 6

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The Community Parliament

Gambia

Commits

$75,000 to Fight

Fistula

…As Girls Receive Scholarships in Specialized Education

he Gambia had reiterated its commitment to the empowerment of women and the education of the girl child through the release of the sum of $75,000 to tackle the issue of Fistula in 2018. The amount which had been directly transferred into the account of BAFROW Medical Centre is to support efforts at sensitization, treatment, rehabilitation and reintegration of victims of Fistula. Reeling out the 2018 status of implementation of the ECOWAS Programs and Projects in The Gambia, the Country Report presented by its 5-member delegation to Parliament indicated that the Member State had benefitted from the women empowerment support program of the ECOWAS Gender Development Center.

Hon. Muhamed Magassy, who made the presentation on behalf of his colleagues, emphasized that aside the empowerment of women of the Gambia, the government was seriously dedicated to the issues of the education and development of the girl-child, disclosing that to this end, no less than 12 girls were awarded scholarship in various fields of study this year (2018). “As a continuity of the project for the scholarship of excellence to students in the technical and specialized fields, the Women Bureau continues to pay for 6 of the students at tertiary institutions, 5 in the university and 1 at a Professional institute”, the Report stated. It was further reported that same gesture had been extended to girls in the Senior Secondary School, where 11 students currently benefit from. Responding to the question from a colleague MP on the incentives the Gambia offered to girls at the primary school levels, Magassy explained that the emphasis on the development of the girl-child education started over a decade long, a situation that had led to more girls than boys in the Gambian schools. “Today if you go to schools in Gambia from grade 1 – 12 you will discover that girls are more than boys”, Hon. Magasi responded.

Typically, the Community Parliament is the assembly of directly elected parliamentarians, serving as the legislative institution of the Community. It is currently made up of 115 representatives of the 320 million West African Citizens of the 15 Member States. Parliament, still being in its transition period, accepts its Members from nominations sent from the National Parliaments of Member States, pending the universal adult suffrage elections to directly elect members into the Community Parliament. In December 2016, the Authority of Heads of State approved a Supplementary Act which granted enhanced powers to the Parliament to move from just an advisory or consultative body to performing some legislative functions including consideration of the Budget of the Community.

The Community Court of Justice The Community Court of Justice is the principal legal (judicial) organ of the Community, currently consisting of 5 independent judges selected and appointed by the Authority. The Court carries out the functions assigned to it independent of Member States and the institutions of the Community. Judgments of the Court of Justice are binding on the Member States, the Institutions of the Community and on individuals and corporate bodies. cont. 9

Source: azernews.az

Gambia’s Economic Growth Forecast at 6.8% by End of 2018

he economy of the Gambia is expected to grow by 6.8% by the end of 2018 following an improvement in its economic environment and implementation of various government policies, the Country Report presented to the Plenary had stated. The figure depicted a 2.2% increase from the 4.6% growth witnessed in the previous year of 2017. The Report noted that the Gambia’s economy had started to recuperate from the 2016 slowdown and attributed the recent increase to improvement in agricultural output and “the strong rebound in tourism and trade activities in 2017. It also reported that the agricultural

sector is expected to grow from -8% in 2017 to 4.7% at the end of 2018. “This will be due to the influx of agricultural projects that will boost production capacity throughout the sector”, it stated. Also fueling economic growth in the Gambia is the factor of the implementation of the ECOWAS Macro-economic convergence criteria. According to the Country Report, the Central Bank of the Gambia had continued to expand her monetary policy, which had seen a reduction in the policy rate from 15.0% in 2017 to 13.5% as at June 2018. The reduction boosted the financing of private economic activities to enhance growth. Notwithstanding the growth in the economy, the Report,

however stated that of immense concern was the issue of the Gambia’s debt which as at end of June 2018, stood at D58, 310.3million (73.38% of GDP). It added that while domestic debt constituted 50.3%, external debt amounted to 49.7% of the total debt for the same period. Following varied responses and observations made by MPs on the Report, of particular note, the question on the exact figure of the Gambia’s public debt, the delegation assured that the Gambian authorities had taken into consideration, various recommendations from many quarters to help it achieve debt sustainability.

