United Nations in Sierra Leone

The Sustainable Development Goals are a global call to action to end poverty, protect the earth’s environment and climate, and ensure that people everywhere can enjoy peace and prosperity. These are the goals the UN is working on in Sierra Leone:

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06 September 2025

Stakeholders use data to identify 9 Chiefdoms for Spotlight rollout in Moyamba, Kailahun & Falaba.

Based on available data provided mainly by the Family Support Units (FSU) of the Sierra Leone Police and other sources, stakeholders in Falalaba, Moyamba and Kailahun Districts, respectively, have selected 3 Chiefdoms each from these Districts for the implementation of the EU-UN funded Spotlight Initiative 2.0, for the next four years. The Initiative is an expanded phase of a global partnership between the EU and the UN aimed at ending violence against women and girls (VAWG). It builds on the success of the original Spotlight Initiative (2018–2023), which was the largest-ever global investment focused on eliminating gender-based violence.The selection was done through a grading system during stakeholders’ engagements that took place in Kabala on September 1 for Falaba, where Mongor, Neya and Sulima were selected, September 3 in Bo for Moyamba, which selected Korri, Kagboro and Ribbi chiefdoms and September 4 also in Bo, leading to the selection of Luawa, Yawel and Malema chiefdoms for Kailuhun. In Kabala on September 1, where the Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs, Dr Isata Mahoi, participated in the engagement, she stated that the Initiative will contribute to promoting a comprehensive and transformative approach to eliminating violence against women and girls (VAWG). The Initiative will also adopt a comprehensive approach, focusing on four key outcome areas. These include enhancing the enabling environment for violence prevention and response, preventing violence and addressing its roots, ensuring survivors have access to high-quality support, and empowering civil society to build effective social movements for sustainable change.The Minister congratulated Falaba and the two other Districts for meeting the criteria for selection. She emphasised that while the engagements were to agree on the three chiefdoms in the districts where the project will drill down to address violence against women and girls, the implementation and some of the interventions will benefit the people of the entire Districts, and by extension, the country at large. Also, she urged all stakeholders to exercise due diligence in the selection process, emphasising the importance of their roles in the project's success. She also extended her gratitude to the European Union for the funding and the UN Agencies for their counterpart funding. The eligibility criteria that was used and validated before the selection focused on the following parameters; Prevalence and Incidence of GBV; Accessibility to GBV Services; presence of Vulnerable or Marginalised Groups; Community Willingness and Stakeholder Support; security and operational Feasibility and Legal and Policy Environment in relation to gaps between national policies and local enforcement, especially under customary law; existing Coordination Mechanisms; and cultural and social norm dynamics: Presence of harmful practices and patriarchal norms. The Spotlight Initiative was officially launched at the national level in Freetown on July 8, 2025, by the Chief Minister, Dr. David Moinina Sengeh, on behalf of the Government of Sierra Leone. The prevalence of violence against women in Sierra Leone is said to be at 81%, with 53% of women facing intimate partner violence. 83% of women have also experienced FGM. UNDP, UNPFA, UN Women, and UNICEF will implement the Initiative in the selected Chiefdoms in Falaba, Kailahun and Moyamba. At the same time, the Rainbo Initiative will also implement it at a national level.Within the project, UNDP will be responsible for developing strong laws and policies for national action on SGBV, UNICEF for engaging in shifting social norms through community empowerment, UNFPA will provide leadership for survivor-centred services and long-term care, while UN Women will strengthen civil society to drive lasting change. Together, they’re creating a safer, more equitable community for women and girls in Sierra Leone. It is hoped that by the end of the implementation of the Spotlight, a quantum leap of progress will have been achieved in the reduction of violence against women and girls in Sierra Leone.

