By Kadiatu Sankoh
The Ministry of Planning and Economic Development (MOPED) has released a summary assessment of government Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) on their performance in implementing President Julius Maada Bio’s Big Five agenda, revealing a mixed, but generally positive picture of progress.
The assessment, presented by the Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Madam Kenyeh Barlay, at the weekly government press conference at the Miatta Conference Center, on Tuesday 9th September 2025, evaluated a total of 137 specific targets and over 300 policy actions across government.
According to the Minister, several key sectors are demonstrating strong performance.
The Feed Salone initiative, aimed at achieving food self-sufficiency, alongside the Health sector, Fisheries, and social protection programs, were highlighted as top performers, having successfully hit their set targets.
Other crucial areas, including the education sector, children’s affairs, and youth employment, were rated as performing “satisfactorily well,” indicating progress, though perhaps not at the pace of the leading sectors.
A comprehensive scorecard with detailed results for each MDA is expected to be published for public scrutiny on the website of the Ministry of Information and Civic Education in the coming days.
In a related development, the Development Secretary at MOPED, Ambrose James, provided a detailed overview of the financial support from international development partners. He underscored the cordial relationship between the Government of Sierra Leone and its partners, noting an annual donor commitment of approximately $650 million.
Mr. James highlighted a disbursement rate of 65% to 70% on these commitments, which he stated is a strong indication of the government’s own commitment and capacity to deliver on development projects.
He provided a breakdown of commitments for 2024, which included:
- United Kingdom: $41 million (an increase from $35 million in 2023)
- United States: $480 million through the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) compact, plus other grants totalling $26 million
- World Bank: $190 million
- Germany: $16 million (a decrease from $18 million in 2023)
- Ireland: $13 million
“Despite these substantial figures, there is a noticeable decline in overall donor support over the past decade, reflecting a broader shift in global foreign policy and aid architecture,” Mr. James lamented.
He revealed a strategic government pivot towards attracting private sector investment to supplement traditional aid. “Instead of receiving money, the government is now showcasing possible investment areas in Sierra Leone for private sector investment to attract money,” he explained.
According to Mr James, this new strategy involves actively promoting high-potential investment opportunities to international businesses and financiers.