By: Aminata Sesay
The International Labour Organization (ILO) and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) are playing key roles in driving crucial policy reforms in Sierra Leone, focusing on improving both infrastructure and environmental sustainability.
At a recent workshop held at the Country Lodge in Freetown, the ILO partnered with the Sierra Leone Roads Authority (SLRA) to review the country’s feeder road policy. The initiative aims to enhance economic growth by improving access to essential services such as markets, healthcare, and education—especially during the rainy season. The project also promotes sustainable road maintenance practices through public-private partnerships and community involvement.
The event, which brought together technical stakeholders from the SLRA, the Road Maintenance Fund Administration (RMFA), district councils, the Ministry of Works and Public Assets, and the Sierra Leone Labour Congress, was praised for its timeliness. Participants expressed optimism that the review process will improve the country’s infrastructure framework and strengthen labour sector engagement.
Tonderai Manoto, Chief Technical Advisor for the ILO’s Opportunity Salone programme, represented Vanessa Phala, the Country Director of the ILO Office for Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia, and Sierra Leone. The ILO’s involvement highlights its commitment to job creation and sustainable development in Sierra Leone.
In a separate but related effort, UNIDO reaffirmed its commitment to Sierra Leone’s environmental agenda during the Collaborating, Learning, and Adapting (CLA) Conference, hosted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in Freetown. UNIDO Country Representative Mariatu Swaray emphasized ongoing collaborations aimed at promoting climate-resilient development, renewable energy adoption, and sustainable industrial practices.
Swaray stressed the urgent need for action on deforestation, land degradation, and climate change while also recognizing the EPA’s resilience in addressing these challenges. Guided by Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 9, 12, and 13, UNIDO pledged continued support to national efforts and vowed to engage youth and promote women-led businesses through training, mentoring, and entrepreneurship support.
Over the next 24 months, UNIDO plans to roll out learning and climate adaptation activities in collaboration with Climate Parliament, a global network of legislators advocating for green reforms and clean energy investments.
Both the ILO and UNIDO initiatives, highlighted in the UN Agencies Weekly Highlights, reflect growing multilateral support for Sierra Leone’s development agenda focusing on infrastructure, sustainability, and inclusive economic growth.