A steel manufacturing plant and power plant will soon be developed in Sierra Leone, Africa, a country connected to The Wesleyan Church. The Sierra Leonean government and FIRST STEP–a ministry of World Hope International–recently signed an agreement to develop the $180 million-dollar facility in the country. Both parties gathered in Boston, Mass., to sign the agreement that will enable Sierra Leone to be the “first West African nation to embark on such a capital intensive program that will not only lessen the unemployment rate, but reduce poverty.” In the past, Sierra Leone has sometimes been described as one of the least-developed countries in Africa, but things are changing.
Both World Hope International, the official Christian relief and development partner of The Wesleyan Church, and the church itself have flourishing ministries in Sierra Leone, an African country located on the west coast of the continent. President Ernest Bai Koroma, also a Wesleyan, has developed a strong track record for encouraging such international partnerships that bring great benefit to the country.
World Hope is pleased to be part of the endeavor to continue building into the economy.
“Through our ministry of FIRST STEP, World Hope International is thrilled to orchestrate this unique partnership for the creation of a steel manufacturing and semi-captive power plant,” said Dr. Tom Armiger, president and CEO. “This achievement is a wonderful advancement for job creation and business development for the people of Sierra Leone. FIRST STEP President Richard Schroeder is fulfilling the mission of World Hope International to provide hope, dignity, and opportunity that will make a difference for an entire country for years to come.”