GIZ Sierra Leone and Liberia

GIZ Sierra Leone and Liberia We work to shape a future worth living around the world. This account is managed by GIZ Country Office Freetown

What does it take to achieve a “Very Good” score in EITI Validation? For Liberia, it meant ensuring that information abo...
31/07/2026

What does it take to achieve a “Very Good” score in EITI Validation?

For Liberia, it meant ensuring that information about the country's natural resources was not only available, but also accessible, understood, and used by citizens.

Liberia has achieved an impressive 80-point score (“Very Good”) in the 2026 EITI Validation, marking a significant improvement from its previous 75.5-point score (“Good”). This progress reflects continued efforts to strengthen transparency, accountability, and citizen engagement in the extractive sector.

Behind this achievement was the dedicated work of the Liberia Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (LEITI), supported by GIZ through three key interventions.

📢 Bringing information closer to citizens
GIZ supported the nationwide dissemination of LEITI's 14th and 15th reports, helping communities, civil society organizations, local authorities, and citizens better understand how revenues from natural resources are managed. By turning complex data into information people could engage with, LEITI strengthened public debate and stakeholder participation.

💻 Making data more accessible
To improve transparency and access to information, GIZ supported the development of the LEITI Data Warehouse, an online platform that modernized how extractive sector data is collected, managed, and shared. The innovation was recognized by the EITI Board for advancing transparency and sustainability.

🤝 Supporting Validation readiness
GIZ also financed technical assistance that helped LEITI prepare for the Validation process, coordinate stakeholders, identify gaps, and demonstrate progress against the EITI Standard.

Together, these efforts helped strengthen transparency, improve access to information, and foster meaningful public participation in natural resource governance.

The Rego Project in Liberia is commissioned by Bundesministerium für wirtschaftliche Zusammenarbeit und Entwicklung (BMZ) was Co-financed by European Union in Sierra Leone European Union and implemented by GIZ

Promoting Gender Equality in One Health for Healthier Communities Gender equality is an important part of creating hea...
09/07/2026

Promoting Gender Equality in One Health for Healthier Communities

Gender equality is an important part of creating healthier and stronger communities. To support this, a Gender in One Health Awareness Campaign was conducted at district level to help stakeholders better understand the role of gender in health-related issues and how it can be integrated into One Health activities.

During the Training of Trainers, emphasis was placed on the importance of inclusive decision-making. Decisions affecting communities should not be made by men alone; women should also have the opportunity to participate and contribute to decisions that affect their families, communities, and livelihoods.

Participants learned more about the connection between human health, animal health, and the environment. They gained knowledge on how poor hygiene practices and unsafe environmental conditions can affect people’s health, increase the risk of diseases, and negatively impact animals and livestock.

The training also strengthened participants’ skills in:

✅ Understanding the link between gender and One Health

✅ Sharing health messages that consider the needs of both women and men

✅ Developing chiefdom-level action plans to share knowledge within communities

✅ Supporting communities to adopt safer and healthier practices

By promoting gender-sensitive approaches in One Health, the initiative aims to encourage women and men to work together to protect human health, animal health, and the environment while safeguarding communities of potential epidemic risks.

The Health System Strengthening & Epidemic Preparedness Project is implemented by GIZ and funded by Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ)

We are excited to share the launch of the EU/BMZ co-funded Cassava Value Chain Project under the EU’s “Sustainable Food ...
09/07/2026

We are excited to share the launch of the EU/BMZ co-funded Cassava Value Chain Project under the EU’s “Sustainable Food and Agriculture Value Chains Development” programme. The initiative aims to strengthen farmers, MSMEs, youth and women-led enterprises through improved cassava production, processing, and market access.

The 4-year cassava project (01/2026 to 12/2029) seeks to establish 10 cassava cultivar multiplication centres, 50 hectares of demonstration sites, train 500 farmers, strengthen at least 10 FBOs and 40 MSMEs in their processing capacities, market linkages and business skills, increase caregivers’ awareness of the nutritional value of cassava, and upgrade three Government Technical Institutes (GTIs) by developing six new agriculture-related training courses.

Speaking at the event, the MAFS Chief Agriculture Officer mentioned that "cassava and its diversified products have strong potential to generate real economic value, and reaffirmed the Ministry of Agriculture’s full support for the initiative".

Backed by the EU and Germany, this investment is set to unlock jobs, strengthen rural economies, and support food security across the country.

Funded by the European Union in Sierra Leone Bundesministerium für wirtschaftliche Zusammenarbeit und Entwicklung (BMZ) and implemented by GIZ under the “Youth Employment Promotion through Socio-Ecological and Economic Transformation of Selected Rural Value Chains” (EET) project, the intervention focuses on turning cassava into a stronger driver of income, nutrition, and rural jobs.

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Johann Lieberich

Ministry of Health Launches National Performance and Training Governance CommitteeThe Ministry of Health, with support f...
22/06/2026

Ministry of Health Launches National Performance and Training Governance Committee

The Ministry of Health, with support from GIZ and the German Government, has launched the National Ministerial Performance and Training Governance Committee to strengthen governance, coordination, and accountability in health workforce development across Sierra Leone.