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The ECOWAS Commission

Source: picpedia.org

Burkina Faso Expects Rise in Growth Rate

n spite of the difficult security situation occasioned by terrorism attacks, Burkina Faso is still expecting an increase in economic activities and growth rate in the last quarter of 2018. This was contained in the Country Report presented by Honourable Reine Bertille Benao Sakande. Detailing the economic performance of the country, the Report showed that in the 1st quarter of 2018, the real GDP fell by 0.6 % compared to the previous quarter, adding that as compared to the 1st quarter of 2017, the economic activity in the same period of 2018 stood at 8.3 %. It specified that the real growth is expected to increase slightly to 7.0 percent in 2018, an increase

of 0.3 % points from 2017. This growth, it noted “would be driven by all sectors”. The Report further informed Parliament that the annual average inflation rate had remained moderate at 1.3 % at the end of June, 2018 as compared to 0.5 % in June, 2017. In the area of public finance, it revealed that in the 1st half of 2018, the execution of the state’s financial operations showed a deficit of CFA 80.8 billion as compared to CFA 253.4 billion deficit at the end of June, 2017. Concerning the macro economic convergence criteria, it stressed that in the 1st half of 2018, there was an improvement in the overall balance of public finances, as compared with the first half of 2017.

The Commission is an institution of the Community, responsible for proposing legislation, implementing decisions of the Authority, upholding the Community Treaties and managing the day-to day business of implementing the Community programs. The Executive Secretariat was upgraded to a Commission in 2007 in fulfillment of an Authority decision to that effect taken in 2006 in Niamey, Niger Republic. The change of nomenclature and administrative structure was to make ECOWAS adapt better to the international environment, bringing about more equity, transparency and greater functionality in accordance with global best practices. The Commission consists of 15 Commissioners, statutorily appointed from Member States. One of the Commissioners is appointed by the Authority as the President of the Commission, while another serves as the Vice President. The post of the Community Auditor General is taken from the 15 statutory appointees, with remaining serving as Commissioners to one of the areas of the ECOWAS technical commissions, consisting of diverse sectors.

cont. 13

Over 35,000 Jobs Created in 2017 by Burkinabe Govt

aried initiatives by the Government of Burkina Faso in 2017, had fostered the creation of not less than 35,000 jobs, according to the Country Report presented by Honourable Reine Bertille Benao Sakande. According to the Report, within the framework of the Youth Employment for National Education programme, 2,239 young graduates were recruited for post-primary, technical and vocational education and

training. On the other hand, industrial mines employed a total of 8,719 permanent employees in 2017, with over 26,000 jobs indirectly generated. Additionally, it stated that the government was able to transfer approximately 50 million CFAF to the municipalities for the implementation of youth activities. In the area of handicraft development, the Report disclosed that 6,049 craftsmen were trained, 22 projects were

financed for a credit volume of more than 89 million CFAF and 185 production units for young people and women were equipped. Moreover, it further stated that credit agreements were signed for projects and financed to the tune of 45.5 million CFAF in 2017, adding that “the number of newly created companies increased by 8.2 %, as compared to 2016 figure of 11,661, to 12, 619 in 2017”

Burkina Faso Launches “EcoVillage” to Combat Climate Change

preservation of the environment, strengthening good local governance, improving sustainable food and nutritional security, promoting local entrepreneurship and improving access to finance. When completed, the beneficiary villages will have access to electricity through a 45 kilowatt mini solar power plant with battery storage for a total production of 50 megawatts per year.

s part of measures to mitigate adverse effects of climate change in the country, the Government of Burkina Faso has launched the Eco-Village project, which is

targeted to benefit 2000 villages. The project, driven by the Ministry of Environment, Green Economy and Climate Change, consists of five components namely: sustainable access to renewable energies and

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Unemployment, Natural Disaster Tops Sierra Leone’s Security Concerns

he Government of Sierra Leone had expressed anxiety over the rising spate of unemployment, especially among the youth; a situation which it said had become a national security threat. The Country Report, presented to the Plenary by the head of the 5-member delegation, Hon. Cherno Bah, highlighted the security challenges in the country, describing it as having shifted from state-centric security to human security. It also disclosed that the country was also affected by natural disasters, especially flooding and deforestation. The Report indicated that the threats relating to military, paramilitary and subversive activities had considerably reduced as efforts were being made by the government in terms of infrastructural development. It, however, depicted the problem of unemployment, flooding and deforestation as the new threat which the country was striving to deal with.

