The Minister of Finance, Sheku Fantamadi Bangura, in a significant development, on Friday, 2nd February 2024, sealed a pivotal €17.5 million grant agreement with Germany which aims to bolster youth empowerment initiatives under the Pro-Poor Peace Consolidation Growth Project (GPCYE).
Deputy Financial Secretary of the Multilateral Project Division, Morrie Momoh, presided over the ceremony, extending warm appreciation to the German delegation for their unwavering support. He underscored the alignment of the grant with Sierra Leone’s developmental priorities, noting the consistent backing from KFW facilitated by the German Government.
The grant will fortify programs managed by the National Commission for Social Action (NaCSA), as elaborated by NaCSA Commissioner Amb. Ernest Mbaimba Ndomahina. Notably, the GCPYE initiative aims to address youth empowerment, in line with President Julius Maada Bio’s Feed Salone initiative.
Ndomahina emphasized the pivotal role of previous GCP phases in bolstering agriculture and supporting farmers across various regions. With GPCYE, the initiative’s reach will expand to include Bo, Bonthe and Moyamba.
Hannah Detmering-Segoin, representing KFW, reiterated the organization’s steadfast commitment to Sierra Leone, pledging continued support and collaboration.
German Ambassador, Jens Kraus-Masse, expressed optimism about deepening cooperation with Sierra Leone and commended NaCSA for its outstanding work.
Minister Sheku Fantamadi Bangura expressed gratitude for the grant, emphasizing its role in complementing poverty alleviation efforts through agriculture and job creation. He highlighted the alignment of the Pro-Poor Growth for Peace Consolidation for Youth Empowerment component with President Bio’s agenda to create 5,000 jobs.
Bangura anticipated that the grant would alleviate budgetary constraints, facilitating the seamless execution of activities outlined for the fiscal year 2024.
