Diaspora Focus Online TV.

16/10/2025

Another one !
Yes, another birthday 🎂🍷👍...!
All I have to say is thank you God 🙏
Thanks to the almighty God for adding another year to my age.
looking forward to the best of the best.
Cheers to my new age 🍷

07/05/2025

NRA UNVEILS BRANDED NEW WAKAFINE BUS

Freetown, Sierra Leone, May 6 2025.

In a groundbreaking initiative aimed at enhancing taxpayer education, the National Revenue Authority (NRA) has unveiled a newly branded ‘Wakafine’ public buses in a vibrant ceremony held at the state of the art bus terminal at Lumley. The bus, adorned with colorful graphics and informative slogans, is designed to ride along the East and West Corridors providing passengers and residents with essential information on tax obligations, benefits, and the importance of contributing to national development.

The Commissioner General Jeneba J. Bangura emphasized that this innovative approach seeks to demystify the tax administration process and foster a culture of compliance among citizens, particularly in underserved areas where access to information is limited.

The unveiling event attracted a diverse crowd, the Forth Estate, NRA Senior Management Team members and other staff members of the Authority.

It is essential to note that the bus will serve as a mobile education center and equipped with taxpayer education messages.
According to the Deputy Director of Legal and Corporate Services, Ibrahim Turay ESQ. by taking taxpayer education directly to the people, the NRA hopes to increase awareness and understanding of tax responsibilities, ultimately leading to improved revenue collection and enhanced public services. This initiative marks a significant step forward in the Authority's ongoing efforts to engage with citizens and promote transparency in the tax system.

©️Public Affairs and Tax Education Unit
National Revenue Authority
Rensis House, 5 Gloucester Street, Freetown
www.nra.gov.sl

07/05/2025

IsDB Engages NaCSA on IsDB's Country Engagement Framework Process

The National Commission for Social Action (NaCSA) has on Tuesday, 6th May 2025, met with a delegation from the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) to discuss critical elements of the IsDB's Country Engagement Framework (CEF) process. The CEF is the process IsDB has adoubted to develop country development strategies for its member countries. This strategic meeting was an opportunity for NaCSA to provide an update on the progress of implementation of the second phase of the Sierra Leone Community Driven Development (SLCDD II) project funded by IsDB.

Amb. Ernest Mbaimba Ndomahina, the Commissioner of NaCSA, emphasized the significance of collaborative efforts in achieving sustainable development goals. He expressed heartfelt appreciation for the unwavering support provided by IsDB, noting how it has been instrumental in advancing various projects across the country. The Commissioner further reaffirmed the government’s strong commitment to ensuring the highest standards of quality assurance, maximizing the impact of projects, and promoting sustainability in all aspects of project implementation.

*"The development trajectory of Sierra Leone is strongly centered on the agricultural sector, a direction that has been significantly shaped by the leadership of His Excellency Dr. Julius Maada Bio, who pioneered the Feed Salone agenda. This national development framework aims to enhance food security and promote sustainable farming practices across the nation. As a result, we have already seen considerable progress in agricultural production, rural development, and poverty alleviation. Moving forward, we are committed to building on these achievements, particularly through collaboration with our donor partners such as the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB). Their ongoing technical and financial support is vital in helping us implement innovative agricultural practices, expand access to markets, and improve the livelihoods of farmers throughout Sierra Leone,"* he ended.

During the meeting, Omar Davis, the Country Operations Manager of the Islamic Development Bank, warmly greeted both the government officials and the citizens of Sierra Leone. He expressed the Bank's steadfast commitment to supporting the nation's development efforts in various sectors. *"It is a privilege to be here today," Davis stated, engaging with representatives from the NaCSA to delve into discussions about the Country Engagement Framework. He emphasized the importance of their ongoing collaboration in advancing essential development initiatives throughout Sierra Leone.* He ended.

Momoh Juana, the Programe Manager for the IsDB funded SLCDD project, delivered a comprehensive update on the project's implementation. He outlined progress, key milestones achieved, available and disbursed funding, geographical areas, and targeted population. The update emphasized the collaborative efforts of the team and stakeholders, showcasing their commitment to ensuring the project's success while adhering to the timeline and budget constraints.

Dr. Susan Robert, the Senior Director forPrograme Development and Quality Assurance, and Md. Regina Saffa, the Senior Director of Programs, addressed the delegates with confidence, emphasizing that the Commission is strategically positioned to effectively continue its efforts in implementing community-driven development initiatives. They highlighted the importance of these initiatives in responding to local needs and preferences, ensuring that the development process is both inclusive and sustainable.

The meeting concluded with a sense of hope and mutual understanding.

For further information on this and other matters, please contact
The Information, Education and Communication Unit
+23278155556/+23277022709/+23230518539

07/05/2025

NRA Participates in Civic Day Series in Port Loko

Port Loko, Sierra Leone, 6th May 2025.

