Sierra Leone Convenes National Workshop on Climate-Resilient Water Investment Financing.

Sierra Leone charts a bold course for water security as government leaders join global partners on February 5, 2026 at Freetown’s Brooke Fields Hotel for a national workshop on “Accelerating the Mobilisation of Finance for Climate-Resilient Water Investment in Africa” a strategic move to unlock climate finance and build sustainable infrastructure for the nation’s future.

This critical engagement, supported by the Global Water Partnership and the Green Climate Fund under the African Union Africa Water Investment Programme, aims to strengthen national capacity. The goal is clear: to plan, prepare, and secure financing for transformative water and sanitation investments that can withstand climate shocks.

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, Mr. Allieu Bakarr Conteh, opened proceedings. He welcomed strategically selected institutions, underscoring their vital role in mobilizing climate finance. Mr. Conteh stressed that workshop outcomes would directly contribute to national development and improve citizen livelihoods, urging stakeholders’ full commitment.

Mr. Sidi Coulibaly, Communication and Knowledge Manager for GWP West Africa, represented the Global Water Partnership. He highlighted the workshop’s role in advancing Sierra Leone’s investment programme and building crucial national expertise in climate finance.

“These meetings demonstrate Sierra Leone’s strong commitment,” stated Mr. Coulibaly. He commended government leadership and reaffirmed GWP’s sustained support for strengthening the enabling environment for water investment.

Deputy Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Mr. Francis Alpha Kallon, framed the workshop as a pivotal event. He recalled Sierra Leone’s selection as one of fifteen beneficiary countries under a major Green Climate Fund Readiness Project, announced at World Water Week 2024.

Mr. Kallon addressed urgent climate challenges floods, droughts, coastal erosion increasing pressure on water systems. “Addressing these requires investment-ready solutions,” he emphasized. He outlined the workshop’s primary objective: to initiate a national climate-resilient water investment programme aligned with key national and international development plans.

The workshop united representatives from Health, Local Government, Planning, Energy, Meteorology, and Education sectors. Discussions focused on decentralized implementation, gender mainstreaming, disaster risk reduction, and inclusion of schools and vulnerable communities.

Responding to stakeholders, Mr. Joseph Mbingi, Programme Officer for the AU-AIP at GWP Southern Africa, emphasized cross-sectoral collaboration. He explained the overarching Africa Water Investment Programme aims to close the continent’s water investment gap and achieve climate resilience.

The programme, running from July 2024 to mid-2026, assists countries in preparing detailed national water investment plans. For Sierra Leone, this five- to ten-year plan will identify priority interventions, financing gaps, and potential funding sources forming a solid foundation to attract long-term finance from international mechanisms.

Today’s workshop marks a significant stride toward building an investment-ready pipeline for climate-resilient water and sanitation projects. The outcomes are poised to strengthen policy, enhance institutional coordination, and position Sierra Leone to effectively secure climate finance for inclusive, sustainable water sector development.

Correspondent-Kadiatu Hassanatu Fofanah

Email: kadiefofanahd92@gmail.com

Tel: +23230059592