The Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) has officially recognized VIP Trading Company–Sierra Leone Limited for its unwavering support to journalism and the media industry in the country. During a high-profile handing-over and inauguration ceremony held at the Bintumani Hotel in Freetown on Friday, July 11, 2025, SLAJ presented a Certificate of Appreciation to the company, highlighting its steadfast partnership and contribution to press freedom and media development.
The certificate, signed by erstwhile SLAJ President, Ahmed Sahid Nasralla, was awarded “for your support to SLAJ and the media in Sierra Leone,” and marks a significant milestone in the ongoing collaboration between the corporate sector and the media community.
VIP Trading Company, known for its national footprint in essential commodities and support to state institutions, was honored for consistently championing the role of the media as a pillar of democracy. The company’s engagement with journalists and support to SLAJ initiatives has made it a dependable ally in advancing credible journalism and promoting transparency.
In his appreciation remarks, Ahmed Hashim, Chief Executive Officer of VIP Trading Company–Sierra Leone Limited, expressed deep gratitude for the recognition. “We are humbled and honored by this award from SLAJ,” he said. “It reaffirms our belief in the vital role of the media and encourages us to continue contributing to national development through responsible corporate engagement.”
He added that the award symbolizes more than just recognition; it represents a renewed commitment to supporting freedom of expression and empowering journalists to do their work without fear or interference.
This latest recognition cements VIP Trading Company’s reputation not only as a leading supplier of essential commodities in Sierra Leone but also as a corporate entity that values the importance of a vibrant and independent press.
With SLAJ beginning a new chapter of leadership, the gesture also reflects the Association’s appreciation for institutions that support the media through both challenging and triumphant times. The award to VIP Trading Company clearly demonstrates the power of private-public partnerships in promoting national growth, transparency and accountability.
In a continued demonstration of proactive leadership in the fight against drug abuse, the Minister of Youth Affairs, Ibrahim Sannoh, on Friday 25th July, 2025 brought his weekly youth engagement outreach to Waterloo, one of the epicenters of the destructive Kush crisis in Sierra Leone. The visit formed part of his broader nationwide campaign to rescue and rebuild the lives of young people entangled in substance abuse.
Unlike many official visits that end with speeches, the Minister came bearing tangible support. He donated essential items including first aid kits, bags of rice and financial assistance to affected families and youth groups. Speaking to a crowd of hopeful and recovering young people, he made it clear that the Government, through the Ministry of Youth Affairs, is deeply committed to creating a future that does not involve drugs.
“Your future is too bright to be dimmed by drugs,” he passionately told the gathering. “We are rolling out skills development training very soon and we want you to be among the first beneficiaries. We believe in your potential and we are here to walk this journey with you.”
What truly distinguished this visit was the Minister’s hands-on approach. Rather than just expressing concern, he took immediate action. Several young people critically affected by the Kush drug were identified and Minister Ibrahim Sannoh personally accompanied them to the Waterloo Government Hospital. He ensured they were admitted for medical care, pledging to cover the full cost of their treatment.
“We won’t abandon you to this crisis,” he assured his voice resolute. “Healing is the first step to a new beginning. This Government is not just enforcing laws we are building lives.”
The Minister’s visit struck a powerful emotional chord with the community. His ability to connect with youth not just as a politician but as a mentor and advocate was evident. He listened to their concerns, encouraged them to envision a life beyond addiction and pledged ongoing support through training programs aimed at fostering entrepreneurship, vocational skills and economic empowerment.
“This fight is not just against Kush; it’s a fight to restore lost dreams, rebuild broken communities and give our young people a second chance at life,” he emphasized.
Many in the community hailed the Minister’s intervention as a turning point. Local leaders and youth advocates expressed appreciation for the Ministry’s visible presence and practical actions noting that this level of engagement is what is truly needed to reverse the tide of addiction.
As the visit concluded, hope lingered in the air. The youths of Waterloo now look forward to the upcoming skills training opportunities with renewed optimism. For them and many others across the country, Minister Ibrahim Sannoh’s campaign against drug abuse is more than a policy; it’s a promise of redemption.
