Sierra Leone

Freetown, Sierra Leone --- The Executive Secretary of the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF), Richard Weingarten, visited Sierra Leone from 15th to 17th January 2007. During his stay, Mr. Weingarten and his team met with members of the Government, the UN Executive Representative of the Secretary General, Victor Angelo, the Microfinance Investment and Technical Assistance Facility (MITAF), Microfinance Institutions and the Bank of Sierra Leone.

The purpose of this visit was to review the implementation and effectiveness of the Microfinance National Programme in developing a sustainable pro-poor financial sector in Sierra Leone, and discuss the upcoming National Microfinance Forum. The mission also aimed to explore the possible interface between inclusive finance and local development initiatives with the Local Councils to enhance district economic recovery programmes.