FREETOWN, Sierra Leone – The Secretary-General of the Mano River Union (MRU), Ambassador Simeon M. B. Moribah, had a high-level meeting with the Japanese Ambassador accredited to Sierra Leone, Liberia and Ghana, His Excellency Hiroshi Yoshimoto, to discuss strengthening cooperation between Japan and the Mano River Union.

During the productive dialogue held in Freetown, Ambassador Yoshimoto reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to the subregion, highlighting Tokyo’s role as an active partner to MRU member states. He outlined Japan’s multifaceted engagement, which operates through bilateral channels and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

Ambassador Yoshimoto detailed JICA’s extensive portfolio in the region, which includes development assistance for energy systems, as well as the construction of schools and health centres. He further noted that JICA provides critical capacity building in sectors such as peacebuilding and security, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and Agribusiness. In addition to bilateral projects, Japan also extends technical and financial support to multilateral development programmes implemented by partners such as the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the World Health Organization (WHO).

“Tokyo values the regional cooperation fostered by the MRU,” Ambassador Yoshimoto stated. “We desire a partnership with this subregional body to achieve greater, more inclusive impacts.” He expressed enthusiasm about exploring partnership opportunities with the MRU, specifically mentioning potential collaboration in areas such as border management, school development, and the harmonization of trade in accordance with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Welcoming Japan’s expression of interest, MRU Secretary-General Moribah expressed the Union’s deep appreciation for Japan’s confidence in the region. He outlined key areas where the MRU looks forward to tangible collaboration with the Japanese government and JICA.

“We greatly appreciate Japan’s continued support and are eager to deepen this partnership,” said Ambassador Moribah. He identified critical needs such as support to health facilities, schools, and the solar electrification of border crossing points. According to the Secretary-General, these initiatives are vital to ensuring free trade and the seamless movement of people along border areas, which are central to the MRU’s integration agenda.

The meeting marks a significant step toward formalizing a partnership aimed at fostering sustainable development and regional integration within the Mano River Union.