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28 August 2025

UNDP leads Groundbreaking of Sierra Leone’s first canopy walkway at Tacugama

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has officially broken ground for the construction of Sierra Leone’s first-ever canopy walkway at the Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary, a project set to transform the country’s eco-tourism landscape.Situated in the pristine Western Area Peninsula forest, the canopy walkway will allow visitors to walk above the treetops while advancing biodiversity conservation, boosting the tourism sector, and creating new economic opportunities for local communities.The initiative forms part of UNDP’s broader support to the Government of Sierra Leone in diversifying the economy, complementing the World Bank–supported Sierra Leone Economic Diversification Project. Tourism already contributes 2.6 percent to GDP and sustains more than 41,000 jobs nationwide, a number set to grow with this investment.At the groundbreaking ceremony, UNDP Resident Representative, Frederick Ampiah, stressed the project’s value to both people and planet:“The Tacugama walkway will enhance ecosystem protection, create direct and indirect community benefits, and firmly position Sierra Leone on the global eco-tourism map.”Bala Amarasekaran, founder of Tacugama, welcomed the milestone, calling it a unique opportunity to showcase Sierra Leone’s natural beauty:“This walkway will give visitors a fresh perspective on our forest while strengthening our mission of conservation.”Government officials also expressed strong support. Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Jiwoh Abdulai, highlighted the collective responsibility of protecting Tacugama for future generations, while Deputy Minister of Tourism, Kadijatu Grace Kamara, described the initiative as “a pathway to the future where every visitor can experience the light of Sierra Leone.”Once completed, the canopy walkway will create new avenues for eco-tourism, jobs, and entrepreneurship, particularly for young people and women in surrounding communities, while inspiring a new generation to view conservation as both a duty and a driver of sustainable livelihoods.

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21 August 2025

UN Resident Coordinator urges Youth to lead Action Plan on Youth, Peace and Security.

Emphasizing that the development of Sierra Leone’s first National Action Plan on Youth, Peace and Security (NAP-YPS) is more than a policy exercise, UN Resident Coordinator Seraphine Wakana today called on the young people of Sierra Leone to take the lead in shaping the process.She made this call at the Sierra Palms Hotel in Freetown, where she co-chaired the inaugural meeting of the National Steering Committee and the National Technical Working Group for the development of the NAP-YPS, alongside the Minister of Youth Affairs, Mr. Ibrahim Sannoh.The Resident Coordinator described the moment as a significant milestone in the collective journey to recognize, empower, and institutionalize the role of young people in building and sustaining peace.As Co-Chair of the National Steering Committee, she expressed pride in standing with the Ministry of Youth Affairs and other stakeholders to support a process that is inclusive, evidence-based, and aligned with global and regional frameworks—including UNSCR 2250, the AU Continental Framework, and the ECOWAS Youth Policy.In his remarks, Minister Sannoh noted that while youth participation in governance, peace, and security is increasing, gaps remain in formal representation and leadership. He emphasized that the NAP-YPS will serve as a guiding document to foster partnerships and mobilize resources for accelerating the implementation of the Youth, Peace and Security agenda.The Minister also envisioned the NAP-YPS as a tool to institutionalize youth engagement, ensuring their voices are heard and empowering them as leaders and agents of change.The National Steering Committee and Technical Working Groups were officially inaugurated following the signing of commitment statements. This was preceded by presentations on the draft Terms of Reference and a contextual overview of the Youth, Peace and Security agenda in Sierra Leone.Statements of support were delivered by the Deputy Minister of Planning and Economic Development and the Deputy Executive Minister of the Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion.Also present for the signing were: the Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs, the Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Food Security, and the Deputy Internal Affairs Minister.

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20 August 2025

Sierra Leone’s First Lady champions female soldiers’ advancement at launch of two-year Elsie Initiative

