UN Sierra Leone Weekly Highlights - February 10-14

WFP

WFP and Njala University sign FeedSalone partnership to enhance food systems.

The World Food Programme (WFP) has signed an MOU with Njala University to improve food systems through research, climate-smart agriculture, and food security, supporting the FeedSalone initiative. The agreement, signed by WFP Country Director Yvonne Forsen and Vice-Chancellor Professor Bashiru M. Koroma, aims to foster cooperation to achieve shared goals. It will provide master's and PhD students opportunities for research related to WFP activities, such as school feeding and livelihood programs, and offer internships at WFP for practical experience.

Furthermore, the agreement includes provisions for providing technical guidance on revegetating Inland Valley Swamp (IVS) water catchment areas. This guidance will be based on scientific recommendations for selecting tree species with strong water retention capacity, ensuring sustainable environmental practices. The MOU also emphasizes supporting yield studies for key crops such as rice, Orange-Fleshed Sweet Potatoes, and other agricultural products to enhance food security and agricultural productivity.

Professor A. A Otesile, Head of the Department of Forestry and Wood Science, stated that the agreement had been two years in the making, adding that he was happy that it was finally coming to fruition. The Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof Bashiru Koroma, welcomed the partnership between WFP and Njala University, noting that this will empower Sierra Leonean youths and make them independent and self-employable. 

Scientific support will be extended for the implementation of field activities, ensuring that projects are carried out effectively and efficiently. Lastly, the Parties will collaborate on promoting the integration of fish farming with Inland Valley Swamp cultivation, fostering innovative and sustainable agricultural practices that benefit local communities. 

Through these initiatives, according to Dr P.D Musa, Dean of the School of Natural Resources Management, the MOU aims to strengthen the partnership between the Parties and contribute to shared development objectives.

IFAD

IFAD supports over 200 farmers to harvest swamp rice to combat food insecurity. 

An effort supported by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) through its Agriculture Value Chain Development Project (AVDP) project and in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (MAFS) has led to over 200 rice farming communities in Sierra Leone actively harvesting their swamps. The initiative, aimed at combating food insecurity and enhancing household incomes, aims to increase rice yields from less than two metric tons per hectare to an impressive average of 3.5 metric tons per hectare through the adoption of climate-smart practices. 

Currently, the project is rehabilitating more than 2,300 hectares of land, leveraging the expertise of experienced Inland Valley Swamp (IVS) value chain technicians. They are working closely with farmers to promote sustainable production and productivity increases. The results have been overwhelmingly positive, with farmers expressing optimism about the abundance of food and the potential for economic growth in their communities. Farmers have noted that the IVS activities will help alleviate hunger and extreme poverty and address critical social issues such as youth unemployment. By providing economic opportunities, the project aims to reduce the rates of drug abuse and crime associated with a lack of prospects for young people.  

Using the Farmer Field School (FFS) platform, the project emphasises a community-driven development approach. This community-driven approach has fostered collaboration and resilience among the farmers. This model groups farmers to implement climate-smart agronomic practices tailored to their local conditions, moving away from the previous service provider approach. This collective strategy enables farmers to share resources, learn from one another, and build resilience against potential climate shocks.

Additionally, the project provides quality input, including seeds, user-friendly farming equipment, fertilisers, irrigation systems, milling machines, storage facilities, and labour cost support. By equipping farmers with the necessary tools and knowledge, the AVDP is paving the way for sustainable agricultural practices that can withstand the challenges posed by climate change. 

The efforts of the AVDP and its partners are transforming the landscape of rice farming in Sierra Leone. By focusing on sustainable practices and community empowerment, the project is improving food security and fostering economic growth and social stability.

UNOPS

Ministry of Energy, EPA, and UNOPS conduct  Public Disclosure tour of 6 Solar Mini-Grid sites in Bo

In Bo District, a collaboration between the Ministry of Energy, the Environmental Protection Agency, and UNOPS resulted in a public disclosure engagement regarding six solar mini-grid systems. This initiative aimed to provide vital information and a platform for local voices, fostering trust and engagement among the community. Funded by the Government of Japan, the Enhancing the Impact of Rural Renewable Energy Project targets areas like Naiagolehun and Petewoma, striving to boost electricity access and stimulate economic growth in these underserved rural communities.

