SL Deputy Minister Bockarie Kalokoh Champions Renewable Energy and Climate Adaptation at Kampala Event

Kampala, Uganda – July 16-17, 2024 – Deputy Minister of Finance II, Bockarie Kalokoh, led a delegation from Sierra Leone to participate in the “Sustainable Horizons: Climate Action Strategies for Ministries of Finance in Africa” conference. This high-level meeting convened Ministers of Finance, Planning, Economic Development, and institutional partners of the Coalition of Finance Ministers for Climate Action (CFMCA) to foster peer-to-peer learning and knowledge sharing on green economic growth, strategic National Planning for Adaptation, and the role of Finance Ministries in Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) due in 2025.

The event aimed to attract new members to the Coalition and explore opportunities for further collaboration among African Ministries of Finance to drive climate action for sustainable growth.

During the event, Deputy Minister Kalokoh played a significant role as a panelist in the session “The Unique Climate Opportunities and Challenges for African Ministers of Finance” and chaired the session “Strategizing for Adaptation, and Adaptation Planning Country Experiences.”

Deputy Minister Kalokoh emphasized the severe challenges posed by climate change, particularly for African countries like Sierra Leone. He highlighted the following impacts:

• Disasters such as extreme heat, flooding, earthquakes, and wildfires.
• Loss and damages to infrastructure and increased health risks.
• Economic vulnerabilities and heightened government expenditure on climate actions.
• Decline in agricultural productivity and water scarcity.

He outlined that these challenges are exacerbated by high debt burdens, political instability, low climate investment, and inadequate technologies. Kalokoh stressed the need for global equity in addressing greenhouse gas emissions and underscored the vulnerability of African nations to climate impacts.

Despite these challenges, Deputy Minister Kalokoh identified opportunities for investment in renewable energy, such as solar power. He highlighted Sierra Leone’s “Feed Salone” flagship program, which focuses on:

• Government investment in agriculture, including agricultural research and innovation.
• Promotion of climate-smart agriculture and technologies for high-yield seeds.
• Water resource management and biodiversity conservation.

Kalokoh also mentioned the government’s adaptation actions, such as the tree-planting project through the Green Public Works (GPWs) programme in partnership with city councils. He reiterated Sierra Leone’s commitment to international alliances and domestic policies to combat climate change. Sierra Leone’s involvement in the Coalition of Finance Ministers for Climate Action and collaborations with the World Bank, IMF, UNDP, and the private sector were also emphasized.

Deputy Minister Kalokoh urged development partners to increase the release of funds to developing countries to finance their NDCs and NAPs, essential for achieving both national and international climate targets.

Emmanuel Tamba Gbondo, another member of the delegation, participated in a panel discussion on “Sustainable Budgeting for Integrating Development and Environmental Objectives, and Sustainable Budgeting Country Experiences.” He highlighted government priorities in supporting environmental safety projects and the establishment of the Presidential Initiative for Climate Change, Renewable Energy, and Food Security, aimed at fostering smart climate investment and establishing a climate finance unit within the Ministry of Finance.

The conference in Kampala provided a platform for Sierra Leone to showcase its efforts and challenges in climate action, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable development and environmental protection.