The Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) President and Chairman of the Multi-Stakeholders Board of the National Fund for Public Interest Media (NaFPIM), Ahmed Sahid Nasralla, delivered an inspiring statement at the official launch of NaFPIM last week.
The event, which marked a major milestone in the country’s media development, was attended by a variety of stakeholders including government officials, media partners, and international donors.
SLAJ President acknowledged the tremendous progress made, highlighting key milestones in the media sector, such as the repeal of the Criminal Libel law and the successful hosting of Sierra Leone’s first-ever Media Viability and Investment Conference.
These efforts, alongside support from development partners like BBC Media Action, the UK Government, and the International Fund for Public Interest Media (IFPIM), have led to the creation of a National Action Plan (NAP) for media development, as well as the launch of NaFPIM.
“The establishment of NaFPIM is not a product of chance but a result of deliberate and sustained advocacy,” President Nasralla emphasized. He noted that NaFPIM would address the financial challenges that have long plagued Sierra Leone’s media sector by providing grants to deserving media houses and journalist networks. “This funding is intended to empower journalists to conduct investigative reporting and produce public interest content that holds power to account.”
The launch also featured a strong message from the President of Sierra Leone, who extended his support to the initiative and praised the media for their role in strengthening the nation’s democracy.
“Public interest journalism is not just a media concern; it is a national concern,” said the SLAJ President. “Investing in this fund is investing in the future of Sierra Leone.”
The initiative, which is backed by initial funding from IFPIM and BBC Media Action, aims to support media houses and journalists working to serve the needs of Sierra Leone’s democracy. The fund will also help strengthen the capacity of key organizations such as SLAJ and the Media Reform Coordinating Group (MRCG), allowing them to defend press freedom and support young and female journalists.
SLAJ President emphasized the importance of sustaining NaFPIM and called on the Government of Sierra Leone to honor its pledge of contributing USD 50,000 to the fund.
“The road ahead will require continued commitment, but together, we can build a resilient and sustainable media sector,” President Nasralla concluded.
As the event ended, the National Fund for Public Interest Media was officially launched, marking a historic step toward a more robust, independent, and sustainable media landscape in Sierra Leone.