 While this project will inspire more growth in terms of investment due to improved quality of life and business environment, it will also likely create environmental and social (E&S) risks and negative impacts. In accordance with the EPA’s regulations, an updated Environment and Social Management Plan (ESMP) has been developed which specifies how these adverse E&S risks and impacts associated with the project activities should be avoided, reduced, and mitigated. Also, the ESMP details enhancement measures for anticipated positive impacts of the project such as carbon emissions reduction, reduced indoor pollution, reduction in negative pressure on women and girls, improved security, improved delivery of social services in health and education, employment generation, improved livelihoods, and grants opportunity and incentives for small-scale enterprises from other actors.

This project aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 7: Clean Energy. It supports the Energy Sector Roadmap and action plan which includes initiatives to increase energy access through technical and non-technical interventions developed by the MoE. 

UNICEF

UNICEF enhances Sierra Leone's Mpox response with Water Tanks & Pressure Pumps to Connaught Hospital.

To support Sierra Leone’s Mpox response, UNICEF has handed three 5,000L water storage tanks and pressure pumps to aid the supply of water to the Isolation Centre and Paediatric Ward of Connaught Hospital in #SierraLeone's capital Freetown (the main referral hospital in the country) and repaired its water supply system to help prevent the spread of the Mpox disease. Additionally, 60,000 personal protective equipment worth $ 450,000 were donated to the National Public Health Agency.

UNICEF is also supporting education, sensitization, and social listening efforts to curtail the spread of the disease. The UNICEF-supported social listening report is based on data insights and trends gathered by monitoring online conversations related to public perceptions and sentiments regarding Mpox to strengthen GOSL and partners' preparedness and response efforts.

UNICEF launches its new Country Program for 2025-2030. 

UNICEF this week launched its New Country Programme for 2025-2030 at an engagement held at Foreign Service Academy in Freetown. It was done in collaboration with the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development (MoPED) with an inspiring panel debate with line ministers and key public policy influencers and adolescents on Public Finance for Children & Child Rights programme. External partners and other stakeholders graced the launching ceremony. 

UNDP

UNDP enhances NRA’s revenue mobilization capacity with 8 new vehicles.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has successfully enhanced Sierra Leone’s revenue mobilisation efforts by delivering eight official vehicles to the National Revenue Authority (NRA). This initiative, part of UNDP’s Development Service Delivery program, features a fleet of six Land Cruiser Prados and two Toyotas, specifically designed to address the NRA's mobility challenges, particularly in remote border areas.

At the handover ceremony, UNDP's Resident Representative, Fredrick Ampiah, praised the collaboration, affirming, “Today’s handover underscores the strong partnership between UNDP and vital national institutions like the NRA, enabling improved resource optimisation that boosts revenue collection and service delivery.” With the new vehicles, the NRA can significantly expand its operational reach, enhancing its capability to collect revenue across the country.

Deputy Commissioner General Ann Marie Baby Harding expressed her appreciation for the timely support, noting that outdated vehicles had previously hindered their efforts. She stated, “This new fleet will greatly enhance our ability to generate revenue, especially in remote areas,” and highlighted the cost-effective nature of this procurement, which will allow the NRA to cover more territory and improve staff mobility.

Looking ahead, UNDP aims to continue leveraging its global procurement networks to provide essential resources for additional government ministries and agencies, further contributing to Sierra Leone’s development goals and maximizing the impact of its initiatives.

UNDP Donates vehicle to Ministry of Environment and Climate for Western Area Peninsula Project Monitoring.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has handed over a new vehicle to the Ministry of Environment and Climate to enhance the monitoring and management of the Western Area Peninsula (WAP) Project. The initiative, funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), aims to strengthen conservation efforts and promote sustainable environmental practices in Western Area of the nation’s capital.  The WAP Project aims to conserve and sustainably manage the Western Area Peninsula Forest Reserve, which is under threat from deforestation, habitat degradation, and other human activities. The project also seeks to promote ecosystem-based adaptation to climate change, improve livelihoods, and protect biodiversity.

