OPIS Foundation

An inspiring country with tremendous potential; from the tropical paradise of rain forests to white sandy beaches, Sierra Leone's heritage, history and sophistication happily co-exist with nature to create a unique harmonious ambiance. Sierra Leone is slowly emerging from a protracted civil war and is showing signs of a successful transition. Investor and consumer confidence continue to rise, adding impetus to the country's economic recovery. There is greater freedom of movement and the successful re-habitation and resettlement of residential areas. As Sierra Leone recovers from the civil war, there are tremendous opportunities for investors to start new businesses.  The OPIS Foundation has identified a set of complementary opportunities to provide Sierra Leoneans and potential new businesses ventures with solutions that are currently unavailable in Sierra Leone as well as rejuvenate and stimulate the industrial climate in Sierra Leone. 

We are bringing thousands of jobs to a nation where nearly 65% of the working age population is unemployed.  Sierra Leoneans are hard workers and are willing to work. Through our visits to Sierra Leone, we have been very impressed by the personalities of the Sierra Leoneans. Sierra Leoneans are cheerful and they welcome tourists and visitors.  These friendly people are one of the major reasons we decided to donate in Sierra Leone. We will provide thousands of jobs to the existing unemployed workforce while also working closely with the local authorities to create specialized schools for the youth. These schools will provide us with the qualified manpower the country will need to be successful for many years.

 

Mr Balogoun Koroma, Minister of State Presidential Affairs with Mr.Abshire and Mr.Herve

Africa has always been risky place to start new initiatives considering the instability of the continent and the rampant corruption.  A new government was elected in Sierra Leone in August 2007 and Ernest Bai Koroma was elected President. Mr Koroma was a prior managing partner for the KPMG accounting firm and the managing director of the Reliance Insurance Trust Corporation from 1988 to 2002 prior to entering politics. In his inauguration speech, President Koroma promised to fight corruption and would not spare even members of his own family should they be caught in corrupt act. In his speech, President Koroma also said that he wanted to run Sierra Leone like a "business concern", emphasizing agriculture and tourism. President Koroma's actions since his elections have entirely supported his declarations and opened a new era for Sierra Leoneans.

Courtesy of World Bank

Sierra Leone is the lagging country on most economic, social and humanitarian indicators according to both the World Bank and the United Nations. The life expectancy at birth is currently only 42 Years and the infant mortality rate is at 16% putting Sierra Leone solidly at the bottom of the worldwide table for these two indicators. Another 7% of the children under 5 years of age will die. A large portion of these deaths are related to Malaria. These indicators reflect the very poor current status of the medical infrastructure and the lack of current programs to protect the populace from malaria. As we develop new projects, we will dedicate funding and manpower efforts to help address the malaria issue in Freetown and throughout the country in order to ensure the business people and tourists will not be concerned by their potential exposure to this life threatening disease, but more importantly to help protect Sierra Leoneans as a whole. Malaria is transmitted by female mosquitoes during the night. By controlling mosquitoes and promoting the use of nets, and other eradication methods, we intend to work diligently to eradicate malaria in Sierra Leone to the same level we enjoy in similar environment in the developed world. (Ex: Swamps in Louisiana). As new jobs are created and the economy flourishes, we expect that the medical facilities in the country will improve and begin to reverse the lamentable statistics that are currently recorded in Sierra Leone. Despite the willingness to work shown by the Sierra Leoneans, unemployment is extremely high and currently estimated at 65%. 

The  Need

Sierra Leone is a country rich in valuable natural resources, including diamonds. However, a decade of brutal civil war has ravaged the country, leaving 50,000 people dead, countless amputees and many more people displaced. The country has plummeted to one of the poorest in the world and is hugely reliant on international aid.

Since peace was declared in 2002, Sierra Leone has faced the huge challenge of reconstruction. Parts of the country remain without electricity or running water and huge piles of rubbish can be seen on the streets. To add to the country's problems, in July 2005 a massive flood caused many more communities to loose their homes.

Normal life is gradually being restored, but for most, survival is still a struggle. Unemployment is high and living conditions are poor, with tin shacks being commonplace and five or six people often living in one room.

COUNTRY FACTS

Location: Western Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, between Guinea and Liberia
Climate: Tropical
Population: 5.3 million
Economy: Main exports are diamonds, cocoa, coffee, fish
Government: Constitutional democracy
Religions: Christianity, Islam, indigenous beliefs