The United Nations and the Government of Sierra Leone are jointly tracking progress on the country’s development priorities under the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (2025-2030).
The framework outlines how the UN Country Team comprising 18 resident and non-resident agencies, funds, and programmes supports Sierra Leone’s development agenda. Aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), it mirrors the Medium-Term National Development Plan (2024-2030), focusing on three priority areas: food systems, natural resource management and climate change; human capital, essential services and employment; and governance and economic transformation.
In line with a Joint Steering Committee recommendation, the UN Resident Coordinator, Seraphine Wakana, and the Minister of Planning and Economic Development have spent much of April conducting field visits across several districts, including Port Loko District, Kambia District, Bombali District, Kono District, Koinadugu District, and Falaba District.
The visits showcased successful project models, assessed implementation progress, and strengthened coordination across UN agencies. They also provided government officials, development partners, and UN leadership with direct, evidence-based insights into project performance on the ground.
The delegation is continuing its tour in southern Sierra Leone, beginning in Moyamba, where they will visit the World Bank–United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) Enhancing Sierra Leone Energy Access Project. The initiative includes a mini-grid that supplies electricity to the town and surrounding communities.
Later, the team will highlight a joint UN–Ministry of Health “Life Stage Approach” initiative, involving agencies such as World Health Organization, UNICEF, UNAIDS, UNFPA, UNDP, UN Women, World Food Programme, and International Organization for Migration. The programme aims to strengthen health systems, expand equitable access to services, improve outcomes, and advance progress towards Universal Health Coverage and SDG 3.
In Mano Tuba, Bo District, the delegation will monitor progress on a Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security and International Fund for Agricultural Development project, which includes the construction of a 20-metre bridge, rehabilitation of feeder roads, and development of oil palm farms to connect rural communities.
On the second day, UN Women and the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security will showcase a Women’s Economic Empowerment in Resilient Economies project in Kenema. The initiative is designed to boost resilience and climate adaptability among women and youth by improving access to resources, climate-smart agriculture technologies, markets, financial services, and skills training.
Beneficiaries of a United Nations Development Programme–Irish Aid Regional Cooperative Union project, implemented by SEND Sierra Leone, will also engage with the delegation.
The Kenema visit will conclude with monitoring activities and a radio interview at an IFAD-supported Rural Farmers Radio station, which promotes inclusive financial services for rural populations particularly smallholder farmers, women, and youth.
Before returning to Freetown, the team will stop at Mile 91 to visit the International Trade Centre Ready Salone Digital and Smart Agriculture Programme at Central University. The initiative is implemented in partnership with the Ministries of Youth Affairs; Communications, Technology and Innovation; and Trade and Industry.
The exercise reflects a continued commitment by the UN and the Government to strengthen coordination, monitor progress, and ensure that development programmes deliver tangible results for communities across Sierra Leone.