Speaking at the handover ceremony, Deputy Resident Representative Sayed Sahibzada emphasized the importance of protecting Sierra Leone's natural resources. "This vehicle will facilitate the Ministry's efforts to monitor and manage the WAP Forest Reserve, ensuring the long-term sustainability of this critical ecosystem." The Permanent Secretary of the Minister of Environment and Climate, Madam Elizabeth Hawa Ellie thanked UNDP and GEF for their continued support. “This donation comes at a crucial time when environmental degradation and climate change pose significant challenges to our natural resources. With this vehicle, our teams will be better equipped to monitor and protect the Western Area Peninsula” she said.

The WAP Project is designed to enhance biodiversity conservation, restore degraded ecosystems, and strengthen community engagement in environmental protection. The new vehicle will play a vital role in facilitating site inspections, data collection, and enforcement activities within the region.

UNDP reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Sierra Leone’s environmental initiatives, highlighting that partnerships like these are essential for achieving sustainable development. 

The vehicle donation marks another milestone in UNDP's ongoing collaboration with the Government of Sierra Leone to promote environmental sustainability and conservation.

FAO

FAO discusses fishing needs with Ministers of Planning and Fisheries 

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Representative in Sierra Leone, Saeed A. Bancie, and Assistant FAO Representative in charge of Programs, Harding Bockarie Wuyango, have held a fruitful meeting with the Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Madam Kenyeh Barlay, and Minister of Fisheries Marine Resources, Madam Princess Dugba. Discussions focused on strengthening collaboration for the February 2025 closed fishing season and supporting alternative livelihoods for fishermen and fishmongers. 

RCO

UN Resident Coordinator meets with Indian High Commissioner to strengthen partnerships. 

This week, Resident Coordinator Seraphine Wakana welcomed H.E. B. C. Pradhan, High Commissioner of India to Sierra Leone for a courtesy call this week in Freetown. The meeting underscored a commitment to strengthening cooperation across key sectors, including business, the digital economy, health, and human capital development. Discussions also centered on aligning efforts with the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (2025-2030) and the Medium-Term National Development Plan (2024-2030), ensuring that international partnerships contribute effectively to national priorities.

A significant highlight of the discussions was the Indian Envoy’s reaffirmation of support for the UN Country Team’s disability program, emphasising the importance of inclusion in development initiatives. This commitment aligns with the UN’s mission to leave no one behind, reinforcing efforts to create an equitable and sustainable future for all.

UN Sierra Leone prepares for its annual results reporting. 

Through the Programme Management Team (PMT), the United Nations Country Team (UNCT) in Sierra Leone held its Annual Results Report Workshop, a key exercise to enhance the quality and coherence of the 2024 UN Annual Results Report. The focus was to provide quality assurance and ensure that the report is result based and captures the transformative contributions of UN agencies to Sierra Leone’s national development results and SDGS.

On Day One, participants discussed best practices, data validation, and evidence-based reporting, emphasizing the role of storytelling and data visualization in showcasing the transformative impact of UN interventions on socioeconomic progress and human capital development. 

Day Two centered on drafting the Annual Results Report, with agencies collaborating to create a high-impact, results-oriented document aligned with Sierra Leone’s Medium-Term National Development Plan. The report aims to serve as an effective tool for accountability and advocacy.

Overall, the workshop reinforced the UNCT’s commitment to transparency and data-driven decision-making, paving the way for a strong Annual Report that highlights UN Sierra Leone’s achievements and future priorities.

IOM 

IOM reunites 5 unaccompanied minors to their families in the UK.

This week, IOM facilitated the movement of 5 unaccompanied minors (4 female and 1 male) to the United Kingdom to reunify with their families. This activity underscores the organization's commitment to reuniting families and ensuring the well-being of vulnerable children in the spirit of Leaving No One Behind. Equally, IOM's support for medical cases, such as the transfer of a female migrant from Lebanon to Sierra Leone and her subsequent check-in at Choithram Hospital for proper medical follow-ups, demonstrates our care for the health of all migrants.