“The Sierra Leone National Threat Assessment of 2018 rated the threat of terrorism not high; a slight drop from the threat levels of 2016 and 2017 which were rated very high”, the Report declared. It reported that there were, however, several ingrained challenges that constitute serious threats to national security. The largely under-employed of Sierra Leone (especially, the youth) continue to pose a threat to public order. The Report also noted that activities of multi national companies had been associated with socio-economic threats relating to disaffection by locals in mining communities, environmental degradation, squabbles over companies meeting

corporate social responsibilities, expectations regarding living standards and land acquisition. It further stated that Sierra Leone had also suffered from disasterrelated issues such as flooding due to unusually heavy rains and deforestation. “In Freetown, the August 2017 flooding and landslide left over one thousand people dead and over seven thousand people were affected”, the Report disclosed. In addition, it revealed that the country’s counter-terrorism strategy had been developed and approved by the National Security Council (NSC) with specialized counter terrorism training for security sector personnel.

Source: simpleprogrammer.com

Senegal to Amend Constitution Ahead of Presidential Election

n Act was passed by the National Assembly of Senegal on April 19, 2018, to amend the Constitution, allowing for the institution of endorsements as a requirement for validating candidates vying for the position of the President. This requirement would be applied in the upcoming presidential election of February 24, 2019. Additionally, the electoral code was amended

following the April 19 Constitutional Review Act, which set for the next presidential election, a requirement of 0.8 % minimum and 1% maximum endorsement by voters registered on the national electoral register, representing about 52,000 signatures for each candidate. These changes were contained in the Senegal Country Report presented by Hon. Abdoulaye Vilane. The Report explained that hitherto, the endorsement was limited to independent candidates, adding that for the amendment

to be effective, “at least two thousand signatures per region were to be received from about seven regions” of the country. According to the Country Report, “this Act is expected to filter (out) fanciful candidates for the presidential election” adding that “it will lead to a significant reduction in electoral expenses (ballot boxes, ballot papers, organizational expenses, etc.) and enable voters to easily choose from the list of candidates presented to them.” It explained that this endorsement is not a novelty because it had been in place since 1963. “Previously, the Act required presidential candidates to be endorsed by a political party or by ten parliamentarians. This number was reduced to 5 before the provision was withdrawn from the electoral code. In 1991, a new Act required 10,000 signatures for independent candidates”, the Report further elucidated.

Hon. Abdoulaye Vilane 12 12

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Cholera Outbreak Ravaged Parts of Niger

n outbreak of cholera was reported in the Madaroufa district of Maradi region, in the central southern part of the Republic of Niger. The news of the outbreak of the disease was first recorded in the border town of Jibiya, but had so far, affected over 2000 people,

with about 22 deaths recorded. The Country Report, presented by Hon. Sawani Karimou, disclosed that the Ministry of Public Health in support of some international humanitarian partners which include – WHO, UNICEF, MSF France, Italian Cooperation, MSF Spain and Niger’s Red Cross, were able to

contain the epidemic. Similarly, the Report indicated that the Government of Niger was committed to the CEDAW Convention on eliminating discrimination against women. “The government had ratified the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination against Women” the Report stated. It should be noted that the Ministry in charge of women empowerment and protection of the child was created to facilitate and actualize the above objectives of the government, the Report stated.

Source: sunuafrik.com

ECOWAS 101: Functions/ Definitions/ Descriptions of Basic Concepts Any Other Institution to be created by the Authority. The Authority of Heads of State and Government has the power to create any other institution it deems fit, to actualize the aspiration towards deepening economic and social integration of West African citizens while improving the living standard of the populace.

