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Ministry of Planning and Economic Development, State Avenue, Freetown (2026)

06/08/2026

MoPED and Foreign Affairs Ministers Preside Over Host Country Agreement Signing Ceremony for Six NGOs

Foreign Affairs, 6th August, 2026: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, in collaboration with the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development (MoPED), on Thursday, 6th August 2026, hosted a Host Country Agreement (HCA) Signing Ceremony, marking a significant milestone in strengthening the partnership between the Government of Sierra Leone and international non-governmental organizations (INGOs).

Held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, the ceremony brought together the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, the Minister of Planning and Economic Development, officials from MoPED’s NGO Directorate, heads and representatives of six eligible international NGOs, and the Co-Chairs of both the INGO and National NGO (NNGO) Steering Committees.

The Host Country Agreements establish the legal framework governing the relationship between the Government of Sierra Leone and eligible international NGOs, while granting them diplomatic privileges and immunities necessary for the effective ex*****on of their mandates, consistent with the Government’s legal and policy framework.

The six organizations that signed the agreements were Catholic Relief Services (CRS) Sierra Leone, ChildFund Sierra Leone, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), Partners In Health Sierra Leone, Plan International Sierra Leone, and World Vision International Sierra Leone.

Speaking on behalf of the INGO Steering Committee, the Chair described the ceremony as a landmark achievement that reinforces the longstanding partnership between Government and international NGOs.

“This occasion signifies a strong collaboration and strengthens the niche we have for reaching hard-to-reach communities. Our role is to support Government by identifying ways in which NGOs can work side by side with Government,” the Chair said.

Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Madam Kenyeh Barlay, welcomed the signing of the agreements, describing them as a recognition of organizations that have consistently supported Sierra Leone’s development agenda over many years. She noted that several of the organizations have operated in the country for decades, delivering critical interventions in health, education, humanitarian assistance, child protection and community development, and reaffirmed Government’s commitment to maintaining a conducive environment for development partners to complement national priorities.

Delivering the keynote address, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Alhaji Musa Timothy Kabba, officially welcomed the organizations into the Host Country Agreement framework, noting that the signing demonstrates the Government’s unwavering commitment to fostering productive partnerships with international organizations.

He stated that the agreements provide a clear legal and institutional framework that defines the rights and responsibilities of both the Government and the organizations, thereby promoting accountability, enhancing coordination and facilitating the effective implementation of development programmes while safeguarding Sierra Leone’s national interests.

Minister Kabba also paid tribute to the invaluable contributions of international NGOs to Sierra Leone’s development, particularly acknowledging the humanitarian assistance provided by Catholic Relief Services (CRS) and Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) during the country’s civil war. Reflecting on his personal experience, he noted that he was among the many Sierra Leoneans whose lives were positively impacted by their interventions, underscoring the enduring value of their partnership with Government.

The ceremony concluded with the formal signing of the Host Country Agreements by the heads and representatives of the six organizations, followed by the signatures of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and Planning and Economic Development, formally ushering the organizations into the Host Country Agreement framework and reinforcing the Government’s commitment to stronger collaboration with international development partners in advancing Sierra Leone’s national development aspirations.

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25/07/2026

NDIR Steering Committee Reviews Mid-Year Progress, Sets Strategic Priorities for Second Half of 2026

MoPED Conference Hall, Freetown | 24 July 2026

The National Development-Induced Resettlement (NDIR) Steering Committee has reviewed progress made during the first half of 2026 and outlined key priorities for the remainder of the year, reaffirming its commitment to strengthening Sierra Leone’s resettlement governance framework and ensuring that development projects are implemented in a transparent, equitable and people-centred manner.

The meeting, held at the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development (MoPED) Conference Hall, brought together representatives from key Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), including the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Country Planning, the Ministry of the Environment, the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs, the National Commission for Social Action (NaCSA) and other member institutions of the National Steering Committee to review completed activities, discuss upcoming interventions and agree on actions to strengthen coordination in the implementation of the National Development-Induced Resettlement (NDIR) Act, 2023.

Welcoming members, the Deputy Development Secretary, Usman Cherry Conteh, underscored the importance of the Steering Committee in providing policy guidance and technical oversight for the Directorate since its establishment under the National Development-Induced Resettlement Act, 2023. He noted that the Directorate was established to ensure that communities affected by development projects are treated fairly, adequately compensated and protected while supporting the country’s development aspirations.