Government assures IOM of support for returnees. 

The Government of Sierra Leone, through the Minister of Internal Affairs, has assured IOM of its commitment to supporting returnees with the needs required for them to be reintegrated into the community. This assurance was made at the Steering Committee Meeting for the Migrant Protection, Return, and Reintegration Programme for Sub-Saharan Africa (MPRR-SSA) held at the Ministry of Internal Affairs Conference Room. The meeting was marked by the sharing of inspiring updates, including success stories that serve as tangible evidence of the program's effectiveness, and a united vision for long-term impact, focusing on enhanced services and addressing challenges.

UNFPA

UNFPA & Planned Parenthood Association hold International Condom Day outreach with school pupils 

On February 13, #InternationalCondomDay, together with Planned Parenthood Association, UNFPA engaged pupils of the Rokel Government School with vital health messages—emphasizing the importance of bodily autonomy, staying safe, healthy choices and the power of abstinence. 

UNFPA and SLMDA -host symposium on Obstetric Fistula.

UNFPA this week used the platform of the 47th Sierra Leone Medical & Dental Association (SLMDA) Annual General and Scientific Meeting attended by the Vice President Dr Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, the Deputy Ministers of Health, and other key stakeholders   to co-host a symposium on Obstetric Fistula. This important forum provides a platform to engage with healthcare professionals to advance maternal and reproductive health.

UNFPA supports the graduation of a new cohort of healthcare providers.

UNFPA has supported the graduation ceremony of a new cohort of healthcare providers 16 (Surgical Assistant Community Health Officers (SACHOs) and 2 Medical Officers at Masanga, Bombali District, ready to deliver life-saving obstetric and surgical care in underserved areas in Sierra Leone! This effort is made possible with support from UNFPA, Ministry of Health, Iceland, Capacare and partners, working together to bridge critical gaps in maternal and newborn health.

UN Women 

UN Women & Gender Ministry train partners on the Sierra Leone National Action Plan on Women Peace and Security. 

UN Women in collaboration with the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs has concluded a two-day training on the popularization of the Sierra Leone National Action Plan (SiLNAP III) on Women Peace and Security at the Atlantic Hotel in Freetown, Western Urban District. UN Women’s Women Peace and Security Programme Specialist, Mariama Kosia Koiyia said, “Plans are underway to train more civil society organizations and key district stakeholders across the six districts in Sierra Leone.” Thanks to the UN Peacebuilding Fund for supporting this initiative. 

UN Women holds consultative meetings for women farmers groups in Bombali and Kerene District.

Goila Women in Agriculture Cooperative Society with technical support from UN Women has successfully concluded its first consultative meetings with women farmers' groups as part of efforts to align economic empowerment strategies in Bombali and Kerene District covering 10 chiefdoms.

UN Women, UNDP and partners hold District level stakeholder engagement in 5 Coastal Districts.

Through the “Strengthening Institutional Capacity for Gender Mainstreaming in Local Councils” project, supported by the Government of Iceland, and implemented by UN Women, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in collaboration with the Government of Sierra Leone through the Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs and the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs has this week started district level stakeholders engagement in five (5) coastal Districts-Port Loko, Kambia, Bonthe, Moyamba, and Western Rural District. 

As part of the UN Partnership for Gender Mainstreaming (GiM) initiative to promote the implementation of Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Act 2022. The initiative aims to strengthen the institutional capacity of local councils to implement the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Act (GEWE Act), Policy, and other gender-related laws in Sierra Leone. 

UNCDF reviews progress on agency banking rollout with Rokel Commercial Bank. 

The United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) held a Project steering committee meeting with Rokel Commercial Bank (chaired by the bank CEO) to review progress on agency banking roll out in farming communities across the country to increase financial access points for farmers. Both Rokel Commercial Bank and Guaranty Trust Bank partnered with UNCDF to extend financial access points to rural farming communities. Since Central Bank released the ‘Agency banking Guidelines in 2020, 550 bank agents had been collectively deployed by 2024. This project aims to triple the number of bank agents to 1,550 by June 2026, evenly spread across the 16 districts whilst carrying out Digital & Financial Literacy for these communities.