Her Excellency Fatima Bio, First Lady of Sierra Leone, has called on military leaders, policymakers, and international partners to create space for women to thrive in peacekeeping and security. Speaking at the launch of the two-year Elsie Initiative Fund for Uniformed Women in Peace Operations (EIF), held at the Myahung Officers’ Mess, Wilberforce Barracks yesterday Monday, she urged commanders of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) to lead with vision and courage. “Legislate boldly. Remove the barriers that hold back progress,” she said, addressing policymakers. To international partners, she appealed: “Walk with us. Share your expertise, your resources, and your solidarity.”
The EIF, in partnership with UN Women Sierra Leone, aims to enhance the participation and capacity of uniformed women in UN peace operations. It builds on findings from RSLAF’s 2022 barrier assessment, which identified key challenges including unequal access to training, lack of women in senior leadership, inadequate health services, and weak reporting mechanisms for harassment and misconduct. Reflecting on Sierra Leone’s journey, the First Lady described the country’s transformation from a recipient of peacekeeping support during its civil war to a contributor of peacekeepers—including courageous women—across the globe. “Not so long ago, blue helmets from around the world patrolled our streets and guarded our hopes,” she recalled.
UN Resident Coordinator Seraphine Wakana emphasized the significance of the initiative: “This launch sends a clear message to every girl and every woman in uniform—that their talent is needed, their leadership valued, and their place in peacekeeping is non-negotiable.” Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs, Dr. Isata Mahoi, hailed the day as a bold step forward: “Women must not only be seen in our armed forces—they must be heard, respected, and empowered to lead.” Currently, RSLAF contributes personnel to peace operations in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA), Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO), Lebanon (UNIFIL), South Sudan (UNMISS), Western Sahara (MINURSO), and Abyei (UNISFA). While women make up 46% of deployed personnel, they represent only 13% of the total force.
RSLAF Chief of Defence Staff, Major General Amara Idara Bangura, welcomed the EIF as a vital step in Sierra Leone’s Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda. “This project is cardinal to empowering women in uniform. It will help them reach the highest cloud of their desire and expose them to the dynamics of peacekeeping.”
UN Women Head of Office, Setcheme Jeronime Mongbo, added: “This marks a critical step in advancing gender equality and strengthening leadership. Women in uniform deserve the tools, voice, and support to thrive and lead.”

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Press Release

30 September 2025

UN Agencies Weekly Highlights 22-26 September

WFPJapan boosts school meals programme in Pujehun District The World Food Programme (WFP) and the Government of Japan have reaffirmed their partnership to support food security and education in Sierra Leone with the signing of the 2025 Kennedy Round (KR) Food Assistance Grant. The ceremony, held at Country Lodge Hotel in Freetown, formalized a grant of JPY 200 million (approximately USD 1.3 million) to be implemented over two years in Pujehun District.The new programme, titled “Improving educational outcomes and food systems resilience through school feeding in Pujehun,” aims to provide reliable school meals to over 27,000 primary and pre-primary schoolchildren across the district’s most food-insecure chiefdoms. The grant will finance the procurement and delivery of school meals, including locally sourced rice, and support activities to strengthen food system resilience.Speaking at the ceremony, Aminata Tall, WFP Representative and Country Director a.i., thanked Japan for its continued generosity. She said that the Kenney Round Grant is more than a donation. “It’s a powerful act of solidarity with Sierra Leone children,” she said. Aminata said that school meals are no longer just about feeding schoolchildren, but they are about growing local economies, supporting food sovereignty, advancing the FeedSalone Strategy in a way that links national policy to household incomes. “We are grateful for this new support which arrives at a time of economic pressures for many families,” she added.Japan’s sustained support has been crucial to WFP’s school feeding initiatives in Sierra Leone. In 2024, a similar KR grant enabled meals for nearly 28,800 pupils in the same district. Over the past decade, Japan has contributed USD 37 million to WFP Sierra Leone, making it the largest donor to the country’s school feeding portfolio.“This new grant reaffirms our shared commitment to pursuing inclusive education for the children of Sierra Leone,” H.E. Ambassador Yoshimoto Hiroshi of Japan to Sierra Leone stated. He expressed that Japan believes in empowering countries to lead their own development, adding that in line with this belief, Japan is pleased to provide food assistance that supports the government’s vision of increasing enrolment and retention rates by ensuring children receive timely and adequate nutritious meals to meet their basic food and nutrition requirements.The event also marked the closure of a previous project that provided school meals to children in Kambia and Pujehun districts during the 2022/23 academic year, valued at USD 1.61 million.Hon. Conrad Sackey, Minister of Basic Senior and Secondary Education, welcomed the signing of another new grant which he said would directly support over 27,000 primary and pre-primary learners in Pujehun district, ensuring that no child choices between hunger and hope. He said that the programme resonated with the government’s big five game changers especially the human capital development.This latest KR grant underscores the ongoing commitment of Japan and WFP to improving educational outcomes and strengthening food systems for Sierra Leone’s most vulnerable children.
WHOSierra Leone concludes inaugural workshop on institutionalizing cause-of-death reporting and icd-11. The Ministry of Health, the National Civil Registration Authority (NCRA), and WHO have concluded a two-day inaugural workshop to establish death reporting sub-committees and lay the groundwork for institutionalizing the Medical Certification of Cause of Death (MCCD) and implementing ICD-11 in Sierra Leone.The workshop validated terms of reference, explored enabling legal and policy frameworks, and set the stage for phased implementation of the adapted WHO MCCD tool and ICD-11 in the country. Next steps will include a multi-sectoral roll-out of the MCCD, transition to and scale-up of ICD-11, and institutionalization of the same at academic levels.Speaking during the sessions, Dr. George Ameh, WHO Country Representative, stressed: “Every life matters, and every death must be counted. Accurate and timely reporting of deaths is a moral imperative.”NCRA Director General highlighted the importance of inter-agency collaboration, while Emmanuella Anderson, Universal Health Coverage and Gender Representative at the Ministry of Health, underscored inclusivity: “Behind every statistic is a human story. Strengthening death reporting ensures every life is valued and used to shape policies that protect the most vulnerable.”Through these efforts, Sierra Leone is advancing toward a reliable and standardized national mortality reporting system that will strengthen both health and civil registration systems. UNICEFSupporting Sierra Leone's Ministry of Health to deliver vaccines to remote communities. With UNICEF support and funding from Gavi, the Direct Delivery of Routine Immunisation Vaccines for Equity (DRIVE) programme is ensuring that even the most remote communities in Sierra Leone receive essential immunisation services. For hard-to-reach areas, this service is a lifeline. Without DRIVE, vaccines could take days or even weeks to arrive, risking their potency and delaying critical immunisation for children.Beyond routine vaccines, DRIVE also delivers essential medicines and nutrition supplies, both for regular services and during integrated campaigns. The programme has grown from six to eight districts, deploying 80 trained delivery partners equipped with motorbikes, Android phones, and rain gear. Their work has reduced stockouts, improved availability at health facilities, and enabled health workers to focus more on patient care.Digital tools are strengthening impact. The Electronic Stock Management Tool (eSMT) now provides real-time visibility in 84 facilities, while Thrive360, linked to the national health information system, improves tracking of stocks, utilization, and wastage. Expanded cold chain capacity, solarized facilities, and new district vaccine stores are also ensuring a safe and reliable supply.By integrating COVID-19, HPV, and malaria vaccines, DRIVE is helping close the gap for zero-dose and under-immunized children.

