Freetown, 3rd October 2026- National Chairman of the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP), Sir Jimmy Batilo Songa, has said that economic empowerment and sustainable livelihoods for grassroots members will remain a top priority of his leadership, as he embarked on a visit to the People’s Republic of China aimed at exploring trade, investment and business opportunities.
Speaking before he departs from Lungi International Airport on November 1, Sir Jimmy said the trip was part of efforts to fulfil commitments he made during his campaign for the party’s top leadership position.
“During my campaign for the position of National Chairman, I made a solemn commitment to champion social protection, economic empowerment and sustainable livelihood opportunities for our grassroots members,” Sir Jimmy stated. “This visit to China represents a practical step towards translating that commitment into meaningful action.”
According to him, the delegation, which includes the National Organising Secretary, the National Deputy Women’s Leader, the President of the Parliamentary Female Caucus, women’s leaders and grassroots members, will engage factories, manufacturers and potential business partners in China in search of opportunities that could benefit party supporters and communities.
“Our mission is to explore opportunities for trade, investment and strategic partnerships through engagements with various factories, manufacturers and potential business partners in China,” he said.
Sir Jimmy explained that the delegation’s focus would be on identifying business ventures capable of creating jobs, supporting entrepreneurship and improving the welfare of SLPP supporters across the country.
“We are particularly interested in identifying viable business opportunities that can empower our party members economically, create sustainable livelihoods and improve the overall welfare of our people, especially those at the grassroots level,” he said.
The SLPP Chairman stressed that economic empowerment should form an integral part of the party’s development agenda, maintaining that grassroots members deserve tangible benefits beyond political participation.
“Our grassroots members deserve more than political recognition; they deserve economic opportunities, social protection and sustainable livelihoods,” Sir Jimmy declared.
He reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring that the outcomes of the China visit translate into practical benefits for ordinary party members and their families.
“God willing, we remain resolute in our determination to fulfil our commitments and ensure that grassroots economic empowerment becomes a central pillar of our collective development agenda,” he said.
Expressing optimism about the prospects for the visit, Sir Jimmy said the party remains committed to turning pledges into action and creating opportunities to improve lives.
“Together, we will transform promises into action, commitments into opportunities and opportunities into lasting prosperity for our people,” he noted.
He concluded by reaffirming that supporting grassroots members remains central to his leadership vision.
“The empowerment of our grassroots is not just a promise; it is a priority,” Sir Jimmy emphasized.
