By Amin Kef (Ranger)
The National Civil Registration Authority (NCRA) initiated a two-day internal review of its 2019–2024 Strategic Plan, which commenced on April 2, 2025, at the Sierra Palms Resort, marking a pivotal moment in Sierra Leone’s advancement in Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS) and Identity Management. Supported by the World Bank/Global Financing Facility (GFF) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), this exercise serves as the foundation for the NCRA’s future, paving the way for the “Vision 2030 Strategic Plan (2025–2030”). The review will assess the institution’s achievements and challenges over the last five years, as it works toward creating a robust Civil Registration and Identity Management System.
This introspective exercise is pivotal in setting the stage for NCRA’s ambitious future. It follows the authority’s continuous commitment to building a robust Civil Registration and Identity Management System. The review will focus on assessing the successes, challenges, and lessons learned during the 2019–2024 period, providing essential insights to inform the institution’s strategic direction for the coming years.
Following the internal review, a National Stakeholders Workshop will take place from April 8–10, 2025, at the Bank Complex in King Tom, Freetown. The workshop is expected to gather key national and international stakeholders to engage in discussions about the future of civil registration in Sierra Leone. This review and workshop serve as crucial precursors to the NCRA’s next phase, which will culminate in the Vision 2030 Strategic Plan (2025–2030). The new plan aims to fortify the NCRA’s mission of enhancing the country’s Civil Registration and Identity Management System.
To ensure a thorough and effective assessment, the review process is being led by two experienced consultants. Mr. Ibrahim Sahr Kamara, a seasoned local consultant, and Ms. Anette Forsingdal, an international expert specializing in CRVS systems, are driving the review process. Forsingdal, who previously contributed her expertise in 2021 to develop procedures for Statelessness and Migrant Registration, is collaborating with Mr. Kamara to ensure the process aligns with both international standards and national goals.
Adding an international dimension to the process, Ms. Violet Kinuthia, the Technical Specialist and Manager of the Centre of Excellence for CRVS Systems at UNFPA’s New York headquarters, is lending her expertise. Kinuthia’s involvement underscores Sierra Leone’s pivotal role as one of nine African countries selected to advance the UN’s Legal Identity Agenda. Having visited Sierra Leone in 2020 as part of a UNECA initiative, her continued involvement highlights the strong support from the international community in enhancing the country’s CRVS system, which is key to achieving sustainable development.
NCRA Director General, Mohamed Mubashir Massaquoi, who is leading this transformative effort, expressed optimism about the review. In his remarks, Massaquoi emphasized the importance of the internal review, calling it “a vital step towards operational excellence.” He also praised the unwavering commitment of the Government of Sierra Leone, noting that the President’s “undiluted political will” is crucial for the success of the NCRA’s mandate.
The outcome of the internal review and the subsequent stakeholders’ workshop will play a critical role in shaping the Vision 2030 plan, which aims to elevate Sierra Leone’s Civil Registration System by the end of the decade. The Vision 2030 strategy is designed to create an inclusive, comprehensive identity and registration system, ensuring that every citizen of Sierra Leone is empowered with a secure and reliable identity.
As the NCRA reflects on its past achievements, it is also focused on charting a bold future, with the goal of enhancing the accessibility and efficiency of Civil Registration and Identity Management services across the country.