The event brought together key stakeholders from the Ministry of Health and district health management structures to improve oversight of in-service training and ensure that workforce development investments are aligned with national health priorities and service delivery needs.

Speaking at the launch, Deputy Minister of Health I, Prof. Charles Senesie, stated
"Healthcare workers remain the backbone of the country's health system. Training should no longer be seen as an isolated activity, but as a strategic investment linked directly to performance improvement, service quality, and better health outcomes."

The Senior Permanent Secretary, Mr. Andrew L. Sorie, highlighted the significant progress made through the Ministry’s partnership with GIZ, including the development of the National In-Service Training Policy, the Generic In-Service Training Framework, district-specific training plans, and a digital Training Needs Assessment tool. He noted that these reforms have shifted the Ministry from fragmented, supply-driven training approaches to a strategic, evidence-based system that identifies workforce gaps and aligns training investments with national health priorities and service delivery needs.

As part of the event, BMZ-GIZ and the Deputy Minister of Health officially handed over digital equipments, including Laptops and MiFi devices, to the Directorate of Human Resources for Health, selected health facilities, and committee members. The equipment is expected to enhance digital connectivity, support implementation of the training governance framework, and strengthen monitoring and reporting systems.

The launch reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to building a competent, motivated, and resilient health workforce capable of advancing Universal Health Coverage and Health Security in Sierra Leone.

Health System Strengthening and Epidermic Prevention HSSEP Project is funded by Bundesministerium für wirtschaftliche Zusammenarbeit und Entwicklung(BMZ) and implemented by GIZ.

From Risky Practices to Safer Communities: The Impact of One Health in Jendema Community In Jendema, Pujehun District, c...
10/06/2026

From Risky Practices to Safer Communities: The Impact of One Health in Jendema Community

In Jendema, Pujehun District, community members used to consume dead livestock. In some cases, animals that had already been buried were secretly dug up at night to be sold in the local market. This was a practice that quietly put the health of people in the community at risk, even though many did not fully understand the consequences.

Things began to change when the One Health Chiefdom Committee was formed and trained in Jandema. Community members started learning the connection between animal health, the environment, and human disease: The committee set up weekly house-to-house health talks every Friday, across the community, ensuring health education is part of everyday life rather than an occasional message.

"Before the health talks, we did not properly care for sick or injured animals. Since GIZ training and community sensitizations, we now report any signs of illness or injury to a trained animal health worker for immediate treatment." Chief Haji Soro, Jendema community chief.

As a result of these health talks, the community has become proactive in protecting itself. No buried animal is dug up or consumed anymore, sick livestock are promptly reported and treated, and two suspected Mpox cases were quickly identified, referred, and managed before they could escalate. Even routine practices such as handwashing and basic hygiene are now consistently reinforced during weekly community engagements.

Small numbers. Real change. Exactly what the One Health approach is designed to produce.

If you had to choose one behavior change that could improve health in your community, what would it be? Share this story if you believe community knowledge can save lives.

This transformation is part of the HSSEP III project, commissioned by the Bundesministerium für wirtschaftliche Zusammenarbeit und Entwicklung (BMZ), and implemented by GIZ in partnership with the Ministry of Health and Sanitation

Closing one Chapter and Powering the Next: celebrating the Legacy and Impact of EnDev This week, we marked the closing e...
04/06/2026

Closing one Chapter and Powering the Next: celebrating the Legacy and Impact of EnDev

This week, we marked the closing event of the Energising Development https://endev.info/(EnDev) and Transformational Energy Use in Sierra Leone (TEUSL) projects, celebrating nine years of partnership and progress in expanding access to sustainable energy across the country.

Together, the projects enabled 26,400 people to gain access to clean cooking solutions and 17,110 people gained access to electricity. In addition, 150 social institutions and 2,485 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) benefited from access to modern energy solutions.

Through decentralized solar technologies, technical training, market-based approaches, and results-based financing, EnDev and TEUSL strengthened productive use of energy, supported local businesses and livelihoods, and contributed to the growth of Sierra Leone's renewable energy sector.

A special thank you to all partners, government institutions, private sector actors, communities, colleagues, and donors who made these achievements possible, particularly the European Union, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, and Switzerland. EnDev was implemented by Netherlands Development Agency (RVO) and, in Sierra Leone, by GIZ.

While this chapter comes to an end, the journey continues through the Sustainable Rural Development through Renewable Energy (SURE) project, with a special focus on supporting women-led enterprises and expanding sustainable energy opportunities in rural communities.

⚡🇱🇷 45,130+ people reached with improved energy solutions across Liberia in the last three years alone.🎉 On Friday, we c...
01/06/2026

⚡🇱🇷 45,130+ people reached with improved energy solutions across Liberia in the last three years alone.

🎉 On Friday, we celebrated the closing event of Energising Development (EnDev) Liberia after 14 years of supporting energy access in Liberia.

