Sierra Leone: President Bio implores Sierra Leoneans to be “watchful guardians of our own health”.

President Julius Maada Bio on Friday implored Sierra Leoneans to be “watchful guardians of our own health and the health of our community”.

“COVID-19 is real and deadly. Over a hundred million people have been infected the world over and over a million people have died. Thousands have been infected in Sierra Leone and we have lost our brothers and sisters to COVID in Sierra Leone and in the diaspora,” he said.

The president made the remarks at the unveiling of the National Micro-Finance Programme (MUNAFA FUND) in Magburaka on Friday, 

president Bio addressing the audience on Friday

“Please adhere to all health protocols from health officials and from NACOVERC and DICOVERC officials about wearing face masks properly, frequently washing hands, and social distancing.”

He also noted that his administration  listens and cares about ensuring women and young people are able to access microfinance funding to develop themselves, their families and their communities.

He said for the first three months of in 2021 the Government will disburse Le26.05 Billion to 11 financial service providers to facilitate the process, with 100 beneficiaries targeted in every district

“For us, inclusive development means leaving no one behind because every Sierra Leonean matters regardless of his or her tribe, place of origin, or political affiliation,” he said.

The president also said his administration seeks to diversify  economy further and add value to local products, noting that his administration continues to strengthen regional and global trade relations. 

“We will support businesses to fully reap the benefits of the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme, the African Continental Free Trade Area, and other such regional schemes,” he said.

Kiva empowering Sierra Leoneans through credit database

Schan Duff, Vice President of Strategy for Kiva, a San Francisco-based tech charity that is using blockchain to create an online ID database in Sierra Leone allowing people who struggle to get loans to prove their credit history, speaks during the launching of the system in Freetown, Sierra Leone August 21, 2019. REUTERS/Copper Inveen

Kiva, a San Fransisco-based tech charity, us using blockchain to bring more Sierra Leoneans into the financial system.

Kiva is using blockchain to create an online ID database in Sierra Leone allowing people who struggle to get loans to prove their credit history, according to REUTERS.

Kiva and President Julius Maada Bio officially launched the system in the capital Freetown on Wednesday. Bio hopes it will bring more Sierra Leoneans into the financial system.

Kiva facilitates small loans in 80 countries, but Sierra Leone is the first country to implement an online credit system designed by the organization.

“This visionary step here today guarantees that Sierra Leoneans are not excluded from … the global digital economy,” Bio said at the launch.

Story credit: REUTERS