Freetown, Sierra Leone, 14 October,2024:– In a significant step toward deepening collaboration on the implementation of the Medium-Term National Development Plan (MTNDP), Abou Bakarr Kamara, Senior Country Economist for the International Growth Center (IGC) Sierra Leone, paid a courtesy visit to the Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Kenyeh Barlay. The meeting, which took place in Freetown May the Minister’s Office, centered on discussions aimed at fostering partnerships to accelerate the country’s development agenda.

During the meeting, both parties held fruitful discussions on a range of cross-cutting issues crucial to the achievement of the MTNDP’s objectives. These included strategies for *job creation, enhancing **gender equity, and mobilizing **private sector support* to boost national development efforts. The discussions also covered *policy research* initiatives to inform evidence-based decision-making and address key areas of interest for the Government of Sierra Leone.

One of the major highlights of the meeting was the dialogue on evaluating the *National Health Insurance Scheme* and supporting *monetary policy* reforms. Additionally, the conversation extended to the *management of natural resources, **urban planning, and increasing **agricultural production*—all of which are vital sectors to Sierra Leone’s socio-economic progress.

The meeting also emphasized the importance of engaging key focal Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to ensure the successful delivery of these initiatives. In particular, Kamara and Minister Barlay discussed the role of the Ministries of Youth Affairs, Labour, and Communications, as well as the National Social Security and Insurance Trust (NASSIT), among others.

Speaking after the meeting, Minister Barlay expressed her optimism about the growing partnership with the IGC, noting that such collaborations are essential for delivering on the government’s development priorities.

“This meeting reaffirms the importance of working closely with institutions like the International Growth Center to ensure that our development strategies are not only well-informed but also result in tangible benefits for the people of Sierra Leone,” said Minister Barlay.

Abou Bakarr Kamara echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the IGC’s commitment to supporting Sierra Leone’s development goals through research, policy evaluation, and technical expertise. He noted that the IGC looks forward to further engagements with the Ministry and other key stakeholders to drive progress on key national priorities outlined in the MTNDP.

Both parties agreed to continue working closely on the identified areas of collaboration and to explore opportunities for further engagement with relevant MDAs. The partnership between the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development and the IGC is expected to bolster Sierra Leone’s efforts to achieve sustainable growth and improve the quality of life for its citizens.

For further information, please contact Alfred Kabia on +23279174027 or visit the Ministry’s official social media handles: Twitter-@moped2024, on Facebook and website: Moped.gov.sl 
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