Through his #RescueAndRebuild initiative, Minister Ibrahim Sannoh continues to show that Sierra Leone’s fight against drugs isn’t just punitive it’s transformative, restorative and centered on giving young people the chance to dream again.
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), in partnership with the Freetown Polytechnic, have celebrated the graduation of 25 returnees who successfully completed an intensive automotive skills training program. The ceremony, held on Friday, July 25, 2025, at the Government Technical Institute Campus, Ferry Junction, marks a significant step in supporting sustainable livelihoods and reintegration opportunities for returnees in Sierra Leone.
The program, funded by the European Union (EU), focused on practical automotive maintenance, including engine repairs, tire and battery replacement and diagnostic checks. It forms part of a wider initiative to equip young people and returnees with hands-on technical skills to foster economic stability and discourage irregular migration.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Pauline Macharia, IOM Officer-in-Charge in Sierra Leone, underscored the importance of the initiative. “This training program provides industry-relevant skills that are critical in today’s evolving job market. By integrating modules on sustainable industrial practices, entrepreneurship and advanced technological applications, we are helping participants build a future that benefits their communities and the nation,”she said.
Dr. Pauline Macharia emphasized IOM and UNIDO’s commitment to strengthening partnerships with the Government of Sierra Leone, non-Governmental institutions and other United Nations agencies to ensure migrants are not left behind in national development efforts. She added that such programs are designed to reduce the risks of irregular migration by creating viable opportunities for returnees to contribute meaningfully to their families and society.
Dr. Samba Moriba, Principal of Freetown Polytechnic, hailed the collaboration as a milestone in vocational education. “Freetown Polytechnic has long been a beacon of technical training since its establishment in 1964. This partnership with IOM and UNIDO reinforces our mission of combining theoretical knowledge with practical skills to produce graduates who are ready to innovate and lead,” he noted.
He also stressed that international partnerships play a vital role in shaping the future of technical education in Sierra Leone, ensuring students are not only prepared for today’s workforce but are capable of adapting to tomorrow’s industrial challenges.
Representing the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Assistant Director, Cyrus Chrispin Justice reaffirmed the Government’s dedication to youth empowerment. “Our role as a Ministry is to design policies that make young people valuable assets to their communities and the nation. Initiatives like this are critical in achieving that goal,” he stated.
The graduation of these 25 returnees is more than a ceremony; it symbolizes resilience, hope and a shared commitment to sustainable development. With the support of IOM, UNIDO and the European Union, the graduates are now equipped with valuable skills to build their livelihoods, reduce unemployment and contribute to Sierra Leone’s economic growth.
The United States Government has formally approved a $480 million Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Compact for Sierra Leone, signaling a major milestone in the country’s efforts to modernize its energy sector and strengthen bilateral ties with the U.S.
The announcement, confirmed through a post on X by the U.S. Embassy in Freetown, follows an extensive administration review of U.S. foreign assistance programs. The Compact, signed in September 2024, aims to address one of Sierra Leone’s most pressing challenges; access to affordable and reliable electricity.
The Compact, signed in September 2024, aims to tackle one of Sierra Leone’s most pressing development challenges; access to affordable and reliable electricity. The investment will support critical improvements to electricity distribution, expand the national power grid and strengthen key energy institutions. The Government of Sierra Leone is contributing an additional $14.2 million to the program.
Sierra Leone is one of only 15 countries worldwide and two in Africa selected to move forward with an MCC Compact from an original pool of 25. This selection reflects strong confidence in the country’s governance, reform agenda and capacity to deliver results.
“The approval of this Compact is a vote of confidence in our Government’s commitment to transforming the energy sector,” said President Julius Maada Bio. “It is a landmark achievement that opens new doors for investment, job creation and long-term economic growth.”
In a statement posted on X, President Bio expressed gratitude to the U.S. Government and the MCC for their continued partnership. He also thanked U.S. Ambassador to Sierra Leone, Bryan D. Hunt, for his efforts in strengthening bilateral relations.
