By Sallieu S. Kanu
Freetown, Sierra Leone – The validation of Sierra Leone’s National Climate Finance Strategy has gained momentum, with stakeholders from various sectors reaffirming their commitment to mobilizing resources for climate resilience.
At a one-day validation exercise held at the New Brookfields Hotel on June 17, 2025, Abdu Muwonge, Country Manager of the World Bank Group in Sierra Leone, emphasized the need for collaboration, urging participants to prioritize the nation’s interests over individual institutions. He called for collective ownership of the strategy to ensure its successful implementation.
The event brought together representatives from government ministries, development partner organizations, civil society groups, educational institutions, and local councils. The strategy, which follows extensive stakeholder consultations, seeks to provide a structured approach to funding climate-related initiatives in Sierra Leone.
Sellu McCarthy, Head of the Climate Finance Unit at the Ministry of Finance, explained that the validation process allows stakeholders to refine the draft strategy before finalization. He stressed the importance of ensuring that the framework aligns with legal, institutional, and administrative requirements for effective execution.
Deputy Minister of Finance I, Kadiatu Allie, described the strategy as a vital instrument in addressing climate change vulnerabilities that threaten public finances, development progress, and citizens’ well-being. She highlighted the government’s commitment to scaling up investments in climate adaptation, mitigation, and resilience, aligning with international agreements such as the Paris Agreement.
Allie expressed gratitude to the World Bank for its technical and financial support and acknowledged the dedication of all involved stakeholders in shaping the strategy.
The National Climate Finance Strategy aims to unlock and coordinate both public and private investments, strengthen institutional capacity, and safeguard Sierra Leone’s economy and environment against climate-induced risks.