Mr. Conteh observed that with Sierra Leone continuing to attract investments in mining, infrastructure, energy and other sectors, development-induced resettlement has become an increasingly important national issue requiring strong collaboration among government institutions. He emphasized that while development projects create opportunities for economic growth, they must also protect the rights and livelihoods of affected communities through transparent and accountable resettlement processes.

He called on members to continue providing frank and constructive technical guidance, stressing that effective coordination among institutions is essential in preventing grievances, promoting social harmony and ensuring compliance with national legislation and international best practices.

Director of the National Development-Induced Resettlement Directorate, Mustapha Kposowa, expressed appreciation to members for their continued commitment to the work of the Steering Committee and acknowledged the collective efforts that have contributed to the establishment and operationalization of the Directorate. He encouraged members to continue providing technical expertise and strategic guidance to strengthen the Directorate’s work.

Mr. Kposowa noted that the meeting was convened to provide updates on activities undertaken during the first half of the year, present planned interventions for the remaining months of 2026 and obtain members’ technical inputs on priority initiatives, particularly the development of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) that will guide the Directorate’s operations.

Presenting the Directorate’s progress report, Assistant Director of NDIR, Issa M’Briwa, explained that the Directorate has continued monitoring development-induced resettlement activities across the country, particularly in communities affected by mining and other major development projects. He emphasized that the Directorate’s mandate goes beyond physical relocation and includes land acquisition, compensation for crops and other livelihood assets, livelihood restoration and ensuring that affected persons are not left worse off as a result of development interventions.

Mr. M’Briwa informed members that during the second half of 2026, the Directorate plans to intensify monitoring visits to several project sites, including FG Gold and other mining operations, to assess compliance with resettlement obligations and ensure that affected communities receive fair compensation and appropriate livelihood restoration support.

He further disclosed that the Directorate will initiate bilateral engagements with key institutions, including the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Country Planning, the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security and the Environment Protection Agency, to strengthen collaboration on land acquisition, crop valuation, environmental safeguards and other issues relating to development-induced resettlement.

The Assistant Director also announced plans to develop comprehensive Standard Operating Procedures to guide the Directorate’s operations, establish project-specific steering committees for major development projects and strengthen grievance redress mechanisms. According to him, these initiatives will enhance institutional coordination, improve operational efficiency and ensure consistency in implementing the provisions of the NDIR Act.

He further highlighted the Directorate’s intention to engage relevant stakeholders on reviewing the existing crop compensation policy, which has remained unchanged since 2014. He noted that the current pricing framework no longer reflects prevailing economic conditions and proposed differentiated compensation arrangements for government-funded projects, privately financed investments and donor-supported programmes to ensure fairness and better protect affected communities.

During discussions, members of the National Steering Committee welcomed the progress made by the Directorate and offered a range of technical recommendations to strengthen implementation. Members emphasized the need for annual work plans and monitoring schedules to be shared in advance to enable participating MDAs to effectively coordinate their involvement in field activities.

The Committee further recommended that the proposed Standard Operating Procedures be supported by practical monitoring checklists that can be adapted to different sectors, including mining, agriculture, energy and infrastructure projects. Members also encouraged the Directorate to broaden its monitoring activities beyond mining operations to include all development projects with potential impacts on land acquisition, livelihoods and community welfare.

Members further stressed the importance of strengthening livelihood restoration programmes, improving valuation systems for land and crops, and working closely with the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security and the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Country Planning to review existing compensation frameworks to reflect current economic realities. The Committee also emphasized the need to ensure that project proponents adequately address environmental, social and livelihood concerns throughout the resettlement process.

Responding to issues raised by members, the Directorate clarified that the proposed Standard Operating Procedures will clearly define the operational framework of the Directorate, the roles of the National Steering Committee and the functions of project-specific steering committees established for major development projects. It further reaffirmed that while environmental pollution issues remain within the statutory mandate of the Environment Protection Agency, the Directorate will continue coordinating social safeguard and resettlement matters in accordance with the National Development-Induced Resettlement Act, 2023.

The meeting concluded with agreement to commence monitoring visits during the second week of August 2026, beginning with FG Gold, subject to confirmation with project proponents. Members also agreed to support the preparation of the Directorate’s Standard Operating Procedures, strengthen bilateral engagements with relevant MDAs, advance discussions on reviewing crop and land compensation frameworks and enhance grievance management mechanisms to ensure that development-induced resettlement in Sierra Leone continues to be implemented in a fair, transparent and legally compliant manner.

