Sierra Leone and Germany Review Development Cooperation, Address Implementation Challenges

-Sierra Leone and Germany have concluded two days of government consultations, reaffirming their commitment to stronger development coordination, improved project implementation and sustainable investment.

The closing session, held on 9 October 2026 at the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development (MoPED) conference room in Freetown, brought together Planning and Economic Development Minister Kenyeh Barlay, Acting Development Secretary Usman Cherry Conteh, representatives of the German delegation, GIZ Country Director Raphael Frerking, former German Ambassador to Sierra Leone Jens Kraus-Massé and officials from key government institutions.

Chaired by Mr Conteh, the meeting reviewed progress in bilateral development cooperation and examined persistent challenges affecting project delivery. Discussions centred on customs clearance delays, outstanding tax reimbursements, residence permit procedures, road maintenance and the need for stronger coordination among development partners.

German delegation member Karen Pfundt expressed concern over delays in customs clearance and tax exemptions, noting that similar challenges had featured in the 2025 negotiations.

She said that, as of 1 October 2026, all consignments destined for the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) had been delivered, except the personal belongings of a colleague working on a health project, which had remained uncleared for more than six months.

Mr Frerking said the delays affected personal effects and essential project supplies, including medicines and vehicles. He explained that some consignments took several months to clear, against an expected period of two weeks, while demurrage charges diverted resources that could otherwise have supported development activities.

Responding to the concerns, National Revenue Authority (NRA) representative Edwin Conteh acknowledged the need for improved coordination and said plans were underway to introduce a Single Window system to streamline customs procedures. He added that the outstanding consignment would be escalated, with the NRA expected to engage the Ministry of Finance to resolve the matter.

The German delegation also highlighted outstanding Goods and Services Tax (GST) reimbursements owed to GIZ, estimated at Le6.3 million for transactions covering 2023 to 2025.

Mr Conteh said the NRA had completed its reconciliation and submitted the relevant information to the Ministry of Finance. Ms Pfundt called for a clear payment timeline by the end of October 2026, while Mr Frerking stressed that resolving the matter was essential for GIZ's project closure and final accounting with Germany's Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).

Residence permit procedures formed another major part of the discussions, with the German delegation advocating simpler and more efficient processes.

Senior Immigration Officer and Head of the Foreign Nationals Unit, Patricia M Kargobai, outlined the procedures and challenges involved in processing residence permits. Participants agreed that stronger coordination was needed to resolve outstanding cases and improve administrative efficiency.

The consultations also examined the long-term sustainability of road infrastructure supported through development cooperation.

National Commission for Social Action (NaCSA) Deputy Commissioner Dr Susan Robert welcomed Germany's continued support and expressed hope that the partnership would facilitate further road construction. She also highlighted the importance of strengthening food systems and improving livelihoods.

German delegation member Dr Pascal Richter raised concerns over the rapid deterioration of some roads constructed or rehabilitated with German support. He called for sustainable maintenance arrangements and stronger local ownership to protect infrastructure investments and extend their useful life.

Dr Richter also stressed the importance of connecting feeder roads to major transport routes and aligning financial and technical cooperation to support effective maintenance.

Dr Robert attributed some maintenance challenges to financial constraints. She said the Road Maintenance Fund Administration (RMFA), which relies on fuel levies to finance road upkeep, was reportedly receiving only three cents per litre instead of the expected 30 cents following the diversion of resources to address fuel subsidy pressures.

Minister Barlay emphasised that effective development coordination required more than periodic consultations, calling for stronger collaboration and information-sharing at national, district and chiefdom levels.

She said Germany could support efforts to improve coordination among development partners and strengthen systems for monitoring and reporting development results.

The minister noted that MoPED maintained separate databases covering non-governmental organisations, monitoring activities and public investment. She advocated a consolidated system with common indicators to improve coordination, track progress and strengthen accountability across development programmes.

Dr Richter acknowledged the challenges facing development coordination and called for a broader approach involving partners, including the European Union, to improve the effectiveness of development assistance.

Minister Barlay also highlighted Sierra Leone's Blue Economy agenda, revealing that 10 bankable projects had been promoted to attract private-sector investment. She stressed the need to mobilise resources and strengthen partnerships to advance national development priorities.

The discussions also addressed the shadow fleet issue. Former German Ambassador to Sierra Leone Jens Kraus-Massé said Germany regarded the matter seriously and expected continued engagement to address concerns raised by European partners.

Minister Barlay reaffirmed the government's commitment to addressing the issue while cautioning against misinformation.

In her closing remarks, the minister welcomed the frank discussions and thanked the German delegation for its continued partnership with Sierra Leone. She stressed that transparency, accountability and measurable outcomes must remain central to development cooperation, ensuring that investments translate into tangible improvements in people's lives.

Ms Pfundt commended Sierra Leone's development planning efforts and reaffirmed Germany's commitment to working with the government to address implementation challenges and ensure the effective use of available resources.

The German delegation proposed that future consultations adopt a more strategic approach, concentrating on two or three overarching priorities to guide bilateral development cooperation.

The next round of government consultations is expected to take place in April or May 2027.

The discussions reinforced the shared commitment of Sierra Leone and Germany to removing implementation bottlenecks, strengthening institutional coordination and ensuring that development investments deliver lasting benefits for Sierra Leoneans.