Freetown, Sierra Leone – March 13, 2025
Sierra Leone’s Chief Minister, Dr. David Moinina Sengeh, has engaged the United Nations Resident Coordinator, Seraphine Wakana, and heads of various UN agencies to discuss the impact of the shrinking global fiscal space on the country’s development agenda.
In his remarks, the Chief Minister emphasized the government’s commitment to prioritizing key projects under the “Feed Salone” initiative, as well as investments in electricity, road infrastructure, and other capital-intensive programs. He highlighted ongoing efforts in innovative financing and the development of robust metrics to drive sustainable economic growth.
Concerns Over Diminishing Donor Support
UN Resident Coordinator, Seraphine Wakana, acknowledged the significant contributions of USAID, the European Union (EU), and the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) in supporting Sierra Leone’s development sectors, including health, education, agriculture, social protection, and infrastructure. However, she warned that a reduction in aid from these partners could pose a serious threat to ongoing and future development programs, given the country’s already strained fiscal position.
Fredrick Hans Ampiah, the UNDP Resident Representative, commended the government for its prudent public financial management and accountability measures. He encouraged further efforts to control spending and improve domestic revenue mobilization in light of the challenging financial landscape.
UN Recommendations for Alternative Funding and Cost Management
In response to the fiscal constraints, UN officials outlined key recommendations to help Sierra Leone navigate its economic challenges, including:
1. Enhancing Domestic Revenue Mobilization – Strengthening strategies for national and local tax compliance, leveraging digital technology to track payments, and promoting private sector engagement.
2. Optimizing Development Financing – Cutting down on non-essential workshops and ensuring government venues are utilized to reduce operational costs while directing resources towards priority programs.
3. Improving Coordination Among MDAs – Avoiding duplication of efforts and ensuring streamlined participation in international conferences to maximize the impact of Sierra Leone’s global engagements.
4. Reducing Procurement Costs – Limiting spending on visibility materials and residential workshops to improve budget efficiency.
The UN also emphasized the importance of Sierra Leone’s active participation in the upcoming United Nations International Conference on Financing for Development, scheduled to take place in Seville, Spain, in June 2025.
Chief Minister’s Closing Remarks
In his closing statement, Chief Minister Sengeh thanked the UN agencies for their continued support, reiterating the government’s dedication to strategic financial reforms that will drive national progress despite fiscal challenges.
This high-level engagement reflects Sierra Leone’s proactive approach to economic resilience, ensuring that critical development projects remain on track amid global financial uncertainties.