According to the MCC, only about 30 percent of Sierra Leone’s population currently has access to electricity, with rural access below five percent. Power outages and unstable voltage remain common, forcing businesses and households to rely on costly diesel generators despite being connected to the national grid.
The MCC Compact will address those challenges through three main projects:
Distribution and Access Project: Focused on expanding electricity access and improving service delivery.
Transmission Backbone Project: Aims to reinforce and expand the national grid.
Power Sector Reform Project: Designed to build institutional capacity and attract private sector participation.
In a related development, Sierra Leone’s new Ambassador to the United States, His Excellency Amara Sheikh Mohammed Sowa, presented his credentials to President Donald J. Trump in Washington, D.C. on July 24, 2025. During the ceremony, Ambassador Amara Sowa delivered a message of goodwill from President Bio and emphasized the strong historical ties between the two nations.
Highlighting President Bio’s Big Five Game Changers initiative, Ambassador Amara Sowa underscored the administration’s focus on development, anti-corruption and creating a business-friendly environment. He also acknowledged U.S. contributions to Sierra Leone’s progress in education, healthcare and peacebuilding.
“The longstanding partnership between Sierra Leone and the United States continues to grow stronger,” said Ambassador Amara Sowa. “This Compact represents more than financial assistance; it is a partnership for progress.”
The Embassy of Sierra Leone in Washington, D.C. issued a statement praising the MCC Compact as a transformative step toward economic modernization and international collaboration.
With the Compact’s implementation set to begin, Sierra Leone is poised to make significant strides in energy access, private sector development and improved living standards.
In a vibrant celebration of youth-led innovation and digital empowerment, Orange Sierra Leone, one of the country’s leading telecommunications companies, successfully concluded the 7th Edition of its Orange Social Venture Prize (OSVP) on Friday, July 25, 2025. The prestigious grand pitch event was held at the Orange Digital Centre on Hill Station in Freetown and showcased the ingenuity and entrepreneurial spirit of Sierra Leone’s brightest innovators.
The event brought together eight national finalists competing across two categories for a combined prize pool exceeding NLe 300,000. These finalists presented their tech-based solutions to pressing societal challenges, ranging from access to education and business support for MSMEs, to innovations in finance and healthcare.
Following a dynamic series of live pitches, two standout winners emerged: Edward Kamara, founder of MiBuks, emerged as the National Prize Winner, receiving a cash award of NLe 200,000 for his impactful digital platform designed to empower Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to track sales, expenses and inventory; generate receipts and invoices and build a digital credit profile from their transaction history and Richlyn Kainekay Turay, representing Smart College, was crowned the Tech Queen Female Category Winner, receiving NLe 120,000 in recognition of her innovative solution geared toward streamlining student access to higher education services through technology.
Delivering his address, Sekou Amadou Bah, Chief Executive Officer of Orange Sierra Leone, hailed the OSVP as a transformative initiative and reaffirmed Orange’s long-term commitment to youth empowerment, innovation and digital inclusion.
“Since launching OSVP in Sierra Leone in 2019, Orange has remained committed to empowering digital entrepreneurs with the tools they need to succeed, including funding, mentorship and platforms to scale their ventures.”
He noted that Orange’s involvement goes beyond telecommunications it is about being a catalyst for national development. Sekou Amadou Bah highlighted Orange’s investments in infrastructure, innovation and inclusion, particularly through the Orange Digital Centers (ODCs) established in six locations nationwide. Notably, three ODCs are dedicated to empowering women.
“In just three years, we’ve trained over 5,000 young Sierra Leoneans 47% of whom are women with a 15% job integration rate,” Sekou Amadou Bah revealed.
He emphasized that those efforts are not merely corporate social responsibility but part of a strategic vision to build a future-proof digital economy for Sierra Leone.
Fredrick Hans Ampiah, Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Sierra Leone, commended the OSVP for spotlighting homegrown innovation and called for structural investments in Sierra Leone’s innovation economy.
“In my former life, our ambition was to position Ghana as the ICT hub of West Africa. We built incubators, attracted venture capital and supported startups that are now global names. Sierra Leone can achieve the same what we need is commitment, structure, and vision,” Fredrick Hans Ampiah maintained.
