NPRA Boss Participates in TICAD 2025 Conference in Yokohama
Yokohama, Japan – Thursday, 21st August 2025:
The Director General of the National Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NPRA), Brima Baluwa Koroma, is representing Sierra Leone at the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 2025), currently underway in Yokohama, Japan.
The conference, officially opened yesterday by H.E. Ishiba Shigeru, Prime Minister of Japan, has attracted a high-level audience of world leaders, policymakers, private sector investors, and development partners.
About TICAD 2025
Established in 1993, TICAD has grown into one of the most influential international platforms for fostering collaboration between Japan and African nations. The 2025 edition is co-chaired by Japan and Angola, with participation from several African Heads of State and Government, including leaders of Ghana, Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya, Algeria, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Guinea, Senegal, Lesotho, Botswana, and others.
This year’s theme, “Co-Creating Innovative Solutions for Sustainable Development”, reflects the urgent global need to strengthen partnerships that drive inclusive growth, technology transfer, energy transition, climate resilience, and investment in critical sectors.
Sierra Leone’s Participation
Speaking on behalf of Sierra Leone, Brima Baluwa Koroma is engaging with counterparts and investors on how the petroleum sector can serve as a catalyst for economic growth, job creation, and sustainable development.
As part of the official programme, the NPRA Director General has been invited to sit on the Investment Panel tomorrow, Friday, 22nd August 2025, where he will present downstream petroleum opportunities for foreign direct investment (FDI) in Sierra Leone. The panel session is scheduled to be held at The Westin Yokohama Hotel at 1:30 p.m.
Focus on Downstream Investment
During the session, Mr. Koroma will highlight Sierra Leone’s commitment to:
Expanding fuel storage and distribution infrastructure to ensure energy security.
Attracting investment in refining capacity and modernizing petroleum handling facilities.
Creating an enabling environment for public-private partnerships in the oil and gas value chain.
Leveraging regulatory reforms by NPRA to improve transparency, efficiency, and investor confidence.
Exploring opportunities in renewable energy integration to complement petroleum infrastructure.
Why It Matters for Sierra Leone
Sierra Leone’s participation in TICAD 2025 underscores the government’s determination to position the country as a credible investment destination within Africa’s petroleum and energy landscape. With global focus shifting towards energy diversification and sustainability, Sierra Leone aims to build partnerships that support both its national development goals and international commitments to a cleaner, greener future.
The NPRA delegation will also hold bilateral meetings with Japanese investors, international oil companies, and development partners on the sidelines of the conference to further explore areas of cooperation.
— NPRA Media & PR Departmen
