By Ibrahim Sesay
The Government of Sierra Leone and the United Nations have intensified efforts to track the implementation of key development initiatives across the country under the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (2025–2030).
The framework, which guides collaboration between Sierra Leone and the UN Country Team comprising 18 resident and non-resident agencies, funds and programmes, is aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Sierra Leone’s Medium-Term National Development Plan (2024–2030).
The cooperation framework focuses on three major priority areas: food systems, natural resource management and climate change; human capital, essential services and employment; as well as governance and economic transformation.
As part of ongoing monitoring and evaluation efforts, the UN Resident Coordinator in Sierra Leone, Seraphine Wakana, together with the Minister of Planning and Economic Development, has spent much of April conducting field visits to project sites in Port Loko, Kambia, Bombali, Kono, Koinadugu and Falaba Districts.
According to officials, the visits were aimed at showcasing credible development models, assessing implementation progress and strengthening coordination among UN agencies and government institutions. The exercise also provided development partners and government officials with direct, evidence-based insights into the impact of projects at community level.
The delegation is currently continuing the nationwide assessment tour in southern Sierra Leone, beginning with Moyamba District, where attention is being placed on the World Bank–UNOPS Enhancing Sierra Leone Energy Access Project. The initiative includes a mini-grid electricity project that is now supplying power to Moyamba town and surrounding communities.
Officials say the project is expected to improve economic activities, expand access to electricity and support livelihoods in underserved areas.
The delegation is also expected to monitor a joint Ministry of Health and United Nations “Life Stage Approach” programme involving several UN agencies including WHO, UNICEF, UNAIDS, UNFPA, UNDP, UN Women, WFP and IOM.
The programme seeks to strengthen Sierra Leone’s healthcare system by improving equitable access to health services, enhancing health outcomes and accelerating progress towards Universal Health Coverage and Sustainable Development Goal Three, which focuses on good health and well-being.
In Bo District, the team is expected to inspect progress on a Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security and IFAD-supported initiative in Mano Tuba. The project includes the construction of a 20-metre bridge, rehabilitation of feeder roads and development of oil palm farms aimed at improving connectivity and agricultural productivity in rural communities.
On the second day of the southern regional tour, UN Women and the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security will showcase the Women’s Economic Empowerment in Resilient Economies Project in Kenema District.
The initiative is designed to strengthen resilience and climate adaptability among women and young people through improved access to farming resources, climate-smart agricultural technologies, financial services, markets and vocational skills training.
Beneficiaries of a UNDP and Irish Aid-supported Regional Cooperative Union project being implemented by SEND Sierra Leone are also expected to engage with the delegation during the visit.
The Kenema engagement will conclude with a monitoring exercise and radio interview session at an IFAD-supported Rural Farmers Radio station. The station promotes inclusive financial services and agricultural awareness for rural populations, particularly women, youth and smallholder farmers.
On Saturday 9th May, 2026, the delegation made a final stop at Mile 91 to inspect the International Trade Centre’s Ready Salone Digital and Smart Agriculture Programme at Central University.
The programme is being implemented in partnership with the Ministries of Youth Affairs, Communications, Technology and Innovation, and Trade and Industry, with a focus on digital innovation and smart agriculture solutions aimed at empowering young people and boosting agricultural productivity.
Officials say the nationwide monitoring exercise demonstrates the continued commitment of both the Government of Sierra Leone and the United Nations to ensuring that development programmes deliver measurable results and improve the lives of citizens across the country.