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21/07/2026

Minister Kenyeh Barlay Launches ECOWAS Regional Stabilization and Development Fund Consultations, Urges Swift Action to Address Fragility and Build Community Resilience

Freetown, Sierra Leone, 21 July 2026 – The Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Madam Kenyeh Barlay, has officially launched the three-day stakeholder consultation for the ECOWAS Regional Fund for Stabilization and Development (FRSD) Technical Mission to Sierra Leone, describing the initiative as a strategic opportunity to address the root causes of fragility while accelerating inclusive and sustainable development across vulnerable communities.

The consultations, taking place from 21–23 July 2026 at the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development Conference Hall, have brought together representatives from the ECOWAS Commission, the German Government, development partners, Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), local councils, civil society organisations and other key stakeholders to identify priority interventions that align with Sierra Leone’s national development agenda.

The FRSD, established by the ECOWAS Commission with support from Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), finances investments in basic social infrastructure, entrepreneurship, youth and women’s empowerment, capacity development, governance and social cohesion to strengthen resilience in fragile communities across the ECOWAS region.

In her address, Minister Barlay reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to ensuring that Sierra Leone maximises the opportunity through timely and efficient implementation. She stressed that interventions must be fully aligned with the country’s Medium-Term National Development Plan (2024–2030) and emerging Chiefdom Development Plans, while responding to the practical needs of local communities.

The Minister underscored the importance of establishing the National Advisory Committee (NAC) without delay, noting that unnecessary administrative and procurement bottlenecks must not slow implementation.

“We already have our national development priorities and chiefdom planning process underway. Let us move with urgency, identify the bottlenecks early and ensure that this programme delivers visible results within the implementation period,” she said.

Minister Barlay further encouraged stakeholders to focus on high-impact, community-driven investments capable of creating jobs, strengthening local resilience and improving access to essential services, while balancing national priorities with the unique development needs of individual districts and chiefdoms.

Delivering opening remarks, ECOWAS Resident Representative to Sierra Leone, H.E. John Azumah, announced that Sierra Leone was selected as the Fund’s newest beneficiary during the 10th Steering Committee Meeting held in Banjul in March 2026. He explained that the technical mission marks the beginning of a collaborative process to identify national priorities and design interventions that reflect the aspirations of Sierra Leoneans.

He commended the Government of Sierra Leone for its strong commitment to the initiative and acknowledged the continued support of the Government of Germany, KfW Development Bank and GIZ in advancing regional peace, resilience and sustainable development.

Representing the German Government, GIZ Country Director Raphael Frerking reaffirmed Germany’s commitment to supporting the implementation of the Fund. Drawing on experiences from The Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, Benin and Togo, he emphasised the importance of aligning FRSD investments with Sierra Leone’s national priorities while concentrating resources on targeted, high-impact interventions capable of delivering measurable results within the implementation period.

A presentation by the Office of the Vice President of the ECOWAS Commission highlighted the Fund’s achievements across beneficiary countries, including the construction of health facilities, vocational training centres, fish processing facilities, student dormitories and rice processing infrastructure. The presentation also outlined the Fund’s financing structure, governance arrangements and implementation roadmap for Sierra Leone.

Stakeholders from sector ministries engaged in extensive discussions on national development priorities, governance arrangements, gender mainstreaming, security considerations and the proposed composition of the National Advisory Committee. Participants also agreed on the need for strong national ownership, effective coordination and accelerated preparation to enable implementation immediately after the planning phase.

The three-day technical mission will conclude with agreement on a national roadmap, identification of priority intervention areas, establishment of sector focal points and preparations for a comprehensive needs assessment that will inform Sierra Leone’s National Intervention Strategy under the ECOWAS Regional Fund for Stabilization and Development.

For further enquiries, contact The PR Team:
Alfred Kabia — +232 79174027
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14/07/2026

MINISTRY OF PLANNING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

STAKEHOLDERS CONSULTATION & NEEDS ASSESSMENT ON THE PREPARATION OF CHIEFDOM DEVELOPMENT PLANS FOR MARAMPA AND MAFORKI

We collaborate with the Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs (MLGCA), the Ministry of Mines and Mineral Resources (MMMR),and Local Authorities to identify development priorities that will shape the future of their chiefdoms.

14/07/2026

MoPED Launches Pilot Chiefdom Development Planning Process in Maforki and Marampa

Port Loko District, 8–9 July 2026 – The Ministry of Planning and Economic Development (MoPED), in partnership with the Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs (MLGCA) and the Ministry of Mines and Mineral Resources (MMMR), has launched the pilot preparation of Chiefdom Development Plans (2026–2035) for Maforki and Marampa Chiefdoms, marking a significant milestone in Sierra Leone’s drive to localise development planning.

