UNICEF Sierra Leone, together with its implementing partner, the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development (MoPED), has conducted a training session for its NGO partners and other stakeholders on the Harmonized Approach to Cash Transfers (HACT).
The two-day training took place from Tuesday, 16th to Wednesday, 17th September 2025, at the New Brookfields Hotel.
During the opening of the training on Tuesday, UNICEF Deputy Country Representative Liv Elin Indreiten highlighted the purpose of the workshop. She stated that the HACT training provides an opportunity for UNICEF and MoPED to establish a clear and common understanding of what is expected of their partners in relation to HACT, risk assessment, and partnership management.
She added that the two-day training would provide practical guidance on how HACT works, what is expected of UNICEF, MoPED, and their partners, and how HACT contributes to transparency, accountability, and effective program delivery. The training also aimed to raise awareness of best practices in financial management, budgeting, bank reconciliation, and segregation of duties.
The workshop created a platform for sharing experiences and addressing challenges faced by partners.
The UNICEF Deputy Country Representative further emphasized that HACT is not just a compliance tool but a key component of risk management and building stronger partnerships. It enables UNICEF and MoPED to report to donors and partners on how funds are spent, how they support the development agenda, and how they help achieve tangible outcomes and results.
Through this capacity-building workshop on public finance management and partnership for aid development effectiveness, UNICEF expects improved partnerships and greater impact in life-saving development and child protection in Sierra Leone, aligned with the new Country Programme Cooperation (2025–2030). The Deputy Country Representative concluded her remarks on this hopeful note.
“It is with great honour and humility that I join you at this very important workshop on the Harmonized Approach to Cash Transfer (HACT), a mechanism designed to ensure accountability and transparency in financial management by implementing partners in Sierra Leone,” said Abross James, Development Secretary at MoPED.
He added that this workshop is extremely relevant as the Government of Sierra Leone continues to prioritize efficient, transparent, and accountable management of development resources, as outlined in the Medium-Term National Development Plan (MTNDP 2024–2030).
“In this regard, the Harmonized Approach to Cash Transfer (HACT) provides an essential framework for achieving greater efficiency, accountability, and partnership in the management of funds provided to implementing partners,” Abross James noted.
As MoPED’s Development Secretary, he reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to working with UNICEF and other development partners to mainstream HACT into planning and implementation processes.
He also encouraged MoPED’s development partners, including UNICEF-SL, by emphasizing that together they can ensure that every child in every community benefits fully from the resources entrusted to them as partners.
Alice Nenneh James, Coordinator of the Sierra Leone Association of Non-Governmental Organizations (SLANGO), expressed her delight at being represented at UNICEF and MoPED’s HACT training. She noted that this was the third time UNICEF had conducted such training for their partners.
She thanked the staff, representatives of UNICEF, the Anti-Corruption Commission, government institutions, and all students and members present at the training.
The SLANGO Coordinator concluded by stating that the HACT training is a non-negotiable strategy for UN organizations. It covers capacity assessments, policies and procedures, financial management, cash handling, quality assurance, and audits. She emphasized that these elements are vital for the continued implementation of UNICEF programs and projects.
Augustine Foday Ngobie, Deputy Commissioner of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), stated that the ACC is committed to investigating and prosecuting any organization or individual found misappropriating public or donor resources.
He emphasized that corruption within service delivery undermines trust and development efforts.
Ngobie pledged that the ACC will investigate and prosecute cases of mismanagement. He urged participants to take the UNICEF training seriously, as it equips organizations with the necessary knowledge on fund requests, accounting procedures, and compliance requirements.