🔥 From off-grid energy and clean cooking to “leaving no one behind” approaches focused on vulnerable communities and health facilities, it has been an incredible journey together with government, private sector, development partners, and communities across the country.

🤝 A big thank you to all partners, colleagues, companies, institutions, and donors, especially Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, and Switzerland, who made this possible.

🚀 The work continues, with the Government of Liberia reaffirming its commitment to advancing sustainable energy access through initiatives such as M300 and the Energy Compact highlighted during friday’s event.

📢 Follow us for more updates, stories, and figures from EnDev Liberia in the coming weeks.

🌾 What will it take to achieve rice self-sufficiency in West Africa?Rice is at the heart of diets across West Africa, ye...
25/05/2026

🌾 What will it take to achieve rice self-sufficiency in West Africa?

Rice is at the heart of diets across West Africa, yet the region still imports a large share from other continents.

What will it take to change that?

🎙️ Join us for the first MOVEIng Towards Rice Self-Sufficiency Webinar, where we will explore the current state of rice self-sufficiency in the region and take a look at what steps should be taken next.

📅 Date: 8 June 2026
🕧 Time: 01:30 WAT
💻 Platform: MS Teams
📌 Be part of shaping the future of rice production and food security.

👉 Register now by scanning the QR code on the flyer or using the registration link: https://www.move-giz.org/event-details/moveing-towards-rice-self-sufficiency

The Market Oriented Value Chains for Jobs and Growth in the ECOWAS Region (MOVE) project commissioned by the Bundesministerium für wirtschaftliche Zusammenarbeit und Entwicklung (BMZ), co-funded by the European Union in Sierra Leone and Gates Foundation, and implemented by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ).

From Gold to Growth: What Happens When the Elephant in the Room Finally Gets a Seat at the Table? At Sierra Leone Mining...
22/05/2026

From Gold to Growth: What Happens When the Elephant in the Room Finally Gets a Seat at the Table?

At Sierra Leone Mining Week, Panel 5 on “Supply Chain Transparency and Responsible Sourcing: What Sierra Leone Must Do” brought together representatives from the government, the private sector and development cooperation, including Max-Emanuel Hatzold (ReGo, GIZ), XavierMiderez (Trafigura), Mohamed Bah (National Minerals Agency), Bunmi Akinremi (Tokam Capital), moderated by Estelle Levin‑Nally (Levin Sources).

The discussion focussed on a simple but powerful question: how can SL and the wider region transform mineral wealth into cleaner, fairer and more future‑proof supply chains? The panel did not shy away from the hard truths. The “elephant in the room” was named clearly: formalising artisanal and small‑scale mining is complex and expensive, yet it must become clearly more rewarding to use transparent, traceable and legal routes for gold, diamonds, minerals and metals.

The ReGo programme, implemented by GIZ, supports responsible and traceable supply chains, stronger environmental and social standards and local economic linkages. In this context, formalisation is supported from 3 angles. 1) Supporting Formalisation through cooperatives: Five cooperatives representing 225 miners have been established, enabling access to licensing, finance, markets and mercury-free mining methods. 2) Combating smuggling: 14 anti‑smuggling committees in Liberia and Sierra Leone are working with communities to reduce smuggling and corruption while raising awareness of the benefits of formalisation. 3) Strenghthening traceability: A new digital traceability tool has been integrated into Sierra Leone’s national mining register, improving transparency, oversight and compliance in mineral exports.

The message is clear: formal and traceable supply chains are becoming the new norm – and those who lead on responsibility will be the ones who benefit most.

The ReGo project is commissioned by the Bundesministerium für wirtschaftliche Zusammenarbeit und Entwicklung (BMZ), was co-financed by the European Union and is implemented by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit GmbH.

Early detection starts in the community The first Mpox cases in Pujehun were spotted not by doctors, not by officials bu...
20/05/2026

Early detection starts in the community

The first Mpox cases in Pujehun were spotted not by doctors, not by officials but by their neighbours. When Jendema’community members see a sign, they act. They recognised Mpox, supported the ones who contracted it, and referred them to the health facility. From “no protocol” to “early detection” in one community. Community‑based surveillance at its best.

Now the community of Jendema is not just affected – it is involved. This milestone was reached through the formation of a community One Health committee which gave structured training in human, animal, and environmental health. Through this training the community learned to identify signs and symptoms of diseases including Mpox and Malaria. They received training on how to engage community members showing signs of illness and support them to seek care without causing fear or stigma.

"In the existence of Mpox, GIZ's training helped me understand details about Mpox, including signs and symptoms and how to prevent one from contracting it. That helped us to inform the entire community about the disease, raising significant awareness on the disease." Kadiatu Alhaji Massaqoi, Chairlady of the Jendema One Health chiefdom Committee.

The set-up of the one health committes is supported by HSSEP III which is jointly implemented by GIZ and the Ministry of Health and Sanitation, funded by the Bundesministerium für wirtschaftliche Zusammenarbeit und Entwicklung (BMZ).

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