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Press Release

23 September 2025

UN Agencies Weekly Highlights 15-19 September

UN WomenBoosting Grassroots Mobility for Peace and Empowering Women Focused CSO Coalition with Motorbikes

UN Women Sierra Leone, with support from the UN Peacebuilding Fund, has handed over nine motorbikes to the Women-Focused CSO Coalition in Peacebuilding. The handover, held at the UN Women office in Freetown, was attended by the Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs, Dr. Isata Mahoi; the PBF Secretariat Coordinator, Ms. Irene Limo; and UN Women Head of Office, Setcheme Jeronime Mongbo.The initiative aims to strengthen grassroots peacebuilding by enabling women-led CSOs to access remote communities, facilitate dialogue, and enhance local engagement across six districts. Ms. Mongbo commended Sierra Leone’s progress under the Second-Generation National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security (SiLNAP II), stressing that sustainable peace must be rooted in inclusive community leadership.Dr. Mahoi expressed gratitude, noting: “These motorbikes will go a long way in addressing community challenges, protecting women’s lives, and improving access to information and services.”Receiving on behalf of the coalition, Chairperson Florence Nana Taylor-Younge highlighted the transformative impact of the support: “This donation will significantly enhance our outreach and operational capabilities, empowering us to further our mission of promoting peace, security, and gender equality.”By improving mobility and outreach, this initiative not only equips women-led organizations to monitor, respond, and engage effectively but also reinforces Sierra Leone’s broader Women, Peace and Security agenda.

UNICEFStrengthening Public Finance Management in Sierra Leone through the Harmonized Approach to Cash Transfers (HACT)

In partnership with Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Planning and Economic Development, UNICEF hosted a three-day capacity-building training on the Harmonized Approach to Cash Transfers (HACT) with participants from Ministries, Departments, Agencies, and NGOs.The training brought together over 90 representatives from government and civil society to deepen their understanding of HACT processes, enhance compliance, and ensure the effective use of resources. By reinforcing national systems for financial management, the training enhances transparency and accountability across development and humanitarian programmes.

