Two staff of the Right to Access Information Commission (RAIC), Mrs Fanta Morgan and Ms Mariama Shaw – the Records Manager and Assistant Accountant respectively, attended China’s Seminar on Poverty Governance and Development for African Countries held at Wuhan Textile University from 14th to 27th May 2025.
According to the team, one key highlight of the seminar was the Tea Day Catcher commemoration in which all participants from African nations namely The Gambia, Kenya, Ivory Coast, Mauritius, Nigeria, Sierra Leone and South Africa travelled to Tianmen City for three days [18th – 20th May 2025] to commemorate Tea Day Festival. The seminar team, dressed in Chinese attire, explored a huge tea farm in Tianmen.
‘’From the vibrant streets of Tianmen where we were honored to witness and participate in the revered tea festival to experts giving insight on growing tea and its relevance to humanity to exploring several learning and development infrastructures, we were privileged to explore the remarkable depth of China’s journey in poverty governance and economic transformation,’’ the RAIC team stated.
Participants later explored China’s Tea University where professors gave explained the step-by-step process in tea production. Sample products were offered to each participant as gifts from the University and the moment was climaxed by a dinner where the Mayor of Tianmen gave the keynote address.
The RAIC team also shared its experience at China’s textile school where a range of socio-economic discussions were held.
‘’At the textile industry school, we witnessed an open discussion on economic forum and saw firsthand on how policies aligned with community values, strong leadership, and hard work transforms industries, lift millions out of poverty, and propels a nation forward. Moreover, we were inspired by the brilliant minds we met — professors, economists, entrepreneurs, and visionaries — who generously shared their expertise on topics such as China’s economic rise, its strategies for overcoming poverty, navigating global trade dynamics, and sustaining growth amidst international challenges like the recent United States to that of China trade tensions.’’
As part of the seminar, the team also visited historic treasures of Beijing like the Forbidden City where they learnt about the work ethics of emperors, the selection processes, the ancient temples, and the world-renowned Bird’s Nest Stadium - a symbol of global sportsmanship and unity.
‘’Every experience deepened our understanding and admiration of China’s progress,’’ The RAIC team mentioned.
The team further shared that, having spent two weeks in Wuhan, Tianmen and Beijing, it is obvious that the dream of overcoming challenges is achievable with collaboration from China, considering their technological achievements particularly in agriculture, construction, real estate, education, and other sectors.
The seminar ended with a certification ceremony where the Deputy Dean of the Wuhan Textile University bade the team farewell. In her statement, she appreciated the active participation and cooperation by all throughout the seminar. She added that participants have not only acquired knowledge but have also strengthened mutual understanding and trust, laying a solid foundation for a long-term cooperation.
The RAIC appreciated the following authorities for the opportunity to participant in the seminar: the Government of the People’s Republic of China, the Ministry of Commerce of China, Wuhan Textile University and the Chairman of the Right to Access Information Commission of Sierra Leone – Dr Ibrahim Seaga Shaw.
‘’The seminar was not only an educational journey but also a human one that serves as a testament to the power of cultural exchange, friendship, and the shared determination to make our world a better place. We are honored to have been part of it and we have returned home [Sierra Leone] not just with knowledge, but memories, connections, and a renewed sense of purpose. Such cooperation should continue, as together, we can build stronger trade relationships, stimulate investment, and foster innovation that benefits both China and our continent [Africa], paving the way for shared prosperity and long-lasting development,’’ the RAIC team concluded.
谢谢 (xièxiè) — Thank you.
For media enquiries, contact:
Amara Thoronka
Public Information and Communications Officer
RAIC – National Secretariat
+232 88 283632 / +232 78 231949
