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The Ministry of Planning and Economic Development (MoPED) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening collaboration with development partners following a courtesy visit by senior leadership of Christian Aid’s West and Central Africa Multi-Country Cluster.
The delegation met with the Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Madam Kenyeh Barlay, and Deputy Minister Rev. Dr. Jonathan Titus-Williams to discuss areas of continued cooperation and support for Sierra Leone’s national development priorities.
Led by Christian Aid’s Head of Impact, Temitope Fashola, and Strategy and Partnership Lead, Abass Yusuf, the delegation included members of the organization’s Sierra Leone leadership team and representatives involved in programme implementation and government relations.
The engagement provided an opportunity for Christian Aid to introduce its new West and Central Africa Multi-Country Cluster operating model, strengthen institutional engagement with the Ministry, and reaffirm its long-standing partnership with the Government of Sierra Leone.
Speaking during the meeting, Fashola explained that the new operating model is intended to deepen development impact, enhance regional collaboration, and increase support for local partners and community-based initiatives.
He emphasized that the transition does not represent a reduction in Christian Aid’s presence in Sierra Leone but rather reflects a renewed commitment to supporting sustainable and locally driven development efforts.
Minister Barlay welcomed the delegation and commended Christian Aid for its contributions to governance, peacebuilding, gender equality, climate resilience, youth empowerment, and community development across the country.
She reiterated the Government’s commitment to creating a conducive environment for non-governmental organizations and development partners, noting that ongoing reforms are aimed at improving coordination, accountability, and service delivery within the development sector.
The Minister also encouraged Christian Aid to explore opportunities to support the Government’s Chiefdom Development Planning Initiative, a programme designed to strengthen grassroots planning, promote local ownership, and enhance community-led development throughout Sierra Leone.
Both parties reaffirmed their shared commitment to advancing national development goals through stronger partnerships, effective coordination, and people-centred interventions that improve the lives of citizens.
The meeting was also attended by the Director of Rural Development, Mbalu A. Kamara, along with other officials from the Ministry and Christian Aid.
The engagement notably reflects the Government’s continued efforts to foster productive partnerships with development organizations in support of Sierra Leone’s socio-economic transformation and sustainable development agenda.
