By: Saidu Jalloh
Christian Aid has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Sierra Leone’s development priorities during a courtesy visit by its senior West and Central Africa leadership to the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development (MoPED) on 16 June 2026.
The delegation met with the Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Madam Kenyeh Barlay, and Deputy Minister Rev. Dr. Jonathan Titus-Williams to discuss ongoing collaboration and future areas of partnership.
Leading the delegation, Head of Impact Temitope Fashola explained that Christian Aid’s transition to a West and Central Africa multi-country cluster model is intended to deepen development impact, strengthen regional cooperation, and increase support for local partners and programmes.
Fashola emphasized that the restructuring should not be interpreted as a withdrawal from Sierra Leone, but rather as a strategic move aimed at enhancing the organization’s effectiveness in delivering locally driven development interventions.
He further reaffirmed Christian Aid’s commitment to maintaining its long-standing partnership with the Government of Sierra Leone and supporting initiatives that promote sustainable development.
In response, Minister Barlay commended Christian Aid for its contributions to governance, peacebuilding, gender equality, climate resilience, youth empowerment, and community development across the country.
The Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with non-governmental organizations and development partners, noting that ongoing reforms are aimed at improving coordination and service delivery within the sector.
She also encouraged Christian Aid to explore opportunities to support the government’s Chiefdom Development Planning Initiative, which seeks to promote grassroots planning, local ownership, and community-led development nationwide.
According to MoPED, the meeting also provided an opportunity for Christian Aid’s leadership to formally introduce its new operating model and discuss ways of enhancing cooperation with the Ministry.
Both parties pledged to continue working together to advance Sierra Leone’s development agenda through stronger partnerships, improved coordination, and sustainable, people-centred interventions.
The Christian Aid delegation included Strategy and Partnership Lead Abass Yusuf, Programme and Partnership Lead Mattia Koi Dimoh, Programme and Partnership Coordinator Marbey Sartie, and Government Liaison and Finance Officer Florence Kamara. The Director of Rural Development, Mbalu A. Kamara, was also in attendance, along with other officials.