Freetown, Sierra Leone – From April 6th to 9th, 2025, Mr. Donal Brown, Associate Vice President of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), undertook an official visit to Sierra Leone aimed at deepening the organization’s strategic partnership with the Government of Sierra Leone.
IFAD has invested approximately US$171.25 million in nine projects and programmes across the country, positively impacting more than 547,500 rural households. The Fund remains a key partner in supporting Sierra Leone’s national agricultural development strategy, including the flagship Feed Salone initiative.
During his visit, Mr. Brown engaged with senior government officials to facilitate the establishment of the Agricultural Transformation Office (ATO) within the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security. The ATO, which will be supported by IFAD, is designed to provide high-level technical expertise to accelerate implementation of the Feed Salone programme and enhance overall sector performance. It will operate as an auxiliary structure to existing ministry systems, bringing in qualified professionals to offer strategic guidance and support.
Mr. Brown also used the visit to fast-track the implementation of the newly approved US$105 million Livestock and Livelihood Development Project (LLDP), which aims to bolster livestock production and rural incomes.
In meetings with the Minister of Agriculture, Mr. Brown reaffirmed IFAD’s commitment to supporting institutional capacity building and sustainable agricultural development. He also met with the Resident Coordinator of the United Nations in Sierra Leone, Ms. Seraphine Wakana, to discuss the importance of strengthening the country’s data ecosystem, improving early warning systems, and navigating global financing challenges.
At the State House, Mr. Brown held high-level discussions with the Chief Minister and the Minister of Finance. In both meetings, he reiterated IFAD’s dedication to honoring the US$90 million pledge made during the Vienna conference in June 2024. He also encouraged the government to increase its financial contribution through counterpart funding to sustain and expand current agricultural programmes.
Mr. Brown’s visit marks a significant milestone in IFAD’s ongoing collaboration with Sierra Leone and underscores the Fund’s commitment to rural transformation and food security in the country.
