Reaffirming its commitment to Sierra Leone’s sustainable development, the United Nations reports that a total of $392.9 million was invested under the 2020-2024 Cooperation Framework, achieving an 83% delivery rate.
In 2024 alone, the UN Country Team (UNCT) mobilized approximately $114.3 million, with an impressive 90% implementation rate for the Joint Work Plan. The report highlights notable progress in food security, governance, healthcare, and social protection, despite persistent economic and social challenges.
One of the key areas of impact has been food security and climate resilience. Through UN-backed initiatives, 4,000 farmers received climate-resilient seeds and modern agricultural techniques, leading to the establishment of 4,000 community seed banks.
The cultivation of 10 hectares of high-yielding rice contributed to the Home-Grown School Feeding Programme, which provided nutritious meals to 1,475 students. Additionally, efforts to restore 1,200 hectares of degraded wetlands and forests have helped increase agricultural land availability while enhancing biodiversity. However, the report underscores that 82% of the population remains food insecure, highlighting the need for sustained intervention.
Governance and electoral reforms also featured prominently in the report. The Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL), with UN support, launched a media and civic education center to enhance electoral transparency and combat misinformation. The iVerify platform, an initiative aimed at fact-checking public information, verified 360 news reports, while awareness campaigns reached over 432,206 young people, encouraging peaceful electoral participation. Legislative progress was also made, with the passage of the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act and the Child Rights Act, ensuring stronger protections for minors.
Access to healthcare and essential services saw remarkable improvements, with over 5 million children vaccinated against poliovirus. Maternal health services helped avert an estimated 740 maternal deaths and 230,000 unintended pregnancies, with the increased availability of contraceptives and essential medicines.
Clean water and sanitation projects reached 423,706 people, and 21 chiefdoms were declared Open Defecation Free (ODF). Meanwhile, 50,358 people gained access to electricity through the expansion of solar PV systems and mini-grids.
In the area of social protection and vulnerable group empowerment, the UN facilitated the safe repatriation and reintegration of 508 vulnerable children who were stranded abroad. Comprehensive support services for 1,117 survivors of gender-based violence (GBV) were provided through seven one-stop care centers. Additionally, 3,079 out-of-school adolescent girls were successfully reintegrated into formal education. A disability dashboard was introduced to monitor and enhance disability inclusion in national development strategies.
Despite these achievements, the report acknowledges ongoing economic uncertainties, climate vulnerabilities, and social inequalities, particularly in food security, healthcare, education, and infrastructure. Discrimination and systemic barriers continue to hinder opportunities for marginalized communities.
As the 2020-2024 Cooperation Framework concludes, the UN Country Team (UNCT) has developed a new 2025-2030 framework, focusing on three key areas: Food Systems, Natural Resource Management, and Climate Change; Human Capital, Essential Services, and Employment; and Governance and Economic Transformation. The strategy aims to scale up joint programming and resource mobilization to ensure more impactful development outcomes.
Looking ahead, the UNCT said they will focus on developing joint flagship programs under the new framework, strengthening national institutions for data-driven policymaking, and supporting the National Housing and Population Census (2025-2026).
Seraphine Wakana, UN Resident Coordinator, expressed appreciation for the collaborative efforts between the UN, the government, and development partners, emphasizing that despite challenges, progress is achievable through sustained partnership and shared commitment.