He urged policymakers and stakeholders to view Sierra Leone’s small market size not as a limitation but as an opportunity to build exportable, scalable solutions that can thrive across borders.
Fredrick Hans Ampiah further praised Orange’s work in building the digital skills pipeline but pushed for deeper public-private partnerships to accelerate innovation:
“For UNDP, this isn’t just about prizes. It’s about building a whole innovation economy one that has the right policies, infrastructure, financing and talent pipeline to truly transform lives and communities.”
In a powerful reflection, Minister of Communication, Technology and Innovation, Salima Bah, spoke of the transformative journey Sierra Leone has taken over the past seven years in digital innovation.
“Seven years ago, there was virtually no Government innovation policy. Today, thanks to collective efforts from Government, the private sector and partners like UNDP, UNICEF and the World Bank, we are seeing the tangible fruits of that investment.”
She proudly cited examples of local innovators gaining regional and international recognition and emphasized that Sierra Leone’s agility and scale make it an ideal testbed for innovative solutions.
“The concept of ‘Country as a Lab’ is not just rhetoric. Our relatively small population gives us a competitive advantage it allows us to pilot, refine and scale tech solutions quickly.”
Salima Bah also announced the imminent launch of national consultations for Sierra Leone’s Startup Act, a legal framework tailored specifically to startups, modeled after similar successful frameworks in Nigeria and Egypt.
“Startups are not SMEs. They need their own regulations not restrictions. This Act will be co-created with the ecosystem—for the ecosystem.”
She ended her address with a resounding message to young entrepreneurs and innovators: “We understand your journey. We are with you. And we will walk this path together.”
Reacting to his win, Edward Kamara, founder of MiBuks, expressed deep gratitude to Orange Sierra Leone, describing the recognition as a strong validation of his team’s efforts to digitize the operations of small businesses in the country.
“This award affirms the vision behind MiBuks a platform born out of a passion to transform how MSMEs operate in Sierra Leone and across Africa,” Edward Kamara said. “I dedicate this win to every entrepreneur struggling with manual records or seeking access to finance. We will reinvest this prize to further expand our reach especially to underserved communities.”
Richlyn Kainekay Turay, representing Smart College, who was crowned Tech Queen in the Female Category, also expressed heartfelt appreciation to Orange Sierra Leone. She used the opportunity to encourage other young women pursuing careers in technology.
“This award is a justification of the work we’re doing at Smart College to make access to higher education services more seamless and inclusive,” she said. “I dedicate this win to every young girl dreaming of building tech solutions that solve real problems. Let this be a reminder that innovation has no gender.”
Both Edward Kamara’s and Richlyn Kainekay Turay’s recognition highlights the growing impact of homegrown tech innovations and the importance of empowering youth-led digital solutions in Sierra Leone’s development agenda.
The Vice President of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, has concluded a successful engagement with Sierra Leonean diaspora stakeholders in London, emphasizing the Government’s achievements and outlining key national priorities. The high-level meeting, held on July 25, 2025 at the Taj Hotel and hosted by the Sierra Leone High Commission, brought together business leaders, community representatives and professionals eager to contribute to the country’s development.
Addressing the gathering, Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh highlighted the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) Government’s progress in human capital development, gender equality and economic diversification. He noted that over 30% of seats in Parliament are now held by women, surpassing representation in some European countries, while female participation in ministerial roles continues to grow.
On food security, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh underscored the impact of the “Feed Salone” initiative, which aims to reduce the nation’s heavy reliance on imported food. He announced that Sierra Leone is now exporting sardines and cooking oil while boosting local rice production to cut down the 23% of national spending currently allocated to food imports.
Energy and infrastructure expansion were also key themes. The Vice President revealed that the U.S. Government has approved a $480 million Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Compact to expand electricity access nationwide. He noted that Freetown’s energy supply has increased from 60MW to 85MW and outlined ongoing investments in roads, bridges, water systems and internet connectivity. British International Investment is exploring additional loan support for the water sector.
