Freetown, 14th January 2026 – The Sierra Leone Bar Association (SLBA) has secured a historic financial boost, with the Government of Sierra Leone approving an annual subvention of NLe1,500,000 (One Million, Five Hundred Thousand Leones) to support the Association’s operations.
The approval, granted through the Ministry of Finance following an application submitted on 14th November 2025, marks the first time the SLBA will receive direct government funding. Until now, the Association has relied almost entirely on membership subscriptions to finance its activities.
The SLBA, a company limited by guarantee, is mandated under its Articles and Memorandum of Association to protect human rights and fundamental freedoms, promote public education, campaign for legal reforms, and engage in matters affecting justice and community interests. These responsibilities have long been constrained by limited resources.
With the new subvention, the Association joins other professional bodies such as the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ), the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sierra Leone, and the Medical and Dental Organisation, which already benefit from government support.
SLBA Directors described the approval as “historic,” noting that the funding will help the Association play a stronger role in the administration of justice and improve the welfare of its members.
The Association expressed gratitude to the Government for considering its application and reaffirmed its commitment to remain a key partner in advancing justice, legal reforms, and the protection of fundamental rights in Sierra Leone.
