UN Sierra Leone Weekly Highlights - March 10-14

UNCT discusses with Chief Minister on efficient support to Govt’s development agenda .

On Thursday, UN Resident Coordinator Seraphine Wakana led the UN Country Team (UNCT) in a meeting with Chief Minister Dr. David Moinina Sengeh. The UNCT, committed to supporting Sierra Leone’s Development Agenda, discussed global funding challenges, prioritization of development interventions, and alternative financing options.

At State House, the RC commended the Government for ensuring prudent public financial management and accountability. She emphasized the UN’s readiness to explore alternative financial windows and innovations to support the country’s priorities.

A key submission was for the Government to fully exploit opportunities from the Africa Continental Free Trade Area, regional economic communities, and other intergovernmental institutions to mobilize domestic resources and boost economic growth and revenue generation.

The RC informed the Chief Minister of the upcoming mission to Sierra Leone by the UN Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) Director of the Sub Regional Office for North Africa to support debt restructuring. She underscored the importance of the visit and the need for Sierra Leone's active participation in the upcoming UN International Conference on Financing for Development in Seville, Spain, in June.

The Chief Minister welcomed the submissions and promised to convey them to the President and Vice President. He informed the RC that his office is leading an initiative on capital investment prioritization in collaboration with capital-intensive ministries. He also mentioned the development project prioritization that the government is adopting, which considers metrics such as impact and percentage of completion.