In education and health, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to free primary and secondary education, especially for girls in STEM disciplines. He reported that annual doctor training has tripled from 50 to 150, postgraduate medical training is now available locally and Sierra Leone is meeting its vaccination targets while expanding maternal care services. He assured the diaspora that his office will continue to facilitate the clearance of donated medical and educational supplies sent from abroad.
Recognizing the crucial role of remittances in sustaining families and education, the Vice President urged Sierra Leoneans in the diaspora to explore investments in microfinance, banking, healthcare and education. While concrete incentives for diaspora investors are still under review, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh emphasized that creating a favorable framework for their participation remains a Government priority.
Expressing gratitude for the warm reception and thoughtful input from participants, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh acknowledged calls for clearer strategies to structure and amplify diaspora contributions in a sustainable and impactful way.
“The Government of Sierra Leone sees the diaspora not only as remitters but as vital partners in national development,” Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh stated. “Your expertise, investment and continued engagement are critical as we build a prosperous future together.”
The London forum underscored the growing importance of diaspora engagement in Sierra Leone’s development agenda, signaling renewed commitment to fostering stronger collaboration between the Government and Sierra Leoneans abroad.
The 50 Most Influential Sierra Leonean Women Awards Committee has honored Rtd. Hon. Dr. Sidie Mohamed Tunis with the esteemed Lifetime Achievement Award for Peace and Democracy, acknowledging his steadfast dedication to fostering peace, promoting democratic governance, and advancing gender empowerment throughout the West African sub-region.
A private presentation ceremony held at Hon. Dr. Sidie Mohamed Tunis’s Parliament office provided a moment to reflect on his decades of dedicated service. Unable to attend the official awards event on July 18, 2025, held under the distinguished Grand Chief Patronage of Her Excellency Fatoumata Tambajang, Former Vice President of The Gambia and Her Excellency Fatima Maada Bio, First Lady of Sierra Leone, he was away on official duties outside the country.
In his acceptance remarks, Hon Dr. Sidie Mohamed Tunis expressed deep gratitude to the Awards Committee and apologized for his absence at the main event. He highlighted his tenure as Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, where he championed initiatives to strengthen peace, democracy and regional integration.
“Peace is the foundation upon which nations thrive,” Hon. Dr. Sidie Mohamed Tunis stated. “During my service at ECOWAS Parliament, I remained steadfast in promoting democratic processes and unity across member states. I will continue to work towards fostering national cohesion and sustainable peace here in Sierra Leone.”
In addition to the Lifetime Achievement Award, Hon. Dr. Sidie Mohamed Tunis was named a HeForShe Champion, a distinction honoring male allies who actively advocate for gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls.
“Empowering women and girls is not just a social responsibility; it is essential for national progress,” he emphasized. “I am humbled to be recognized as a HeForShe Champion and will continue to advocate for women’s leadership and inclusion in all sectors of society.”
The 50 Most Influential Sierra Leonean Women Awards is a leading platform celebrating exceptional individuals and advocates who have significantly impacted national development and gender equality.
In presenting the awards, the organizing committee lauded Hon. Dr. Sidie Mohamed Tunis’s leadership, integrity and enduring commitment to building a peaceful and inclusive society, describing his dual recognition as a testament to the link between peace, democracy and inclusive governance.
By PEL Koroma, Embassy of Sierra Leone, Washington, D.C.
Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to the United States, His Excellency Amara Sheikh Mohammed Sowa, has officially presented his Letters of Credence to U.S. President Donald J. Trump, formally assuming his role as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Sierra Leone to Washington.
During the ceremony at the White House on July 24, 2025, Ambassador Amara Sheikh Mohammed Sowa conveyed President Dr. Julius Maada Bio’s warm greetings and best wishes to President Donald J. Trump, expressing hopes for his continued good health and success in advancing the welfare of the American people. He also delivered the recall letter of his predecessor.
Ambassador Amara Sheikh Mohammed Sowa highlighted the historic relationship between Sierra Leone and the United States, tracing it back over a century. He noted the deep cultural ties forged during the transatlantic slave trade, pointing out that many of the enslaved Africans taken from Bunce Island in Sierra Leone were transported to Georgia and South Carolina due to their expertise in rice cultivation.