In an effort to bridge the gap between government and community, the National Revenue Authority (NRA) has teamed up with the Ministry of Information and Civic Education to launch the Civic Day Series in Port Loko. This collaborative initiative is designed to foster direct dialogue between top government officials and local citizens through interactive programs that empower communities and raise awareness of civic rights and responsibilities, including tax obligations.

Saffiatu E. Charles, Supervisor for Public Affairs and Tax Education (PATE) at the NRA, emphasized that these engagements provide residents with an opportunity to pose important questions directly to the heads of various ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) and to gain first-hand insight into their operations and initiatives. She added that the program serves not only as a platform for transparency but also encourages active community participation in governance.

The Civic Day Series will continue in other districts, featuring a lineup of government officials engaging with students, local community leaders, teachers, and business owners. This ongoing series underscores the government’s commitment to inclusive civic education, with the NRA playing an active role in these outreach efforts. By ensuring that citizens are well-informed about their rights and obligations, particularly the duty to pay taxes, the NRA and the Ministry of Information and Civic Education are empowering communities to participate fully in the nation’s development.

Public Affairs and Tax Education Unit
National Revenue Authority
Rensis House, 5 Gloucester Street, Freetown
www.nra.gov.sl

07/05/2025

The Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs and Partners Host High-Level Dialogue on Gender Accountability

Freetown, Sierra Leone

In a powerful show of commitment to gender equality and women’s empowerment, the Government of Sierra Leone through the Ministry of Gender and Children's Affairs-SL, in partnership with the World Bank and UN Women, convened a one-day national dialogue with civil society organizations (CSOs) on the implementation of the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment (GEWE) Act.

Held at the Brookfields Hotel in Freetown under the theme “Measuring the Impact of Our Commitments to Women and Girls in Sierra Leone,” the forum brought together key government officials, development partners, and gender advocates to assess progress and shape a robust gender accountability framework.

The dialogue featured prominent voices from the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs, including Director of Planning and Policy Ibrahim Kamara, Director of Gender Marian Goodie Sowonie, Assistant Directors Dennis Koroma and Harry Mahoi, and Bamie Sesay. Representing UN Women were Head of Office Sètchémè Jéronime M. Mongbo and Program Specialist Baindu Massaquoi.

Chairing the session, Assistant Director Harry Mahoi welcomed participants and set the tone for an engaging and forward-looking discussion.

In her opening remarks, Gender Director Marian Goodie Sowonie expressed gratitude to the World Bank and UN Women for their technical and financial support. She emphasized the significance of CSO participation, stating, “The GEWE Act is a roadmap for both public and private sectors to consolidate gender equality. This consultation strengthens implementation and monitoring efforts.”

UN Women Head of Office Sètchémè Mongbo praised Sierra Leone’s resilience in adopting international treaties on gender equality. She called for inclusive collaboration across sectors and highlighted key frameworks such as the UN SWAP, the UN Gender Scorecard, and the Women’s Empowerment Principles—tools she described as vital for measuring gender progress.

Director of Planning Ibrahim Kamara outlined the core provisions of the GEWE Act, touching on women’s participation in governance, finance, politics, and the workplace. “The Act mandates that at least one out of every three candidates in public elections be a woman, and it promotes equal pay for equal work,” he stated.

Deputy Chief Director Charles Vandi also encouraged CSOs to provide constructive feedback on the GEWE policy provisions, while UN Women’s Baindu Massaquoi delivered a detailed presentation on the development of a gender accountability framework. She stressed the importance of standardized tools like the UN SWAP and scorecard for monitoring progress toward SDG 5.

The dialogue concluded with a plenary session, during which participants discussed opportunities for mainstreaming gender within CSOs and tailoring accountability tools to local realities. Their insights and recommendations will inform future strategies for the successful rollout of the GEWE Act.

07/05/2025

Koidu Limited Dismisses 1,000 Sierra Leonean Workers

Freetown, Sierra Leone, May 6, 2025.
The Ministry of Employment, Labour and Social Security has issued a press release on the summary dismissal of 1,000 Sierra Leonean workers at Koidu Limited. The Ministry has assured all affected workers that the Government of Sierra Leone will use all appropriate channels to ensure that the labour and employment right of its of its citizens are fully protected in line with the extant labour laws and international best practices.

07/05/2025

94 new Mpox cases, bringing the total to 1,481 in Sierra Leone . The virus is particularly aggressive in West and rural areas of Freetown, with Bombali district reporting 54 cases. The Ministry of Health urges everyone to practice contact precautions, as they're setting up holding centers in Hastings, Calaba Town, and Port Loko Town.

Mpox symptoms usually start within a week but can appear 1–21 days after exposure. They typically last 2–4 weeks, though they may persist longer in individuals with weakened immune systems. Common symptoms include rash, fever, sore throat, headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy, and swollen lymph nodes. For some, the first symptom might be a fever or rash, while others may experience different symptoms initially. If you notice a fever and unexplained rashes, call 117.
Remember, Mpox is not chickenpox.

Picture below👇🏿 is an active case from Sierra Leone.

