Abdu Muwonge, the World Bank Group’s Country Manager in Sierra Leone, emphasized the need for collaboration during a statement at the opening ceremony of a validation exercise for Sierra Leone’s National Climate Finance Strategy. The event took place at New Brookfields Hotel on June 17, 2025.
The exercise brought together stakeholders from various government ministries, development partner organizations, civil society groups, educational institutions, and local councils. Muwonge stressed that the strategy should prioritize the interests of Sierra Leone’s people rather than individual institutions. He urged participants to take ownership of the document and develop an achievable strategy.
Muwonge also highlighted that while this exercise is significant, it is not the final stage. Legal, institutional, and administrative frameworks will be needed to ensure full implementation.
Sellu McCarthy, head of the Climate Finance Unit at the Ministry of Finance, explained that this process follows previous stakeholder consultations held before drafting the strategy. The validation exercise allows stakeholders to scrutinize and provide input on the draft before finalizing it.
Deputy Minister of Finance I, Kadiatu Allie, stated that the strategy represents more than just policy; it is a collective commitment by Sierra Leone’s government to mobilize financial resources to strengthen resilience and reduce emissions. She noted that climate change vulnerabilities are pressuring public finances and threatening citizens’ well-being.
Allie described the National Finance Strategy as a tool to scale up investment in climate adaptation and mitigation while coordinating public and private finance. It aims to align with global commitments like the Paris Agreement. She expressed gratitude to the World Bank for its support and acknowledged all stakeholders contributing to shaping this document.