Sierra Leone minister examines water policy issues in Africa in Povolny Lecture Series

Head shot of Momodu Maligi
Momodu Maligi ’04

 Momodu Maligi returns to his alma mater as a representative of the government of his native Sierra Leone to shed light on why, in some parts of Africa, water is more valuable than diamonds in a Lawrence University 2017 Povolny Lecture Series in International Studies.

Maligi, Sierra Leone’s minister for water resources, presents “Beyond Diamonds—Trade, Water and Development in Africa,” Monday, May 8 at 4:30 p.m. in Thomas A. Steitz Hall of Science 102. The event is free and open to the public.

A 2004 Lawrence graduate, Maligi has served the Sierra Leone government as minister of water resources since 2014. He speaks on water issues at international conferences around the world. Since his appointment by President Ernest Bai Koiroma, Maligi has overseen the reorganization of Sierra Leone’s water sector, rehabilitating damaged water facilities, bringing in private sector investors and changing the legal framework for water policy.

After earning a degree in government and international studies from Lawrence, Maligi earned a master’s degree in international business and public policy from Valparaiso University.

About Lawrence University
Founded in 1847, Lawrence University uniquely integrates a college of liberal arts and sciences with a nationally recognized conservatory of music, both devoted exclusively to undergraduate education. It was selected for inclusion in the book “Colleges That Change Lives: 40 Schools That Will Change the Way You Think About College.”  Engaged learning, the development of multiple interests and community outreach are central to the Lawrence experience. Lawrence draws its 1,500 students from nearly every state and more than 50 countries.