HACT is a cornerstone of UNICEF’s risk management and assurance framework. Applying its principles not only safeguards resources but also builds mutual trust with partners and donors, ensuring that funds are used efficiently and for their intended purpose. Most importantly, it guarantees that every resource reaches the children and communities who need them most.
RCOInternational Day of Peace celebrated in Bamballa, Liberia

The UN Resident Coordinator’s Office joined communities in Bamballa, Liberia, to mark the International Day of Peace under the GOLA-REAP project, funded by the UN Peacebuilding Fund and implemented by IOM and WFP. The initiative is strengthening resilience and advancing peace in cross-border areas.Representing the UN Resident Coordinator, Robert Banamwana, Head of RCO, urged young people to remain peaceful, pursue education and skills, and reject irregular activities, noting that empowered youth are vital to building cohesion along the Sierra Leone–Liberia border.Joseph Saffa, on behalf of the Government of Sierra Leone, underscored the deep ties between the two countries through family, trade, peace, and the Gola Forest. He emphasized that sustaining border peace is essential for social cohesion, environmental stewardship, early warning, and the protection of vulnerable groups.WFP Liberia’s Representative added a message of solidarity, reminding communities of their shared challenges and resilience, and highlighting that through GOLA-REAP, both nations are working together to protect the environment, empower youth, and prevent crime and violence.The commemoration brought together governments, traditional leaders, women’s groups, security forces, rangers, and youth, culminating in vibrant cultural performances and sports. The day reflected a shared commitment to unity and peace across borders.One border, two countries, one peace.

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Press Release

15 September 2025

UN Agencies Weekly Highlights - 8-12 September

RCO

UN Resident Coordinator a.i. highlights SDG localization at DESA’s Localizing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Agenda 2063 in Sierra Leone workshop.

Last week, the SDGs Localization Workshop was convened by UNDESA, APRM, and the Government of Sierra Leone, as part of a global initiative to accelerate the 2030 Agenda and Agenda 2063. The workshop brought together government, UN, partners, and civil society to explore how global goals can be translated into community-based outcomes.UN Resident Coordinator a.i., Mr. Fredrick Ampiah, stressed that “sustainable development is not a destination, but a daily decision,” while the Minister of Planning, H.E. Kenyeh Barley, and Chief Minister, H.E. David Sengeh, both underscored the need to root national commitments in local action.The workshop closed with a strong call: local action is central to global progress, with Sierra Leone positioning itself as a champion of both Agenda 2063 and the SDGs. UNICEF

Supporting Sierra Leone’s young innovators in the eUpshift climate challenge.
With UNICEF’s support, Sierra Leone’s brightest young innovators took centre stage at the eUpshift Climate Challenge Final Pitch, presenting bold solutions to tackle climate change. Over 5,200 young people from 12 districts participated in the programme, building skills, refining ideas, and developing solutions through intensive training and mentorship.At the final pitch, the top five teams showcased pioneering innovations in reforestation, waste management, sustainable farming, and clean water—demonstrating how youth-led initiatives can offer practical pathways for climate resilience and sustainable development.In her remarks, UNICEF Deputy Representative Liv Elin Indreiten, emphasized:
“Young people are not only affected by climate change, they are also innovators and problem-solvers. Whether you win or not, you have already proven that youth can drive meaningful change.”The initiative was co-led by the Ministry of Communication, Technology, and Innovation, the Directorate of Science, Technology, and Innovation (DSTI), and UNICEF, with delivery support from Restless Development, Afriqia HR Solutions, and Craft Human Resources. This partnership exemplifies how collaboration can empower youth to lead transformative climate action in Sierra Leone.