03/05/2025

03/05/2025

The Western Area Peninsula National Park is the green heart of Freetown, a vital source of life for the city and its people.

Through the Sustainable and Integrated Landscape Management Project, led by the Ministry Of The Environment & Climate Change and funded by the Global Environment Facility, with oversight from UNDP in Sierra Leone, we are working to restore biodiversity and build community resilience across six key communities.

This 5-year initiative is focused on

✅ Protecting biodiversity
✅ Restoring degraded landscapes
✅ Promoting sustainable solutions that benefit both people and nature

By addressing the root causes of environmental degradation — from policy reform and sustainable land use to mobilizing long-term financing, we’re paving the way for a more resilient, sustainable future for Sierra Leone.

03/05/2025

National Youth Commission and ILO Launch Youth Innovation Competition

The National Youth Commission (NAYCOM) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the International Labour Organization (ILO) to launch a Youth Innovation Competition focused on fabricating value chain equipment for cassava, palm oil, and vegetables.

This exciting initiative provides young entrepreneurs with the opportunity to showcase their creativity and technical ingenuity by developing tools that enhance agricultural value chains.

In his statement, NAYCOM Commissioner Ahmed Atata Mansaray Esq. emphasized that the collaboration aims to inspire young minds to generate innovative solutions that improve the efficiency and productivity of local content, particularly cassava, palm kernel, and vegetables. He noted that the development of such technologies could help reduce waste, improve product quality, and increase operational efficiency.

Dr. Vanessa Phala, ILO Country Director for Sierra Leone, highlighted that the partnership is designed to foster employment opportunities and entrepreneurship in local industries. She explained that the initiative will support 21 enterprises led by young entrepreneurs.
Dr. Phala commended both institutions for their commitment and expressed optimism about the project's success and long-term impact.

01/05/2025

𝐒𝐈𝐄𝐑𝐑𝐀 𝐋𝐄𝐎𝐍𝐄’𝐒 𝐏𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐈𝐃𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐉𝐔𝐋𝐈𝐔𝐒 𝐌𝐀𝐀𝐃𝐀 𝐁𝐈𝐎 𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐅𝐅𝐈𝐑𝐌𝐒 𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐌𝐈𝐓𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐓𝐎 𝐖𝐎𝐑𝐊𝐄𝐑𝐒’ 𝐃𝐈𝐆𝐍𝐈𝐓𝐘 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐄𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐎𝐌𝐈𝐂 𝐄𝐌𝐏𝐎𝐖𝐄𝐑𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐎𝐍 𝐋𝐀𝐁𝐎𝐔𝐑 𝐃𝐀𝐘

Freetown, May 1, 2025 - His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio has reaffirmed his government’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding the dignity of workers and fostering economic empowerment through inclusive labour reforms and social protections.

Addressing attendees at this year’s Labour Day celebration, held at the Miata Conference Hall, President Bio paid tribute to the nation’s workers - teachers, healthcare professionals, farmers, miners, artisans, and informal sector operators, describing them as “the true architects of our nation’s progress.”

“Today, I wear two hats: President and Worker,” he declared. “As a public servant, I am humbled to celebrate this Labour Day alongside you. And as your President, I pledge to continue striving for a future in which all workers are treated with dignity and respect.”

President Bio emphasized that his administration views labour not just as a means of survival but as a path to prosperity and national transformation. He underscored the importance of investing in education, healthcare, and agriculture to support a productive and skilled workforce.

Highlighting key achievements since 2018, the President noted the establishment of the Wages and Compensation Commission to address wage disparities, reforms in education and healthcare systems to build a capable and healthy workforce, legislative reviews to align labour laws with international standards, and ongoing efforts to extend social security coverage to workers in the informal sector.

In a significant announcement, the President directed the Ministry of Employment, Labour, and Social Security to begin negotiations for a new national minimum wage, describing it as a “fundamental step toward ensuring every worker can live with dignity.”

President Bio also acknowledged the informal economy's crucial role and outlined his administration’s intention to formalize and support informal workers, including petty traders, transport operators, and small-scale artisans. He announced plans to expand access to the National Social Security and Insurance Trust (NASSIT) for these workers.

Calling for social dialogue over industrial conflict, he pledged to strengthen collaboration with the Sierra Leone Labour Congress and the Employers’ Federation to promote workplace harmony and sustained growth.

In his closing remarks, President Bio urged workers to embrace innovation, upskill, and actively engage in workplace dialogue. He encouraged employers to invest in their human capital and called on development partners to support labour market institutions that enhance productivity and worker well-being.

“This is not an impossible dream,” President Bio concluded. “It is the Sierra Leone that your labour is creating—brick by brick, day by day. Let us commit ourselves to building a nation where every worker's contribution is valued, labour leads to prosperity, and the dignity of work becomes our national reality.”

The 2025 Labour Day celebrations were marked by renewed optimism, as the government, workers, and partners reaffirmed their collective resolve to advance decent work and inclusive development across Sierra Leone.

For further enquiries:
State House Media and Communications Unit
[email protected]