By Alvin Lansana Kargbo
The Media Reform Coordinating Group (MRCG), in collaboration with its partners, has officially launched the National Fund for Public Interest Media (NaFPIM) on Thursday 20th March, 2025 at the New Brookfields Hotel in Freetown. This initiative marks a major milestone in efforts to strengthen independent journalism in Sierra Leone through competitive small grants for media organizations.
The fund, administered by MRCG and governed by a multi-stakeholder Board, is part of a broader strategy to enhance media viability in the country. It stems from the National Action Plan for Media Viability, which was developed in 2022 with input from media stakeholders. NaFPIM is designed to support public interest journalism free from political and commercial pressures, fostering civic participation and ensuring citizens have access to credible information.
NaFPIM aims to promote the production and dissemination of public interest media content, disburse grants to media institutions, conduct research, advocate for press freedom and manage resources effectively. It will also focus on helping media houses innovate, enhance internal systems and diversify revenue streams to ensure long-term sustainability.
The fund is guided by five core principles: impartiality, accountability, transparency, diversity and innovation. These values are expected to set the foundation for a more resilient and ethical media sector in Sierra Leone.
Delivering the welcome statement, Dr. Francis Sowa, National Coordinator of MRCG, recounted the journey leading to the fund’s launch. He highlighted the National Media Identity and Investment Conference, where stakeholders identified key reforms, including the need for sustainable media financing.
“While some doubted the feasibility of this initiative, others believed in its potential,” Dr. Francis Sowa noted. “With the support of partners like BBC Media Action and the International Fund for Public Interest Media (IFPIM), we have built an operational framework to ensure this fund is impactful and sustainable.”
Comparing the process to a nine-month gestation period, he described the launch as the “birth” of a long-anticipated solution to the financial struggles of Sierra Leone’s media industry.
In her keynote address, Saraphine Wakanda, the UN Resident Coordinator in Sierra Leone, emphasized the importance of independent journalism in democracy and governance.
“Media plays a critical role in shaping public discourse and holding power to account,” she said. “Yet, journalists worldwide face increasing threats. In 2024 alone, 68 journalists were killed, many in conflict zones. We must do more to protect them.”
Saraphine Wakanda highlighted the UN’s commitment to fighting misinformation and disinformation, particularly during elections. She called for collaborative support from the Government, Civil Society and private sector to ensure NaFPIM’s success.
Deputy Minister of Information and Civic Education, Bockarie Abdel-Aziz Bayoh, underscored the Government’s dedication to media development. He revealed how they will fulfil the $50,000 commitment from President Julius Maada Bio’s administration to jumpstart the fund.
“Impoverished journalists pose a significant threat to media integrity—just as dangerous as a bomb threat,” he stated. “Sustaining public interest journalism is crucial for democracy and Government funding ensures the media remains fair and balanced.”
He urged journalists to remain independent, warning against political bias in reporting. The Deputy Minister emphasized the need for media houses to focus on public interest rather than Government or opposition narratives.
Representing the International Fund for Public Interest Media, Makmid Kamara, the Regional Director for Africa and the Middle East reaffirmed IFPIM’s investment in Sierra Leone’s media landscape.
“The collapse of public interest media threatens truth, trust and democracy,” he warned. “In an era where advertising revenue is declining and corporate influence is growing, flexible funding is essential to safeguard journalism.”
Makmid Kamara noted that IFPIM provides grants in over 40 countries, aiming to build media survivability, resilience and regulatory strength. He encouraged the Sierra Leonean Government to honor its commitment and ensure continued investment in NaFPIM.
Ahmed Sahid Nasralla, President of the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) and Chair of NaFPIM’s Stakeholder Board, expressed pride in the fund’s establishment.
“This marks a historic turning point for independent journalism in Sierra Leone,” he declared. “We have fought for media freedom, from the repeal of the Criminal Libel Law in 2020 to today’s launch of a national fund that will empower journalists.”
The SLAJ President emphasized the need for Government and private sector support to keep the fund sustainable. He urged journalists to produce high-quality, investigative journalism that serves the public good.
Speaking at the event, Edward Benjamin Kargbo, BBC Media Action Country Director, highlighted the financial struggles of media houses in Sierra Leone.
“Media poverty is a major challenge,” he noted. “Good journalism is expensive; it requires resources, training and motivation. This fund is a long-overdue solution to sustaining public interest journalism.”
He recalled his experiences as a community radio mentor, where small investments made a huge impact on journalistic quality. He called for long-term collaboration between media stakeholders to fully implement the National Action Plan for Media Viability.
Joseph Egbenda Kapuwa Esq., Chairman of the Independent Media Commission (IMC), lauded the launch of NaFPIM as a significant step in media sustainability.
“This fund will help media houses break free from financial constraints that often compromise their independence,” Joseph Egbenda Kapuwa Esq. stated. “The IMC is committed to working with NaFPIM to ensure that grants are fairly distributed and used effectively.”
He urged media houses to apply for grants, emphasizing that financial independence strengthens democracy, governance and national development.
The National Fund for Public Interest Media is now open for applications, allowing media institutions to apply for grants to support their journalism projects. Interested applicants can visit www.mrcgonline.org and follow the instructions to submit their applications.
The launch of NaFPIM marks a significant step toward strengthening independent journalism in Sierra Leone. By providing financial support and promoting public interest reporting, the initiative is expected to enhance media viability, foster innovation and contribute to a more informed and engaged society. With backing from national and international stakeholders, NaFPIM is poised to play a crucial role in shaping the future of journalism in Sierra Leone.
