US$4 million GOLA-REAP Project launched at Bo Waterside, Liberia.On Thursday, 27 February, the Resident Coordinator Seraphine Wakana, together with her Liberian counterpart, Christine Umutoni, joined the Minister of Internal Affairs from Sierra Leone, the Deputy Internal Affairs from Liberia, the MRU Secretary-General, UN colleagues from IOM and WFP from both countries and other stakeholders for the launch of the GOLA- REAP (Resilience, Empowerment, Access and Peacebuilding) project.  The ceremony for the US$4 million funding from the UN Peacebuilding Fund (PBF) took place at Bo-Waterside on the Liberian side of the border.  It aims to enhance cross-border collaboration, resilience, sustainable livelihoods, and peacebuilding among communities, law enforcement, and government agencies in Liberia and Sierra Leone. PBF supports joint UN responses to address critical peacebuilding opportunities and connect development, humanitarian, human rights, and peacebuilding initiatives.At the launch, the RC from Sierra Leone said the project, which is aligned with the national priorities of the two countries, the MRU, ECOWAS and AU visions, as well as the UN Pact for the Future, builds on the past and ongoing peacebuilding efforts of the governments, communities and other stakeholders in Sierra Leone and Liberia. Her Liberian counterpart said that the initiative builds on the historic ties between Liberia and Sierra Leone, reaffirmed during the November 2024 meeting between President Joseph Boakai and President Julius Maada Bio in Freetown, where both leaders emphasized regional stability, economic integration, and environmental conservation.The launch event was a key milestone in officially presenting the project to stakeholders, highlighting its objectives and intended outcomes. These outcomes include strengthening peace, security, and resilience along the borders of the two countries, strengthening social cohesion, improving border management, enhancing local governance, and promoting climate-smart agriculture to mitigate conflict risks and foster economic resilience.The GOLA-REAP project is a joint effort led by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the World Food Programme (WFP) in Liberia and Sierra Leone. The IOM will provide its expertise in migration and border management. At the same time, the WFP will contribute its experience in food security and nutrition in collaboration with national governments, local authorities, civil society organizations, and regional institutions such as the Mano River Union (MRU).The RC and her team also had engagements in Bo and Tikonko with young people working on skills training and with bike-riders.UNICEF delivers 61, 000 doses of Mpox vaccine to Sierra Leone .To support Sierra Leone’s Mpox response, UNICEF has procured and delivered more than 61,000 doses of vaccine with generous funding from GAVI and the Republic of Ireland and technical support from the African CDC and WHO to the Government of Sierra Leone. The Ministry of Health, the National Public Health Agency, and the leadership of the National Immunisation Programme, ensured that the Mpox vaccine arrived in the country at such an astonishing speed. The introduction of the Mpox vaccine to all target groups aged 12 years and older, especially frontline health workers and contacts, will help ensure that people are protected and prevented from further transmission of the disease. In addition, UNICEF supported the distribution of donated Personal Protective Equipment to six districts of the country to help healthcare workers stay safe in their course of duty.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.Reducing teenage pregnancy and ending child marriage National strategy launched.UNICEF joined the Government of Sierra Leone, Irish Aid, UNFPA Sierra Leone, and key partners to launch the National Strategy for the Reduction of Teenage Pregnancy & Ending Child Marriage (2025-2030) alongside the Formative Research Study on Adolescent Health, Nutrition & Support Systems (2023).The strategy developed with support from UNICEF, UNFPA, and Irish Aid builds on past progress and takes a holistic, multi-sectoral approach to tackling child marriage and adolescent pregnancy.Landscape mapping on Agricultural Finance Regulatory Policies in Sierra Leone conducted.UNCDF in partnership with the Bank of Sierra Leone (BSL) and the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (MoAFS) has conducted a ‘landscape mapping on Agricultural Finance Regulatory Policies In Sierra Leone’. This proceeded with consultation workshops and one-on-one meetings with 200+ stakeholders from the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA,) Government MDAs, Agri SMEs, Commercial Banks, Community banks, and Microfinance institutions. The stakeholder engagements focused on (among others), the report’s findings and recommendations with the objective of coming up with Agri finance specific policy reviews to aid in crowd in funding whilst providing Access to credit for Agri SMEs.The agriculture sector receives about 6% of the total credit from formal financial institutions yet contributes an estimated 60% of the country’s GDP and employs a sizeable population in Sierra Leone. UNCDF will be supporting the Ministry of Agriculture in the drafting of the ‘National Agriculture Finance Policy’, courtesy of the EU Funded ‘Salone Access to Finance’ Project.Empowering Informal Enterprises: UNDP's Blended Finance Match-Making Event.The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) hosted a Blended Finance Match-Making Event with 74 stakeholders, including government officials, fund providers, financial institutions, development partners, media, and informal sector businesses. The event, part of the Informal Economy Project funded by the EU and OACP, aims to support informal enterprises in transitioning to sustainable growth and formalization. Participants discussed how blended finance, which combines public and private funds, can help small businesses access capital through innovative financing solutions. Key topics included the use of digital technology and strengthening synergies between formal and informal financial institutions and small businesses.The event highlighted the potential of blended finance to unlock economic opportunities for micro and small enterprises, which make up 92% of Sierra Leone's workforce but face challenges like limited access to finance and technological support. Dr. Ibrahim Stevens, Governor of the Bank of Sierra Leone, emphasized the importance of bridging the gap between informal enterprises and the formal economy for financial stability and growth. Fredrick Ampiah, UNDP Resident Representative, reiterated UNDP's commitment to financial inclusion and innovation.Emmanuel Konjoh, Chief Director at the Ministry of Trade and Industry, stressed the need for women's economic empowerment, noting that only 20% of businesses are female-owned despite women making up 50% of the population. He also highlighted the role of digital technology in modern trade.The EU and UNDP are committed to supporting financial inclusion through various initiatives. The UNDP's Growth Accelerator Programme has created 177 permanent jobs, 3,928 temporary jobs, and opened 125 new markets in the past year. Additionally, the Timbuktoo-UniPod Pan-African initiative aims to support 1,000 African tech startups over the next decade, with a hub at Fourah Bay College in Sierra Leone. Financial literacy projects are also being implemented to empower youth and informal sector workers.Sierra Leone bolsters Mpox Response with 61,300 Vaccine Doses.Sierra Leone reinforced its combat against mpox with the arrival of 61,300 vaccine doses on February 25, 2025. This shipment, secured through the collaborative efforts of the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, GAVI, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), and other partners, following a total of 29 confirmed mpox cases nationwide since the onset of this outbreak.The arrival of these vaccines is a crucial step in protecting vulnerable communities and curbing the spread of the virus. WHO contributed to this achievement, working closely with the Ministry of Health's Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) to develop a compelling proposal for vaccine acquisition. WHO’s technical expertise supported the review of the proposal with partners, ensuring its alignment with international standards and best practices, ultimately leading to the approval and delivery of the vaccines.   "We are committed to supporting Sierra Leone in its efforts to control the mpox outbreak and protect its citizens. Our partnership with the Ministry of Health and other stakeholders has been essential in making the acquisition of the vaccine a reality." Remarked WHO Country Representative Dr. George Ameh.The Ministry of Health, with support from its partners, will now focus on implementing a targeted vaccination campaign to reach high-risk populations and prevent further transmission. The vaccines will be administered according to established guidelines, prioritizing those most vulnerable to infection.   "We are grateful for the support of WHO, UNICEF, GAVI, Africa CDC, and all our partners in securing these vaccines," said Dr. Austin Demby, Minister of Health. "This shipment is a major arsenal in our fight against the mpox outbreak."WHO supports Ministry of Health to empower Moyamba with quality improvement training.The WHO supported the Ministry of Health in conducting a crucial Quality Improvement (QI) training workshop in Moyamba District, Sierra Leone. This initiative, funded by Susan Thompson Buffet Foundation (STBF), aimed to strengthen healthcare delivery through the Life Stages Approach, prioritizing holistic care from preconception to geriatrics.Forty healthcare workers, including DHMT members, received training on QI tools, root cause analysis, data management, and child death audits. Moyamba, identified as a potential demonstration site, benefited from hands-on exercises where participants developed QI projects tailored to their departments, addressing service delivery gaps.The training enhanced understanding of QI principles, supported sustainable QI systems, strengthened Maternal, Newborn, Child, and Adolescent Health (MNCAH) services, and equipped participants for effective child death audits.Umaru Lawundeh, Quality of Care Officer, emphasized the training's relevance, stating it empowered him to identify gaps and improve care. This initiative marks a significant step in operationalizing the Life Stages Approach, laying the foundation for improved health outcomes and nationwide scale-up of person-centered healthcare. FAO Inaugurates capacity building on Pest Control & Management for Crop Protection and Phytosanitary officers.On Tuesday, 25th February 2025, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Representative in Sierra Leone, Saeed A. Bancie, inaugurated a four-day capacity building program for Crop protection and Phytosanitary officers from Sierra Leone's Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (MAFS). The training was held at the Sierra Palms Hotel in Freetown and aimed to equip participants with essential knowledge and skills on the Biological, Ecology, Host Plants, and Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Practices for Achaea, Catocaloides control in Sierra Leone.The Training of Trainers program was organized by the FAO, in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (MAFS), as part of the joint effort towards promoting sustainable and effective pest management practices in the country. In his opening remark, Bancie emphasized the significance of this training of trainers on the Biological, Ecology, Host Plants, and Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Practices. He stressed the need for a strategic approach to addressing these pests to ensure food security and sustainable agriculture in Sierra Leone in addressing the challenges faced by farmers in pest management.The Director of Crops at the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, John Kamara, admonished participants to apply the knowledge gained to develop effective control methods and protect the agricultural sector of Sierra Leone.FAO targeting 8 Districts and 21 Chiefdoms to improve livelihoods in Sierra Leone.Through the Food Systems Resilience Program (FSRP), FAO is actively working to improve livelihoods in Sierra Leone! The initiative is reaching across eight districts and 21 chiefdoms.  Currently, a distribution of small ruminants to 1,155 small-scale livestock farmers across Sierra Leone is taking place. This initiative is a collaborative effort by the Government of Sierra Leone, implemented through the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (MAFS), with crucial funding from The World Bank and technical expertise from the FAO.ILO, Opportunity Salone Programme support Sierra Agrobased Industries equipmentWith funding from the European Union, the International Labour Organization (ILO) implementers of the Opportunity Salone Programme have provided Sierra Agro-based Industries in Bo District with a range of essential machinery. These include dryers, steamers, processing tables, processors, and cool systems, all of which are crucial for developing and scaling Attieke, a cassava product. This support is not just about increasing consumption and access to the product but also about providing consumers with the best value for money and ensuring quality and volumes at all times. The project has supported SME businesses like Sierra Agro-based Industries based in Bo districts and others in Makeni, Kenema, and Port Loko to scale up production levels with technical and financial resources to be better placed in meeting market demands and compete internationally.
