By Amin Kef (Ranger)
United Nations Development Programme, in partnership with the Government of Japan and the Government of Sierra Leone, has officially launched two strategic initiatives valued at a combined total of USD 486,600 aimed at strengthening peace, human security and economic development in Kailahun District.
The launch, held on 26 February 2026 in Freetown, marks another significant milestone in the longstanding collaboration between UNDP and Japan in supporting Sierra Leone’s national development priorities, particularly in vulnerable border communities and within the Small and Medium-Sized Enterprise (SME) sector.
The first initiative, titled: “Strengthening Peace, Human Security and Resilience in Border Communities Affected by the Situation in Yenga in Kailahun District, Sierra Leone,” is valued at USD 220,000 and will run for 12 months.
The project targets communities in Kissi Teng Chiefdom, an area that has faced multidimensional socio-economic and security challenges linked to the situation in Yenga. Those pressures have impacted livelihoods, social cohesion and access to essential services.
Under the initiative, a solar-powered community-based border post will be rehabilitated, while joint patrol teams will be equipped with motorcycles and two-way radios to enhance coordination and security. The project will also strengthen community-based peace and security structures and deliver market-driven vocational and technical skills training for youth and women, complemented by financial literacy support.
Speaking at the launch, Japan’s Ambassador to Sierra Leone, H.E. Hiroshi Yoshimoto, described the projects as a concrete expression of Japan’s commitment to peace, stability and economic transformation in Sierra Leone.
“Today’s launch reflects our shared vision translated into action, strengthening peace in border communities while deepening business collaboration and economic ties between Japan and Sierra Leone. Japan remains committed to supporting sustainable peace, resilience and inclusive growth,” he stated.
UNDP Resident Representative Fredrick Ampiah emphasized the strategic alignment of the initiatives with Sierra Leone’s national development priorities, noting that peacebuilding and economic opportunity must advance together.
“These initiatives demonstrate how empowering SMEs, expanding trade and strengthening stability in vulnerable communities are mutually reinforcing goals,” he said.
The second initiative, “Building Trade Bridges: Strengthening SMEs–Japan Business Partnerships for Sustainable Growth in Sierra Leone,” is valued at USD 266,666. It aims to directly benefit 500 youth and women and indirectly support an additional 2,500 individuals through strengthened SME operations.
The project will improve local and global competitiveness through technical assistance, export-readiness training and the establishment of a branding and packaging facility at the Timbuktoo Unipod Innovation Space. The facility is expected to enhance product quality, ensure compliance with international standards and improve marketability for Sierra Leonean products targeting Japanese markets.
Executive Secretary of the Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion, Hawa Samai, underscored the link between security and economic empowerment.
“When communities experience tangible benefits of peace, jobs, livelihoods and dignity, they become less susceptible to division and conflict. These interventions are both timely and transformative,” she noted.
Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs, David Fortune , highlighted the importance of strengthening local security structures, saying the initiative empowers residents to actively contribute to maintaining peace and stability in border communities.
Meanwhile, Acting Director for Export Promotion and Regional Integration at the Ministry of Trade and Industry, Mark Tamba Nyuma, reaffirmed that SMEs remain the backbone of Sierra Leone’s economy and that the trade initiative will support economic transformation while consolidating peace gains.
Representing the Kailahun District Council, Chairman Sahr Ahmed Kaikonjor Lamin pledged the Council’s full commitment to ensuring community participation and effective delivery of the projects.
Together, the two initiatives reaffirm the strong and enduring partnership between UNDP and the Government of Japan in advancing stability, resilience and inclusive development across Sierra Leone.
Since 1965, UNDP has partnered with the Government and people of Sierra Leone to reduce poverty, strengthen democratic governance, build climate resilience and promote inclusive economic growth. Guided by its current Country Programme Document, the agency continues to support national priorities aimed at advancing sustainable development and ensuring that no one is left behind.