“The Gullah community in the United States and the legacy of the Amistad revolt led by Sengbeh Pieh are lasting reminders of the strong historical bonds between our nations,” Ambassador Amara Sheikh Mohammed Sowa said. He emphasized that those connections have laid the foundation for the excellent relations Sierra Leone and the United States enjoy today.
Ambassador Amara Sheikh Mohammed Sowa reaffirmed Sierra Leone’s commitment to shared values with the U.S., including promoting international peace, human rights and development. He expressed gratitude for U.S. support during Sierra Leone’s successful bid for a seat on the United Nations Security Council and praised ongoing collaboration between the two nations in global peace initiatives.
He also briefed President Donald J. Trump on President Bio’s second-term priorities, which include boosting agricultural productivity for food security, advancing human capital development, implementing youth employment programs and investing in infrastructure and technology. Ambassador Amara Sheikh Mohammed Sowa reiterated President Bio’s strong stance on fighting corruption and fostering a business-friendly environment to attract foreign investment.
Highlighting economic diplomacy, Ambassador Amara Sheikh Mohammed Sowa acknowledged the role of American investors in Sierra Leone’s development and commended U.S. institutions such as the Development Finance Corporation (DFC) and the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) for their contributions to the country’s health, education and democratic governance sectors.
On security, he assured the United States of Sierra Leone’s commitment to maintaining internal and regional stability and welcomed U.S. cooperation in combating terrorism and transnational organized crime.
“As I embark on my diplomatic mission, I look forward to your continued guidance and support to strengthen the bonds between our two nations,” Ambassador Amara Sheikh Mohammed Sowa told President Donald Trump.
Ambassador Amara Sheikh Mohammed Sowa was accompanied to the White House by his wife, Ms. Sowa, in keeping with U.S. protocol.
The presentation of credentials marks a renewed chapter in Sierra Leone-U.S. relations, underscoring both nations’ commitment to deeper cooperation in diplomacy, trade and security.
Sierra Leone’s Senior Women’s Cricket Team has etched its name in history by officially qualifying for Division One of the ICC Africa T20 International (T20I) Qualifier, after a stunning run of four consecutive victories in the ongoing ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Africa Division Two tournament in Gaborone, Botswana.
The national side, nicknamed the Ladies Patriots, delivered a commanding performance throughout the group stages, defeating host nation Botswana by five wickets on Wednesday and overcoming Malawi by six wickets on Thursday. The Malawi victory shattered a long-standing barrier that had kept Sierra Leone from ascending to the elite Division One level of African women’s cricket.
Saturday’s final against Rwanda will offer Sierra Leone the chance to clinch its second gold medal in just three months—a remarkable feat that signals a new era of dominance for women’s cricket in the country.
Leading the individual performance charts is Emma Kamara, who is currently the tournament’s top run-scorer, amassing 134 runs in three innings at an impressive average of 67.00. Team captain Aminata Kamara has also made her mark, topping the batting strike rate table with 156.36 across her three innings.
This latest achievement echoes the team’s earlier triumph in Gaborone, where they won the North West Africa Cricket Council (NWACC) Women’s Championship earlier this year. Their 2025 campaign is fast becoming a landmark chapter in Sierra Leonean sporting history.
Beyond the scoreboard, this qualification marks a significant cultural milestone. For a nation where women’s sports have often battled for attention and resources, the success of the Ladies Patriots is a powerful statement of resilience, determination, and national pride. The team has defied logistical challenges, limited training opportunities, and a lack of high-profile exposure to rise among the continent’s top cricketing nations.
Their promotion to Division One also places them within reach of a dream once considered distant: participation in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup. It’s a step that could pave the way for global recognition and inspire a new generation of female athletes back home.
With the final against Rwanda looming, the team is not only vying for another title but also seeking to solidify its reputation as a formidable force in African cricket. A win would further amplify calls for increased investment in women’s sports and cricket infrastructure in Sierra Leone.
As celebrations begin across the country, the message is clear: Sierra Leone’s women cricketers are not just playing to win—they are playing to change the game.