Receiving the machines, Rashid Conteh, CEO of Sierra Agro-based Industries, thanked the EU and ILO for the timely intervention to contribute to the cassava value chain in ensuring multiple products are being processed. They promised to utilise the machinery efficiently and ensure knowledge is passed on to the younger processors in the cassava value chain. Present at the handing over are Fedrico Cappuro, Food Systems Programme Manager, EU, Commissioner of Labour Chiblee F.Kamara from MELSS  and the  Youth Commissioner Atata Manassarry, amongst others. , filtered_html

26 February 2025[Freetown/Monrovia]:  Tomorrow (Thursday 27 February) the Minister of Internal Affairs from Liberia, Francis Sakila Nyumalin, his Sierra Leonean counterpart, Morie Lengor, and the UN Resident Coordinators for Liberia and Sierra Leone, Seraphine Wakana and Christine N. Umutoni respectively, will lead a significant event at Bo-Waterside, Liberia for the launch of the GOLA- REAP (Resilience, Empowerment, Access and Peacebuilding) project. The initiative, US$4 million in catalytic funding from the UN Peacebuilding Fund (PBF), aims to enhance cross-border collaboration, resilience, sustainable livelihoods, and peacebuilding among communities, law enforcement, and government agencies in Liberia and Sierra Leone. PBF supports joint UN responses to address critical peacebuilding opportunities, connecting development, humanitarian, human rights and peacebuilding initiatives.The GOLA-REAP project will be a collaborative effort bringing together diverse stakeholders including Government Representatives from the Ministries of Agriculture, Youth & Sports, Environment, Forestry Development Authority (FDA), Liberia Immigration Service (LIS), and their counterparts in Sierra Leone. Chiefdom members from both project sites, the local authorities, and other stakeholders and beneficiaries will also be at the launch. The launch event will serve as a key milestone in officially presenting the project to stakeholders, highlighting its objectives and intended outcomes. These outcomes, which include strengthening peace, security, and resilience along the borders of the two countries, strengthening social cohesion, improving border management, enhancing local governance, and promoting climate-smart agriculture to mitigate conflict risks and foster economic resilience, offer a beacon of hope for the future.The GOLA-REAP project is a joint effort led by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the World Food Programme (WFP) in Liberia and Sierra Leone. The IOM will provide its expertise in migration and border management while the WFP will contribute its experience in food security and nutrition, in collaboration with national governments, local authorities, civil society organizations, and regional institutions such as the Mano River Union (MRU).For further information, please contact:In Monrovia, Serge Lenaud: slenaud@iom.intIn Freetown, Sam Whitlow: rwhitlow@iom.int , filtered_html

UN Country Team in Sierra Leone discusses Justice Sector reform with the Minister of Justice. Members of the  UN Country Team in Sierra Leone led by Resident Coordinator Seraphine Wakana last week met with the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Alpha Sesay, at his Guma Building office in Freetown to discuss leadership from Government, coordination of the respective agencies and support to the justice sector by the UN family in Sierra Leone. Reinforcing the rule of law and building democratic resilience in Sierra Leone was also central to the discussions in which the RC informed the AG about the commencement of implementation of the new UN Sustainable Development  Cooperation Framework (2025-2030), structured around three pillars namely – (1) Food Systems, Natural Resource Management and Climate Change, (2) Human Capital, Essential Services and Employment, and 3) Governance and Economic Transformation. These, she emphasized, cut across the justice sector. The AG expressed his gratitude for the UN’s continued support of justice sector reforms, emphasizing his commitment to further enhancing the partnership between the Government and the UN to ensure the effective delivery of justice services. He acknowledged the contributions of the UN in providing essential resources to train legal professionals, promote legal literacy, and address systemic challenges within the justice sector. The UN resident coordinator reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to continue working alongside the Government to ensure that the justice sector reform efforts meet international standards, particularly those related to human rights and the fair administration of justice. UNDP, UNOPS, FAO, UN Women, UNICEF and UNOPS were represented at the meeting. 