IOMValidation workshop: National Reintegration roadmap – Sierra Leone.Sierra Leone continues to strengthen its commitment to sustainable migration governance through the Validation Workshop of the National Reintegration Roadmap, developed under the Migrant Protection, Return and Reintegration Programme for Sub-Saharan Africa (MPRR-SSA), with support from the European Union and implemented by IOM. The roadmap is a strategic framework designed to guide stakeholders in addressing the complex challenges of return and reintegration. It aligns with global and regional commitments, including the Global Compact for Migration (GCM) and the AU Migration Policy Framework, both of which emphasize safe, dignified return and sustainable reintegration. Sierra Leone, a GCM Champion Country since 2023, has made significant strides in aligning national policies with international migration standards. The National Migration Policy 2022 provides the foundation for this roadmap, focusing on protecting migrants’ rights and combating irregular migration. The workshop brings together 65 participants from MDAs, CSOs, NGOs, and technical working groups to validate and adopt the roadmap. It aims to foster coordinated action, enhance stakeholder collaboration, and mobilize resources to ensure the economic, social, and psychosocial reintegration of returnees.This initiative marks a critical step toward a more humane, structured, and sustainable migration management system in Sierra Leone. This milestone would not have been possible without the generous support of the European Union, whose funding and policy backing continue to strengthen migration governance and human rights protections in Sierra Leone.

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Press Release

08 September 2025

UN Agencies Weekly Highlights- September 1 - 5

RCO

Stakeholders use data to identify 9 Chiefdoms for Spotlight rollout in Moyamba, Kailahun & Falaba.

Stakeholders in Falaba, Moyamba, and Kailahun have identified nine Chiefdoms for the EU–UN funded Spotlight Initiative 2.0, a four-year programme to end violence against women and girls (VAWG). The choice was based on GBV prevalence, access to services, community support, and harmful social norms.Falaba: Mongor, Neya, SulimaMoyamba: Korri, Kagboro, RibbiKailahun: Luawa, Yawel, MalemaMinister of Gender and Children’s Affairs, Dr. Isata Mahoi, praised the inclusive process and noted benefits will extend beyond the nine Chiefdoms to entire districts and the country.Launched nationally in July 2025, Spotlight 2.0 builds on the 2018–2023 phase—the largest global investment to end GBV. It focuses on four outcomes: strengthening the enabling environment, preventing violence, survivor-centered services, and empowering civil society.Implementation will be led by UNDP (laws & policies), UNICEF (social norms), UNFPA (survivor services), and UN Women (civil society empowerment), with Rainbo Initiative working nationally. The programme aims to drive a significant reduction in violence against women and girls in Sierra Leone.

WFP

In collaboration with NDMA empower local disaster committees in flood-prone regions.

As part of its ongoing commitment to building resilient communities, the World Food Programme (WFP), in collaboration with the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA), has launched a targeted initiative to strengthen District Disaster Management Committees (DDMCs) in flood-prone areas across the country.This strategic partnership follows the successful completion of operational readiness training, equipping DDMCs with the tools and knowledge necessary to respond swiftly and effectively to emergencies. By enhancing local capacity, the initiative aims to ensure that these district-level committees are not only functional but also proactive in managing disaster risks.The collaboration between WFP and NDMA is fostering improved coordination among stakeholders and promoting a culture of preparedness. Through this joint effort, communities are being empowered to take ownership of their disaster response strategies, ultimately contributing to safer and more resilient environments.This initiative marks a significant step forward in decentralizing disaster management and reinforcing the role of local actors in safeguarding lives and livelihoods.

UNDPEmpowers women-led businesses to represent Sierra Leone at IATF 2025.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Sierra Leone has supported women-led enterprises that took part in the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF2025), in Algiers, Algeria from September 4–10, 2025. It was organized by the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank).

IATF2025 is Africa’s premier trade and investment platform, bringing together thousands of businesses, policymakers, and investors from across the continent and beyond.
The trade fair presented an invaluable opportunity for Sierra Leonean entrepreneurs to showcase innovative “Made in Sierra Leone” products, built partnerships, and expanded into new markets. Their participation highlighted the growing role of women in driving inclusive economic growth and innovation.
Through its local economic development programmes, UNDP provides grants, technical assistance, and business development support to women entrepreneurs, helping them strengthen their enterprises and access larger value chains.
This year, three women-led businesses, Shea & More, Trippie’s Clothing, and Grace & Co Food Processing Enterprise represented Sierra Leone at IATF2025. Together, they showcased skincare, fashion, and agro-processing products that reflected the creativity and resilience of Sierra Leonean women.
UNDP’s support underscored its commitment to empowering women in business and advancing Sierra Leone’s national development priorities. By connecting local enterprises to continental and global platforms, UNDP is helping to unlock opportunities that drive sustainable growth and create lasting impact.
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Press Release

