Freetown, May 7, 2026 — The United Nations and the Government of Sierra Leone have stepped up efforts to monitor progress on the country’s Medium‑Term National Development Plan (2024–2030), with joint field visits highlighting reforms and projects across several districts.
The UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (2025–2030), which aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals, sets out how 18 UN agencies, funds, and programmes will support Sierra Leone’s aspirations. Its priorities include food systems and climate resilience, human capital and employment, and governance and economic transformation.
In April, UN Resident Coordinator Seraphine Wakana and the Minister of Planning and Economic Development led delegations to Port Loko, Kambia, Bombali, Kono, Koinadugu, and Falaba. The visits showcased credible models, assessed implementation progress, and provided evidence‑based insights into how projects are performing on the ground.
The team also headed south to Moyamba to inspect the World Bank–UNOPS Enhancing Sierra Leone Energy Access Project, where a new mini‑grid is supplying electricity to the town and surrounding communities. Later, a joint UN–Ministry of Health initiative, the Life Stage Approach, will be highlighted, involving WHO, UNICEF, UNAIDS, UNFPA, UNDP, UN Women, WFP, and IOM.
The programme aims to strengthen health systems, expand equitable access, and advance progress towards Universal Health Coverage.
In Mano Tuba, Bo District, the delegation will monitor a Ministry of Agriculture and IFAD project that includes a 20‑metre bridge, feeder road rehabilitation, and oil palm farms connecting villages.
On day two, attention shifts to Kenema, where UN Women and the Ministry of Agriculture will showcase a Women’s Economic Empowerment in Resilient Economies project. The initiative is designed to boost resilience among women and youth by improving access to resources, climate‑smart farming technologies, markets, and financial services. Beneficiaries of a UNDP–Irish Aid cooperative project implemented by SEND Sierra Leone will also engage with the delegation.
The Kenema programme will conclude with monitoring at an IFAD‑supported Rural Farmers Radio station, which promotes inclusive financial services for rural populations, particularly smallholder farmers, women, and youth.
Before returning to Freetown on Saturday, the team will stop at Mile 91 to visit the International Trade Centre’s Ready Salone Digital and Smart Agriculture Programme at Central University, implemented in partnership with the Ministries of Youth Affairs, Communications, Technology and Innovation, and Trade and Industry.
The visits underscore Sierra Leone’s push to translate policy into practice, ensuring that reforms in energy, agriculture, health, and governance deliver tangible benefits for communities across the country.