1st Quarter Ministerial DEPAC discusses progress of the implementation of the National Development Plan.UN Resident Coordinator Seraphine Wakana, on Thursday this week, joined other co-chairs—Madam Kenyeh Barlay, the Minister of Planning and Economic Development (MoPED), German Ambassador to Sierra Leone, Jens Kraus-Massé, and World Bank Country Manager Abdou Muwonge—to convene the First Quarter 2025 Ministerial Development Partnership Committee (DEPAC) Meeting at the Foreign Affairs Academy in Freetown. The focus of the meeting was on the status of implementing the Medium-Term National Development Plan (2024-2030) and donor coordination. Development partners and the Government reflected on the significant achievements, challenges, and opportunities for improvement. The meeting also highlighted the importance of strengthening the Sector Working Groups, aligning donor contributions with national strategies, and leveraging innovative approaches for enhanced development impact.The UN Resident Coordinator underscored the UN's unwavering commitment to supporting Sierra Leone's development agenda. Similarly, MoPED reiterated the Government's steadfast dedication to fostering stronger partnerships with development actors to accelerate progress towards the MTNDP.The discussions at DEPAC set the stage for further collaborative efforts to ensure that Sierra Leone's development trajectory remains on course. WFP launches report on rampant deforestation in the Western Area Peninsular National Park.The World Food Programme (WFP), funded by the European Union, released a report in February 2025 highlighting severe deforestation in Sierra Leone’s Western Area Peninsular National Park (WAPNP). Using satellite imagery, the study revealed that 715 hectares of forest were lost or degraded in 2024 alone, totalling 5,600 hectares (one-third of the park’s forest cover) since monitoring began. The WFP’s ‘Asset Impact Monitoring (AIMS)’ service, which employs remote sensing and GIS technology, facilitated the analysis, validated by government and UN teams on the ground.Deforestation is driven by land grabbers clearing trees for housing, illegal quarries, and fires, with 220 fire hotspots detected in 2024. These activities threaten endangered species like the critically endangered western chimpanzee and Freetown’s primary water source, the Guma Valley Dam, which supplies 90 percent of the capital’s population. Deforestation increases sedimentation in the reservoir, raising water treatment costs and risks of mudslides or dam failure.Despite being a protected area since 2012 and a candidate for UNESCO World Heritage status, illegal activities like construction, quarrying, persist. Joint inspections uncovered widespread violations, prompting calls for urgent action. WFP’s Yvonne Forsen emphasized the need for collaboration with the government to prevent the park’s destruction and protect its ecological and water security significance.FAO, Ministry of Agriculture & Agrifood systems stakeholders committed to achieve Feed Salone.On Thursday, 20 February 2025, representatives from key ministries, agencies, the private agrifood sector, and financing and development partners gathered in Freetown to discuss how the Feed Salone game changer can be achieved by 2028. The meeting was productive, with participants agreeing to pursue specific objectives and announcing clear results, including expanding rice sector investments, boosting egg production, increasing land for onion cultivation and enhancing cassava production and processing opportunities. There are also plans to encourage increased production and raise the quality of Sierra Leone’s cashew output to take advantage of opportunities in international markets.The Feed Salone Strategy is a beacon of hope, aiming to boost food security and inclusive economic growth in Sierra Leone through strategic investments. Pillar 3, in particular, focuses on enhancing the aggregation, processing, and marketing of agrifood products to increase competitiveness – domestically and on international markets – as well as to improve food security to drive the transformation of the agrifood sector in Sierra Leone. The development of an Implementation Plan for the Operationalization of the Feed Salone Strategy Pillar 3, as part of the European Union’s Sustainable Agrifood Systems Intelligence Initiative (SASI), further underscores the potential of this strategy.ILO collaborates to launch the Faculty of Business and Entrepreneurship, and Extramural Studies at EBK University The ILO has collaborated with the Ernest Bai Koroma University, which has its headquarters in Magburaka, to launch the Faculty of Business and Entrepreneurship and Extramural Studies. This significant milestone, done under the theme “Fostering Business and Entrepreneurial Education in Tertiary Higher Learning Institutions for Economic Growth in Sierra Leone”, marks a significant step in advancing entrepreneurial educational opportunities and fostering innovation in Sierra Leone’s academic and business sectors.The new Faculty, made possible through funds provided by the European Union, will see EBK- UST offer short entrepreneurship courses to the community. This initiative holds the potential to significantly advance the formalisation of enterprises and enable them to contribute to economic development in the country, bringing hope and optimism to the community.To reduce post-harvest losses, ILO hands over 24.8 KM of completed feeder roads to 10 communities.The International Labour Organization (ILO) recently completed a 24.8 km feeder road rehabilitation in 10 communities in Bombali District as part of the Opportunity Salone program. This initiative aims to reduce post-harvest losses due to poor road conditions and improve access to farmers' markets, promoting rural economic activities. Community members expressed gratitude and urged the EU and partners to address other needs, especially for health centers and schools. District