Julius Mattai, Sierra Leone’s Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources, revealed ambitious plans for Russian collaboration during his exclusive interview with Sputnik Africa at the SPIEF 2025.
"We came here purposely to be able to forge that relationship with the Russian Federation, knowing very well the Russian Federation when it comes to mining resource management, they are at the forefront of technology," said Mattai, who also happens to be a Soviet-trained geologist.
Key developments discussed in the podcast:
• ROSGEO partnership for advanced mineral mapping;
• Russia-Sierra Leone diamond sector pushback against restrictive G7 policies;
• Energy investments to power mining operations.
• ROSGEO partnership for advanced mineral mapping;
• Russia-Sierra Leone diamond sector pushback against restrictive G7 policies;
• Energy investments to power mining operations.
Kenya & Ethiopia Open New Tourism Frontiers
African tourism leaders made compelling cases for Russian visitors:
"Kenya is a premier destination. There are lovely places to visit," said Paul Tobiko of Kajiado County, highlighting Maasai cultural experiences.
Tobiko shares Maasai wisdom with the audience, referring to one's community.
"In Maasai, we say that [...] when you stay within that circle where the people hold you together, it's just as good as having the blessing from God," Tobiko states.
Citing BRICS as an opportunity to develop the tourism industry in Africa, Hiwotie Anberbir Assefa, Secretary General for African Tourism Board, notes how Ethiopia is leveraging the benefits thereof for bilateral relations.
"At this moment, we are even stretching our hands towards these member countries to have a great bilateral connection to work on the tourism industry partnerships," Hiwotie says.
To hear more about Sierra Leone's mining partnerships with Russia or the tourism industry in Kenya and Ethiopia, listen to the full episode of AfroVerdict, brought to you by Sputnik Africa.
In addition to the website, you can also catch our episodes on Telegram.
► You can also listen to our podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Castbox, Pocket Casts, Deezer, Podcast Addict and Afripods.
► Check out all the episodes of AfroVerdict.