The two-day exercise commenced with the training of 8 local facilitators and 16 data collectors, followed by extensive community consultations involving representatives from all sections of both chiefdoms. Participants included Paramount Chiefs and traditional authorities, the Mayor of Port Loko City, district and local council officials, the Senior District Officer’s Office, representatives of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), civil society organisations, the private sector, women and youth groups, and community stakeholders.

Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Madam Kenyeh Barlay, officially launched the consultations in Maforki Chiefdom before proceeding to Marampa Chiefdom, where she joined Deputy Minister Rev. Dr. Jonathan Titus-Williams, who was leading the parallel consultation. The engagements formed part of Government’s commitment to decentralising development planning and ensuring that communities define their own priorities.

Addressing stakeholders, Minister Barlay described the initiative as a transformative shift from broad district planning to community-driven chiefdom planning, enabling development to reach every section of the country.

“We have prepared national and district development plans, but we recognised a gap at the chiefdom level. This initiative bridges that gap by allowing communities themselves to identify their priorities, develop bankable projects and unlock local resources for sustainable development.”

She explained that Maforki and Marampa were selected as pilot chiefdoms because they are beneficiaries of the Chiefdom Development Fund under the Mines and Minerals Development Act, 2023, noting that structured planning would ensure these resources are invested strategically, transparently and in ways that generate lasting social and economic benefits.

“This is about putting planning where development begins—within our communities. Every section has a voice, every stakeholder has a seat at the table, and every chiefdom deserves a roadmap that reflects its own aspirations and opportunities.”

Deputy Minister Rev. Dr. Jonathan Titus-Williams called on community representatives to actively participate in the consultations, stressing that inclusive planning is essential for delivering meaningful and sustainable development.

“The success of these plans depends on your participation. When communities own the planning process, they also own the development outcomes. That is the foundation for accountable and sustainable local development.”

Representing the Paramount Chief of Marampa Chiefdom, Alhaji Alim Swarray welcomed the initiative, describing it as an unprecedented opportunity for communities to identify and prioritise their own development needs.

“For the first time, every section has the opportunity to decide what development should look like. This process gives our people ownership and lays the foundation for sustainable progress.”

Similarly, the Paramount Chief of Maforki Chiefdom commended Government for adopting a bottom-up planning approach, noting that while chiefdoms have access to development funds, strategic planning is essential to maximise their impact.

The Director of Local Government and Community Affairs, Mr. Combey, described the exercise as a practical demonstration of participatory governance, emphasising that development is more sustainable when communities determine their own priorities and are involved from the outset.

The pilot exercise aligns with the Medium-Term National Development Plan (2024–2030), the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the African Union Agenda 2063. Information gathered during the consultations will be consolidated into draft Chiefdom Development Plans for validation before implementation. The initiative is expected to serve as a model for the preparation of development plans across all 190 chiefdoms in Sierra Leone.

For further enquiries, contact The PR Team:
Alfred Kabia — +232 79174027
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13/07/2026

MoPED Revokes Registration Certificates of 19 NGOs

The Ministry of Planning and Economic Development (MoPED) has revoked the registration certificates of 19 non-governmental organisations (NGOs) for persistent non-compliance with the NGO Policy Framework and other statutory requirements governing NGO operations in Sierra Leone.

The action follows a nationwide compliance verification exercise, which found that the affected organisations had failed to maintain identifiable office premises, report development interventions, and comply with mandatory legal and regulatory obligations required to retain their registration.

MoPED stated that the decision, which takes immediate effect, is aimed at strengthening accountability, transparency and compliance within the NGO sector, while safeguarding public confidence. The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to supporting compliant NGOs that continue to contribute meaningfully to Sierra Leone’s socio-economic development.

06/07/2026

MoPED Suspends Operations of Seven Non-Compliant NGOs

Freetown, 6 July 2026 – The Ministry of Planning and Economic Development (MoPED) has suspended the operations of seven non-governmental organisations (NGOs) found to be non-compliant with the requirements governing NGO operations in Sierra Leone.

According to a press release issued by the Ministry, the decision follows a comprehensive review of the NGO operational landscape, which revealed that the affected organisations had failed to meet key requirements under the national NGO policy framework, including maintaining an identifiable office in Sierra Leone.

The Ministry directed the following organisations to cease operations with immediate effect: Paida Foundation, Activate Hope Sierra Leone, Women’s Association for National Development, Stichting Wango Sierra Leone, Fama Women’s Programme, Hakeen and Hakeema Charity Organisation, and Assembly of God Development Agency.

