By: Aminata Sesay
The European Union is deepening its strategic partnership with Sierra Leone through the “Nature Nourishes” programme, as both parties work toward unlocking the next €20 million tranche in budgetary support for 2025. This initiative forms part of the EU’s Global Gateway Strategy, which supports partner countries in promoting sustainable development, climate resilience, and inclusive growth.
In August 2024, the EU and Sierra Leone formalized a €1 million financing agreement to launch the Nature Nourishes programme, which is expected to deliver €65 million in direct budget support over four years. Aligned with Sierra Leone’s national development priorities, the programme focuses on five key areas: environmental protection, foundational education, sustainable agriculture, decentralization, and public financial management (PFM) reforms.
Following the successful implementation of reforms in 2024, Sierra Leone has already received €11 million in disbursements. To maintain momentum, representatives from the EU and the Government of Sierra Leone convened on 1 July 2025 at the Ministry of Finance in Freetown to review progress and plan next steps.
Co-chaired by the EU Delegation and the Ministry of Finance, the Nature Nourishes Steering Committee received detailed updates from various ministries, departments, and agencies on reform achievements. Deputy Minister of Finance I, Kadiatu Allie, emphasized the importance of budget support as a mechanism to strengthen national systems and deliver funding directly into the Consolidated Fund. This approach enables the government to finance essential services in education, health, agriculture, and support for vulnerable populations.
Financial Secretary Matthew Dingie reaffirmed Sierra Leone’s strong commitment to meeting programme milestones. He highlighted progress in PFM reforms, engagement with the IMF’s Extended Credit Facility, and the development of a 2025 supplementary budget aimed at reducing borrowing and enhancing the efficiency of public investments while safeguarding social spending.
Significant achievements were noted across key performance indicators. The Home-Grown School Feeding Programme is expected to benefit more than 123,000 pupils, while a Teacher Training initiative focused on foundational learning is targeting 14,000 educators. Updates were also provided on fiscal decentralization, environmental sustainability, agricultural development, and taxation in the iron ore sector.
The next critical step involves a joint assessment of performance reports, which will pave the way for an official disbursement request. The EU has reiterated its commitment to working collaboratively with Sierra Leone to ensure that development financing results in tangible improvements for communities across the country.