More than 50 government officials, project implementation specialists, regulators and civil society representatives in Sierra Leone participated in an African Development Bank Group training designed to strengthen their capacity to manage environmental and social risks in development projects.

The participating officials, who included representatives of project implementation units, government ministries, regulatory bodies, and civil society organisations, gained practical tools to support project preparation, delivery and monitoring, and improve their understanding and application of the Bank's updated Integrated Safeguards System (ISS). The training took place from the 7 to the 11 of September.

The updated Integrated Safeguards System, which became effective on 31 May 2024, helps countries identify and manage environmental and social risks and more effectively apply environmental and social safeguards. The intended outcome is an improvement in the quality, impact and sustainability of development investments, reduced risks, and enhanced stakeholder management.

Andoh Mensah, the Bank's Country Manager for Sierra Leone, underscored the importance of strong safeguards in achieving sustainable development results.

"The African Development Bank remains committed to supporting Sierra Leone to strengthen environmental and social management practices, so that development projects deliver sustainable benefits for communities nationwide," he said.

Participants welcomed the training, saying it would improve coordination among institutions responsible for project oversight and delivery.

Tamba Jumu, Project Coordinator for the Special Agricultural Processing Zone Project in Sierra Leone, said, "This training comes at an important time for our project, and has given us valuable tools that will support implementation and help us approach upcoming activities with greater confidence."