The project aims at strengthening the in-country arrangements of the EIF to increase Sierra Leone's ownership of trade‑related assistance and to maximize the benefits that the country could derive from participation in the EIF.

Results

• The Government of Sierra Leone established the Presidential initiative on post‑Ebola recovery and transition, a 6 to 9‑month delivery initiative focusing on the thematic areas of health, education, social protection and private sector development. The EIF National Implementation Unit (NIU) is providing technical expertise for the private sector development initiative by ensuring that priorities identified in the Diagnostic Trade Integration Study Update (DTISU) are reflected, including access to finance, improving the business climate, and capacity building for small businesses.

• The NIU is working with the Ministry of Trade and Industry in developing the 10 to 24‑month post‑Ebola recovery and transition initiative. 

• The establishment of the private sector development working group and the EIF National Steering Committee for the post‑Ebola recovery have rekindled the coordination of trade‑related resources and delivery.

• The NIU is working with a consortium of NGOs, DFID and the Ministry of Trade to help petty traders to access finance.

• The NIU has established strong collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture Forestry and Food Security to ensure synergies.

• As the post‑Ebola issues are addressed, some development partners have expressed interest in addressing some of the issues that are reflected in the DTISU.