Gambia Promises Full Autonomy for Electoral Body

he government of the Gambia had assured the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) of its commitment towards guaranteeing its total independence and financial autonomy, by proposing to entrench that in the new Constitution to be formulated at the completion of the on-going Constitutional Review process. This was in line with the government’s bid to ensure that conduct of elections and political activities are transparent and free and fair, the Gambia’s delegation to the Parliament had reported. The Gambia’s Country Report to the Plenary showed that presently, there was an interparty committee comprising political parties and its role was to draw up a set of code of conduct for politicians, determining conduct, campaign language as well as to mediate and dialogue between political parties when problems arose. The Report also indicated that in order to encourage fair elections

and widespread participation of the citizenry, the Elections Act had been amended so as to reduce the exorbitant deposits payable by candidates for elected office. It further informed Parliament that the Amended Act had

tremendous effect on the electorates, with the Independent Electoral Commission registering a record increase in the number of candidates for the National Assembly and Local Government elections, of which nine political parties were registered for the

local government elections of 2018, the first of its kind in the electoral history of the Gambia. Furthermore, it reported that Gambians had been accorded the right to publicly challenge the eligibility of persons on the voters list before a revising court, and also given room for the open challenge of elections outcomes. Responding to a question by Honourable Humado Kofi Clement (Ghana) on efforts by the current government t o w a r d s achieving a wellestablished presidential tenure, Hon. Kebba K. Barrow, the Gambia’s Head of Delegation explained that the Gambia’s Constitution had been amended 52 times over the years, but never took effect during the last regime of Yahya Jammeh. He noted that two-terms of leadership was being considered for the Constitutional Review and the proposal had been thrown open for the public to decide between a two-term, per life-time Policy or the two-term consecutive tenure.

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Obstacles to Free Movement Abolished by The Gambia

ollowing the signing and subsequent ratification of the ECOWAS Protocol on Free Movement of persons and its subsidiary Protocols, the Gambian Government had abolished all obstacles to the free movement of persons, goods, and services and its Supplementary Protocols. Consequently, the country had started the implementation of the ECOWAS Passport and is currently working hard to introduce the ECOWAS Biometric Identity Card.

The Gambia had also adopted the ECOWAS Travel Certificates, in line with the provisions of the Free Movement Protocol, for its nationals without passports and where they cannot travel with identity cards in the region. “As for right to reside, the residential permit attracts some cost for non-Gambians. The fee required for Residential Permits for non-ECOWAS citizens, is D1800 and for ECOWAS citizens, is D1300 annually”. The Gambian Country Report, which contained these noted that on the right of establishment

and work, relevant national laws prevail, adding that this situation had become the norm in the ECOWAS Member States. “However, all ECOWAS citizens are entitled to establish and work in all sectors except on security sector”, it stated. The Report disclosed that the Gambia is committed to the implementation of the ECOWAS Trade liberalization Scheme (ETLS) for industrial products originating from Members States of the Community, which came into force in the Community since January 1st, 1990. “The Government of the Gambia

established National Approving Committee in 2006, as required by ECOWAS, to review ETLS applications submitted to the committee through the Ministry of Trade for considerations”, it revealed.

Source: globalwheeling.org

Sierra Leone Explores Other Sectors as IronOre Prices Drop

ierra Leone government had begun investments in other sectors in a bid to stabilize the economy, following a drop in the global price of iron ore, a key contributor to its economy. Dwindling prices of iron ore as well as high cost of its mining had compelled the nation to re-focus on Agriculture and other sectors for the growth of its economy, its Country Report revealed. It further specified that the country was seeking alternative and less expensive mining methods. On the economic outlook, it noted that despite economic challenges, the GDP was growing at the rate of 6% in 2018 and is projected to attain a 6.3% growth in 2019, stressing that the country also planned to balance its economy with increase in the mining of Iron Ore. “Government will continue to encourage increased investment in new mining techniques, foreign investment in agriculture and agri-businesses as well

as improvement in social and economic infrastructure. Consequently, non-iron ore GDP growth is also expected to continue its recovery path with projected growth of 4.0% in 2018 while increasing to 5.9% in 2019. The medium term prospects for monetary policy is mixed, the moderation in inflation is likely to be sustained in view of anticipated improvement in domestic food production, stability of the exchange rate, and proactive monetary policy stance. These however, will largely depend on the country’s fiscal framework,” it further explicated. Members of Parliament were informed that Sierra Leone’s fiscal policy will continue to be challenged by the need for increased spending on goods and services, as well as debt service payments. Additionally, the Report noted that fiscal deficit; including grants are projected to remain above 5.0 % in the medium term while the external sector performance is expected to be mixed in the medium term.