Freetown, Sierra Leone — The National Commission for Social Action (NaCSA) has initiated strategic discussions with the Women in Agriculture Network Sierra Leone (WAN-SL) to explore effective strategies for the sustainable implementation of an Islamic Microfinance project aimed at empowering women in the agricultural sector.
The meeting, held on Thursday, May 8, 2025, brought together NaCSA Commissioner, Ambassador Ernest Ndomahina, and WAN-SL President, Madam Juliet Lavarley, to discuss avenues for collaboration in rolling out the microfinance scheme across various districts in Sierra Leone.
WAN-SL is a nationwide network comprising women from diverse regions and age groups, united by the common goal of advancing women’s economic empowerment through agriculture. The organization collaborates with governmental and development partners at local, national, and international levels to address the multiple challenges faced by women in the agricultural sector.
During the meeting, Ambassador Ndomahina emphasized NaCSA’s commitment to gender mainstreaming and its dedication to empowering women as a core aspect of its mandate.
“One of our flagship projects, the Sierra Leone Community Driven Development Project (SLCDD), is funded by the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) and the Government of Sierra Leone (GoSL). It primarily targets rural women engaged in agriculture and small to medium-sized enterprises across five districts,” he said.
Commissioner Ndomahina further explained the Islamic Microfinance scheme as a vital component of the SLCDD initiative, designed to provide essential financial resources to women to expand agricultural operations and strengthen value chains.
“The APEX Bank manages the revolving fund, which is disbursed through Community Banks,” he stated. “However, we are actively seeking strategic partnerships to ensure the sustainable and effective implementation of this microfinance scheme.”
Responding to NaCSA’s call for collaboration, Madam Juliet Lavarley highlighted WAN-SL’s extensive network and ongoing efforts to address the financial challenges faced by women in agriculture.
“In Moyamba District, our network, known as the Munyande Women, has formally registered a microfinance institution that is set to commence operations soon. This initiative will significantly empower local women and enhance their economic activities,” Lavarley noted.
Also present at the meeting was Momoh Juanah, the SLCDD Programme Manager, who was tasked with facilitating further discussions with WAN-SL to outline a clear, actionable roadmap for partnership and implementation.
The proposed collaboration between NaCSA and WAN-SL seeks to ensure that the Islamic Microfinance scheme effectively addresses the financial constraints of women in agriculture, contributing to sustainable development and economic empowerment in Sierra Leone.
By Jane Cole