Chairman John M.B. Sesay thanked the ILO for its continued support in connecting communities for economic benefits, funded by the European Union.WHO supports Ministry of Health to validate National AMR Surveillance Strategy.The World Health Organization (WHO) supported the Ministry of Health and the National Public Health Agency in Sierra Leone to review and validate the National Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Surveillance Strategy for Sierra Leone (2025-2029) through the Fleming Fund Grant. This strategy focuses on gathering and reporting quality clinical and microbiological data through multisectoral, well-integrated, and feasible systems, emphasizing country ownership to ensure sustainability. Given the limited resources for microbiological testing and surveillance in Sierra Leone, the approach will be based on national priorities and feasibility, starting with a few surveillance sites and gradually expanding.Sierra Leone has not established and implemented a surveillance system for antimicrobial resistance (AMR) since the development of the first AMR surveillance strategic plan in 2021 due to a lack of infrastructure and resources. However, with the support of the Fleming Fund Grant, at least three laboratories have now been equipped to support this initiative. This created an urgent need to review the strategic plan to provide a roadmap for successful implementation.The review process involved stakeholder consensus, with over 70 participants from the One Health sector participating in drafting workshops in Makeni and validation in Freetown. The process included a review of published and grey literature on AMR infections, laboratory performance assessments, activity reports, and other national and international guidelines.UN Women & CGG train over 50 Women’s Groups & CSOs on the GEWE Act & the Customary Land Rights Act 2022.UN Women in partnership with Campaign for Good Governance (CGG) through the Enhancing Women’s Protection, Empowerment and Rights in Sierra Leone (ENPOWER Salone) project funded by the Government of Ireland, has on Wednesday ended a two-day training of trainers for over 50 Women’s Groups and Civil Society Organizations on the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Act 2022 (GEWE Act) and the Customary Land Rights Act 2022 in Freetown. The aim was to capacitate women’s groups and CSOs on how to roll out training on the GEWE Act 2022 and Customary Land Right Act 2022.Community women’s and partners’ knowledge of key women’s empowerment provisions in the GEWE Act and the customary Act 2022 are enhanced using the developed manuals. Community and women’s groups and partners are capacitated on how to roll out training on the GEWE Act 2022 and Customary Land Right Act 2022.UN Women & Ngoila Women train 50 Village Savings and Loans Association Groups in Bombali and Karene Districts. With the support of the Government of Ireland through the Enhancing Women’s Protection, Empowerment and Rights in Sierra Leone (ENPOWER Salone) project, UN Women in partnership with Ngoila Women in Agriculture Cooperative Society has on Tuesday 18th and Wednesday 19th February, 2025, trained 50 Village Savings and Loans Association Groups in Bombali and Karene District on how to better manage their finances and generate income locally and giving their membership access to loan with low interest.UNFPA partners with Government to launch National Strategy for the Reduction of Adolescent Pregnancy & Ending Child Marriage.UNFPA and UNICEF joined the Chief Minister, Dr. David Sengeh, various Government Ministries, the Embassy of Ireland, and young people for the launch of the National Strategy for the Reduction of Adolescent Pregnancy & Ending Child Marriage on February 20, 2025. This multi-sectoral strategy builds on the progress made through the previous two national strategies (2013-2023), which contributed to a decline in adolescent pregnancy from 30% in 2013 to 21% in 2019. With a renewed commitment, the strategy aims to reduce adolescent pregnancy to 10% further and eliminate child marriage by 2030, in alignment with the country’s national development priorities and the Sustainable Development Goals.UNFPA collaborates with the Health Ministry to validate the Nursing and Midwifery Strategy. The Ministry of Health and Sanitation, in collaboration with UNFPA, convened a two-day meeting to validate the Nursing and Midwifery Strategy, a potential game-changer in strengthening maternal and newborn health in Sierra Leone. The strategy aims to create an enabling environment for nursing and midwifery services, support the country’s progress toward universal health coverage, end preventable maternal and newborn deaths, and improve overall health outcomes.   , filtered_html

WFPWFP 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.IFADIFAD 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.UNOPSMinistry of Energy, EPA, and UNOPS conduct  Public Disclosure tour of 6 Solar Mini-Grid sites in BoIn 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. UNICEFUNICEF 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. UNDPUNDP 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.FAOFAO 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. RCOUN 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.UNFPAUNFPA & 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. , filtered_html