FREETOWN, October 7, 2026: Sierra Leone and Malawi have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening decentralisation, civic education and grassroots governance following a high-level exchange between officials of the two countries in Freetown.
A delegation from Malawi’s Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development (MLGRD) paid a working visit to Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs (MLGCA) to share experiences and best practices on civic education, local governance, decentralisation and community engagement.
The visit forms part of efforts by both countries to deepen collaboration in promoting citizen participation and bringing governance closer to the people through effective decentralisation structures.
Welcoming the delegation, Minister of Local Government and Community Affairs, Ambassador Tamba Lamina, described the visit as a valuable platform for mutual learning. He underscored the critical role of civic education in helping citizens understand government policies and actively participate in national development.
Chairman of the National Council for Civic Education and Democracy (NaCCED), Joseph Munda Bindi, disclosed that Malawi sought to learn from Sierra Leone’s experience after establishing a civic education department within its Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development.
He noted that Malawi is currently developing a national civic education policy and legislative framework and is drawing lessons from Sierra Leone’s model to guide that process.
Speaking on behalf of the visiting delegation, Acting Permanent Secretary of Malawi’s Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development, Cecily Kampanje, said her country was keen to understand how civic education is integrated into local governance and decentralised service delivery.
She identified community mobilisation, local planning processes and civic education initiatives within local councils as key areas of interest for Malawi.
Permanent Secretary of Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs, Prince Alex Soriba, highlighted the historical and governance similarities between the two post-colonial nations. He outlined Sierra Leone’s decentralisation architecture, including regional and district coordination mechanisms that support local governance.
Soriba stressed the importance of traditional leadership, civic education structures and community-based institutions in ensuring government policies and information reach citizens at the grassroots level.
Director of Local Government at MLGCA, Brima Newman Combey, also emphasised the enduring role of chieftaincy institutions and the growing importance of digital communication platforms, particularly social media, in promoting civic awareness and disseminating government information.
During discussions, Malawian officials shared insights into their experiences with district councils, traditional authorities, intergovernmental fiscal transfers, local revenue mobilisation and civic education hubs. They also outlined district planning mechanisms designed to enhance community participation in development planning and decision-making.
The engagement further explored issues relating to decentralised financing, accountability, local leadership, traditional governance systems and the contribution of civil society organisations to conflict prevention and community engagement.
The visit concluded with Sierra Leone’s Deputy Minister of Local Government and Community Affairs, Alfred Moi Jamiru, presenting the Malawian delegation with a commemorative booklet from the National Council of Paramount Chiefs Conference 2026, symbolising the growing partnership between the two countries in advancing inclusive local governance and civic participation.