The Government of Sierra Leone has proposed an $18.2 million investment to strengthen the country’s national data systems after a review found that only 30% of existing platforms effectively share information.
The findings were presented on 13 November 2026 during the inaugural Steering Committee meeting of the Power of Data (PoD) Initiative, organised by the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development (MoPED) in Freetown.
The review identified more than 70 data initiatives involving approximately 160 stakeholders, over 20 policy and legal frameworks and 10 development partners. Despite these investments, poor coordination and limited information sharing continue to affect the government’s ability to use reliable data for planning and decision-making.
It also revealed that less than 1% of the national budget is allocated to data and statistics, while legislation intended to strengthen personal data protection remains at the draft stage.
Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Deputy Development Secretary I, Usman Cherry Conteh, called for stronger cooperation among government institutions to address the challenges.
He said reliable information is essential for effective policymaking, public service delivery and achieving the country’s development priorities under the Medium-Term National Development Plan 2024–2030.
Conteh emphasised the need to connect existing government data platforms rather than introduce new systems that could duplicate ongoing efforts.
The proposed Country Implementation Framework for 2026–2030 outlines five priority areas, including institutional coordination, digital infrastructure, data quality, information access and capacity development.
Power of Data Consultant Bailah Molleh said the framework aims to increase information sharing between priority government systems from 30% to 60% while providing data-related training to 750 public servants.
An indicative budget of US$18.2 million has been proposed to support implementation, although the amount remains subject to further costing and validation.
UNFPA Deputy Representative Sibeso Mululuma reaffirmed the United Nations’ support for strengthening Sierra Leone’s data governance systems.
She urged the government to build on existing institutions and investments instead of creating additional structures that could increase costs and administrative responsibilities.
Mululuma also stressed the importance of protecting personal information while improving access to data from the 2026 Population and Housing Census and other national surveys.
During discussions, representatives from several government institutions raised concerns about overlapping responsibilities, limited technical expertise and repeated requests for information from different agencies.
Philip F. Kargbo of the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone called for stronger statistical capacity and better use of existing digital platforms.
Joseph Denis Koroma of the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs recommended common standards for defining and sharing information across government institutions.
Officials from the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, the Bank of Sierra Leone and MoPED also emphasised the importance of integrating existing systems and ensuring that data-sharing arrangements comply with national laws.
The proposed framework includes a National Data Steering Committee, a technical committee, a joint secretariat and designated data officers across government ministries, departments and agencies.
MoPED officials said the initiative is intended to address gaps in data production, management and accessibility while improving coordination among institutions.
Closing the meeting, Conteh urged stakeholders to focus on practical results, stressing that reliable information must translate into better government decisions and meaningful development outcomes for Sierra Leone.