02 September 2025

UN Agencies Weekly Highlights- August 25-August 29

ITC ITC’s READY Salone delegation undertakes benchmarking mission in Korea. A high-level delegation from Sierra Leone is in the Republic of Korea for a nine-day benchmarking mission under the Korea-funded READY Salone project, implemented by the International Trade Centre (ITC). Led by the Minister of Youth Affairs Ibrahim Sannoh, the delegation includes senior government officials, business support organizations and young entrepreneurs. In Seoul and Jeju, the mission is engaging with innovation hubs, ministries, research institutes and technology showcases to exchange best practices in digital transformation, startup growth and public–private partnerships. Key highlights include visits to Pangyo Techno Valley, Seoul Startup Hub, Samsung Innovation Museum, LG Science Park, and the Korea SMEs and Startups Agency (KOSME) in Jeju. The delegation will also participate in the APEC SME Ministerial Summit (1–5 September), contributing to discussions on “SME Digital Transformation: Assessing the Present, Envisioning the Future.” UN Women UN Women and Women in Politics Forum end Women’s Rights Review Conference in Freetown As part of efforts to advance meaningful action on violence against women and girls, UN Women in collaboration with Women in Politics Forum, with support from UN Women Africa and the European Union has ended a three-day Women’s Rights Review Conference in Freetown. The conference which took place at the Atlantic Hotel, brought together key women’s rights organizations and feminist advocates to review existing policies and frameworks on violence against women and girls, assessed what is lacking, and co-developed strategies to influence legislative and policy change from Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia, Togo, DRC and Sierra Leone. The conference started on Wednesday 27th August and ended on Friday 30th August. It adopted a participatory and feminist approach, including panel discussions, breakout sessions, practical working groups, advocacy planning labs, and wellness sessions. Speaking at the conference, Dr. Isata Mahoi, Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs said, “Many of the violence issues happen mostly within the families and in communities. So, people are always afraid to talk about it.” Adding that, because of the structures that we have, the initiatives that we have launched, the awareness raising, people feel more confident now to report cases of Gender-based Violence. Baindu Massaquoi, Programme Specialist said, “Sierra Leone has taken bold steps, including the enactment of the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment (GEWE) Act 2022 which has already begun to transform lives and amplify women’s voices in leadership. These milestones remind us that progress is possible when we unite across borders, sectors, and communities.” “We hope that the country will make bolder steps to end all forms of violence against women and girls.” She added. According to Barr Ebere Ifendu, President, Women in Politics Forum, this conference is a platform for coalition building—bringing together established women’s rights leaders and young feminists to forge an intergenerational movement that speaks with one strong voice across West Africa. UNDP UNDP Leads Groundbreaking for Sierra Leone’s First Canopy Walkway Sierra Leone has taken a bold step toward transforming its eco-tourism landscape with the groundbreaking of the country’s first canopy walkway at the Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary. Nestled in the lush Western Area Peninsula forest, the project signals a new chapter in combining conservation with sustainable economic growth. The initiative, spearheaded by UNDP in partnership with government and local stakeholders, is designed to elevate Sierra Leone’s profile as a unique eco-tourism destination while strengthening biodiversity protection. It complements ongoing national efforts to diversify the economy and boost tourism’s contribution to jobs and livelihoods. Speaking at the ceremony, UNDP Resident Representative Frederick Ampiah underscored the walkway’s transformative potential. “This project is about more than tourism. It is about protecting our forests, creating opportunities for communities, and showing the world Sierra Leone’s extraordinary natural beauty.” Tacugama, long regarded as a symbol of biodiversity protection and cultural pride, has been at the forefront of eco-tourism for over three decades. Founder Bala Amarasekaran welcomed the project as a milestone that will enhance both conservation and visitor experience. Government leaders echoed this vision. Environment and Climate Change Minister Jiwoh Abdulai stressed the importance of safeguarding Tacugama for future generations, while Deputy Minister of Tourism Kadijatu Grace Kamara described the walkway as “a pathway to the future where every visitor can feel the light of Sierra Leone.” Once completed, the 360-meter canopy walkway will offer panoramic views, attract visitors from across the globe, and generate green jobs—particularly for women and youth in surrounding communities.

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