MoPED emphasized that the action is intended to strengthen compliance, accountability, and public confidence in the NGO sector, and not to undermine the vital contributions of NGOs to national development.

The press release was signed by the Acting Development Secretary, Usman C. Conteh.

30/06/2026

Deputy Development Minister Hails Sierra Leone–China Partnership as Rehabilitated National Stadium Reaches Major Milestone

National Stadium, Freetown | 30 June 2026 – The Deputy Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Rev. Dr. Jonathan Titus-Williams, joined senior government officials, the Chinese Ambassador, and other stakeholders at the Partial Handover Ceremony of the China-Aid Rehabilitation Project of the National Stadium, describing the occasion as a major milestone in Sierra Leone’s infrastructure development and the longstanding partnership between Sierra Leone and China.

Speaking on behalf of the Government of Sierra Leone, Rev. Dr. Titus-Williams expressed appreciation to the Government and people of China for their continued support, noting that the rehabilitation of the National Stadium reflects the strong and enduring friendship between the two countries.

“Today’s occasion is more than the partial handover of a rehabilitated stadium; it is a celebration of progress, partnership, and the enduring friendship between Sierra Leone and China,” he stated.

The Deputy Minister highlighted China’s longstanding contributions to Sierra Leone’s development across infrastructure, healthcare, education, agriculture, energy, and skills development, describing the country as one of Sierra Leone’s most valued development partners.

He noted that the National Stadium is more than a sporting facility, emphasizing that its rehabilitation will strengthen youth development, promote national unity, create economic opportunities, and support the country’s broader development agenda under the Medium-Term National Development Plan (MTNDP) and the Government’s Big Five Game Changers.

“The fully rehabilitated National Stadium will stand as a lasting symbol of the friendship between Sierra Leone and China and of our shared commitment to national development,” he affirmed.

The ceremony concluded with the signing of the partial handover certificate, followed by a ribbon-cutting ceremony and a tour of the rehabilitated facilities, including the practice field, athletes’ hostel, and swimming pool.

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24/06/2026

Minister Kenyeh Barlay Inspires Young Creatives at Spark Media Masterclass Graduation

Miata Conference Centre, Freetown – 20 June 2026:
The Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Kenyeh Barlay, delivered the keynote address at the Graduation Ceremony of the Spark Media Masterclass, celebrating the achievements of 98 graduates who successfully completed intensive training in photography, videography, graphic design, and digital storytelling.

In her address, Minister Barlay expressed her deep honor at being among content creators, storytellers, innovators, and future leaders of Sierra Leone’s media landscape.

“Today is not simply a celebration of certificates earned; it is a celebration of talent, creativity, resilience, and the limitless potential of Sierra Leone’s young people. You are stepping forward as storytellers and innovators who can shape public understanding and contribute meaningfully to our nation’s development,” she said.

The Minister emphasized that creative communication plays a critical role in transforming national development goals into tangible realities, noting that the graduates would serve as a bridge between the Medium-Term National Development Plan (2024–2030) and the public.

“Through your cameras, designs, videos, and digital platforms, you have the power to tell stories that inspire change, promote transparency, amplify community voices, and bring development closer to the people,” Minister Barlay stated.

She further challenged the graduates to uphold the professional and ethical standards acquired during the Masterclass, stressing the importance of responsible storytelling in strengthening Sierra Leone’s media and development ecosystem.

Linking the Spark Media initiative to the Government’s broader goal of creating 500,000 jobs for young people, Minister Barlay noted that the programme’s theme, “From Passion to Profession,” reflects the transformative power of skills development and entrepreneurship.

“The future belongs to those who can turn their passion into opportunity. Programmes like this demonstrate the value of demand-driven skills, inclusivity, and innovation in creating sustainable livelihoods and advancing national development,” she added.

The graduation ceremony was enriched by performances from emerging musical artists and presentations of graduates’ creative projects, which addressed pressing social and cultural issues through photography, videography, graphic design, and digital storytelling.

Minister Barlay congratulated Spark Media and the graduates on their achievements, commending their dedication and potential to contribute meaningfully to Sierra Leone’s development journey.

The event was attended by tutors, facilitators, and dignitaries, including Joe L. Aruna, Chief Executive Officer of Spark Media.

For further enquiries, contact the PR Team:
Alfred Kabia — +232 79 174027
Follow MoPED on Twitter (), Facebook, or visit ** MoPED Website⁠**.

Ministry of Planning and Economic Development

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