Freetown, Sierra Leone – 13 February 2026 — Sierra Leone has successfully concluded a 10‑day capacity-building mission aimed at strengthening national institutions’ ability to mobilize climate finance and develop a Climate Resilient Water Investment Programme (CRWIP). The series of workshops, held from 4–13 February 2026, was organized by the Global Water Partnership Southern Africa (GWPSA) in collaboration with the National Designated Authority (NDA) and the Ministry of Water and Sanitation.
The mission began on 4 February with high-level courtesy meetings to discuss institutional arrangements for the implementation of climate-resilient water projects in the country.
This was followed by the Inception Workshop for the Sierra Leone Water Investment Programme, held from 5–6 February 2026.
Developing Sierra Leone’s Water Investment Programme
During the inception workshop, stakeholders reviewed the African Union Guidelines for CRWIP and initiated the development of a national roadmap for water investments. Participants conducted a comprehensive situation analysis, mapped relevant stakeholders, and identified a list of potential project ideas aimed at addressing water security challenges and building climate resilience.
Three priority project ideas were selected for further development into GCF concept notes.
Intensive Training on Climate Finance and GCF Programming
From 9–13 February, more than 60 participants representing government ministries, agencies, academia, civil society, and the private sector took part in a structured training on climate finance, GCF processes, environmental and social safeguards (ESS), gender equality and social inclusion (GESI), and project preparation.
The training strengthened the capacity of Sierra Leone’s NDA, Focal Points, and Technical Working Group to:
- Understand GCF frameworks, modalities, and investment criteria
- Conduct readiness needs assessments
- Build robust climate rationales for water-related project proposals
- Integrate risk management, ESS, and GESI considerations into project design
- Develop financial structures and models for climate-resilient investments
- Prepare competitive project concept notes for GCF funding
Participants also engaged in hands-on exercises using real project ideas, conducted group analyses, and utilized tools such as the World Bank Climate Portal to develop data-driven climate rationales.
Key Outcomes
By the end of the workshops:
- Stakeholders reached a common understanding of GCF programming processes.
- A draft roadmap for Sierra Leone’s Water Investment Programme was initiated.
- A Readiness Needs Assessment was conducted for national climate finance institutions.
- One priority project concept was refined, ready for advanced development into a GCF Concept Note.
- Participants received certificates recognizing their enhanced capacity in climate finance and GCF project development.
Commitment to Accelerating Water Investment in Sierra Leone
The workshops are part of the African Union’s Continental Africa Water Investment Programme (AIP), which aims to close Africa’s water investment gap by 2030. Sierra Leone is one of 15 countries receiving support through the AIP Multi-Country GCF Readiness Project, funded by the Green Climate Fund.
Officials from the NDA and Ministry of Water commended the initiative, reaffirming the government’s commitment to strengthening water security and climate resilience for communities across Sierra Leone.
Next Steps
The Technical Working Group will continue refining Sierra Leone’s national Water Investment Programme and advance the selected project concept note toward GCF submission. Follow-up technical missions and additional training sessions are expected later in 2026.