Statistics Sierra Leone (Stats SL) has officially launched the Users and Producers Data Consultation Workshop, a key step toward the successful execution of the 2026 Population and Housing Census (PHC). The two-day workshop, which began on Thursday, July 24, 2025, at the New Brookfields Hotel in Freetown, concludes today and brings together Government officials, development partners, researchers, civil society organizations and private sector actors to shape the country’s largest data-gathering exercise.
Designed to ensure inclusivity and responsiveness, the consultation is a critical phase in the preparatory process for Sierra Leone’s eighth national census since independence. Supported by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the broader UN system and the World Bank, the initiative aligns with international best practices as outlined by the United Nations Statistical Division (UNSD).
The upcoming 2026 census is expected to provide detailed data on demographics, housing conditions, living standards and other key socioeconomic indicators; data essential for national development planning, policymaking, poverty alleviation, humanitarian response and progress tracking toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
During the opening ceremony, Rev. Dr. Jonathan Titus-Williams, Deputy Minister of Planning and Economic Development, described the census as “far more than a statistical routine.” He emphasized, “It is fundamental to effective governance, equitable development and making informed policy decisions. Without accurate, timely, and internationally comparable data, we risk excluding our most vulnerable populations and misunderstanding the true scale of national challenges.”
Rev. Dr. Titus-Williams reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to the process, noting that under the leadership of President Julius Maada Bio, “a solid legal and institutional framework backed by coordination teams and resource mobilization” is already in place.
Providing an update on implementation, Statistician General, Andrew Bob Johnny, disclosed that the overall census budget is estimated at $37.97 million. Of that total, the Government of Sierra Leone has committed $22.33 million, while donor pledges currently stand at only $233,917; leaving a funding gap of $15.4 million.
Andrew Bob Johnny identified Main Enumeration and Data Analysis as the most underfunded component, with a projected cost of $10.9 million and no current financial backing. Additional shortfalls were noted in Cartography ($2.5 million), Census Publicity ($1.12 million) and Planning, Coordination & Logistics ($736,000). However, the IT Equipment component, budgeted at $14.3 million, has been fully funded by the Government.
He also detailed the procurement plan, which includes 98 ESRI licenses with 200 hours of implementation support, updated satellite imagery, 40 vehicles, 38 motorbikes, 200 laptops and 20 Starlink internet devices. Emphasizing the importance of this preparatory phase, Andrew Bob Johnny warned, “Mistakes at this stage could take ten years to correct.” He stressed the need for the questionnaire to reflect real national priorities, from maternal mortality reduction to agricultural access and called for comprehensive stakeholder engagement.
UNFPA Country Representative, Samuel Palmer, reaffirmed the Agency’s ongoing commitment to Sierra Leone’s statistical development. “Strong data is the foundation for good policy,” Samuel Palmer stated, referencing the successful 2019 Demographic and Health Survey as a model. He noted that effective census data will help address development challenges such as gender-based violence and family planning.
Chairman of Stats SL, Moses Williams, welcomed participants as “the brain” of the census, underscoring the critical role of their contributions. “If any component fails, the entire process risks collapsing,” Moses Williams cautioned. He encouraged open, inclusive discussions around issues such as gender, disability, education, health and agriculture, expressing hope that the workshop would lead to finalized planning tools and a stronger grasp of stakeholder data needs.
Participants are expected to complete an online questionnaire outlining their specific data requirements and preferred output formats. Stats SL will use this input to refine census tools and develop a user-centered dissemination strategy. Feedback not provided during the workshop can also be submitted in writing before a designated deadline.
Each session is moderated and outcomes will be documented to inform the final structure of the census. The full inventory of user data needs will be published on the Stats SL website and circulated to partners.
The Users and Producers Consultation Workshop signals a new phase in Sierra Leone’s drive to modernize its data systems. With broad participation and transparent engagement, Stats SL is setting the foundation for a 2026 census that not only counts people but counts for them.
With the workshop entering its final day, stakeholders remain optimistic that their contributions will shape a truly inclusive and transformative national census.
