Freetown, 9 April 2025 – The United Nations and the African Solidarity Fund (ASF) have deepened their collaboration to improve access to credit for women-led development initiatives in Sierra Leone.
UN Resident Coordinator Seraphine Wakana and UN Women’s Head of Office, Setcheme Mongbo, hosted a high-level meeting with ASF representatives at the UN House to explore innovative financing strategies tailored to empower women entrepreneurs and community leaders. The ASF delegation was led by Chief of Mission, Aly Guindo, accompanied by Senior Communications Officer, Mohammed Bada Diallo.
Central to the discussions was the introduction of ASF’s Bank Loan Guarantee Mechanism, a financial tool designed to facilitate greater access to bank credit for women-led projects. The mechanism aims to address existing barriers in the financial sector, enabling women to secure the resources needed to lead impactful development efforts.
The meeting underscored the critical role of gender-responsive and sustainable financing in driving inclusive economic growth. It also reaffirmed the United Nations’ commitment to advancing Sustainable Development Goal 5 (Gender Equality) and promoting financial inclusion as a key pillar of Sierra Leone’s national development agenda.
