$105 million livestock and livelihood development program financing agreement signed in Freetown today.

A USD 105 million livestock project co-financed by the OPEC Fund for International Development and the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) was today signed in Freetown between the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) Regional Director for West and Central Africa, Bernard Hein, and the Minister of Finance, Mr Ahmed Fantamadi Bangura.

Speaking at the signing ceremony at the Ministry of Finance's Conference Room in Freetown, Bernard Hein said the occasion strengthened engagements to advance food security, reduce poverty, and build resilience in Sierra Leone's rural communities. 

He was pleased to see the strategic alignment with Sierra Leone's Medium-Term National Development Plan for 2024–2030 and the "Feed Salone" Flagship Programme. He added that Sierra Leone is a net importer of livestock products (60% of poultry, 50% of eggs, and 90% of pork eaten are imported) and that the project, once implemented, will reverse that situation.

"Over the next eight years, this programme will reach over 62,000 households and benefit 373,000 individuals, with a gender transformative and youth sensitive approach, ensuring that at least 40% of beneficiaries are women and 30% are youth, including persons living with disabilities," the Regional Director said.

He noted that success in this journey relies on a close, result-focused, and committed partnership that builds on learning made from ongoing projects. He urged all stakeholders and the value chain actors—government officials, local communities, and development partners—to collaborate for effective implementation. 

Resident Coordinator a.i Sofia Goinhas congratulated the Government and people of Sierra Leone for the significant event, stating that the project is a testament to our collective ambition to bring sustainable progress to this nation.

"Today's signing, coming in barely two months to the commencement of the implementation of our new Cooperation Framework beginning in January 2025- 2030, speaks to Pillar One of the Document – Food systems, natural resource management, and climate change, which seeks to ensure that the most vulnerable populations are food and nutrition secure," said the RC a.i 

In her remarks, Acting Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr Theresa Dick, extended heartfelt gratitude from her ministry to IFAD, and partners for their continued support in advancing Sierra Leone's agricultural and economic goals.  She said the partnership will benefit Sierra Leone's economy by providing essential sources of livelihood for farmers, particularly women and youth, enhancing nutritional status and increasing income for many families, especially in rural areas. "I am certain that this alliance will significantly contribute to Sierra Leone's broader agricultural and economic objectives, including food security, rural development, poverty reduction, and the creation of sustainable jobs for the growing population," she emphasised. 

She also noted that the Government of Sierra Leone has committed $9.16 million through tax and duty exemptions to the project and beneficiary communities, who will contribute $5.67 million in cash or in-kind. 

The Finance Minister appreciated the commitment of IFAD, IsDB, OPEC Fund for International Development, and the Government to bring value to the President of Sierra Leone's vision of feeding its people. "The impact will ensure we reach our 500,000-target workforce," he said, adding that we are moving in the right direction. He emphasised that the government would waste no time in delivering on its partner commitment. 

The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (MAFS) will lead the implementing agency. A Project Steering Committee, composed of representatives from MAFS, the Ministry of Finance (MOF), the Ministry of Youth Affairs (MOYA), and the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MOTI), will provide oversight to ensure effective project implementation. A Project Management Unit under Bo's Livestock and Veterinary Services Division will manage the day-to-day operations.