ECOWAS HCD Secretariat Assesses Sierra Leone’s Readiness for Pilot Phase of UWAHP Project.

By Raymond Enoch.

In a significant step towards unlocking the human potential of West Africa, the ECOWAS Human Capital Development (HCD) Secretariat engaged with the Government of Sierra Leone in a series of consultations which lasted from 7th to 11th, March , 2025.

The visit and the consultations , led by Program Coordinator Mr. Ruben Johnson, aimed at assessing the country’s readiness for participation in the pilot phase of the ECOWAS HCD Catalytic Fund, also known as the Unlocking West African Human Potential (UWAHP) project.

This engagement follows a similar mission conducted in Togo, where the Secretariat assessed the country’s progress and readiness for the fund.

During their stay in Sierra Leone, the delegation held crucial discussions with top government officials, including the Chief Minister in the Office of the President, the Minister for Planning and Economic Development, and the Deputy Minister of Technical and Higher Education. These discussions were integral to understanding how Sierra Leone could potentially benefit from and contribute to the UWAHP project.

The ECOWAS HCD Catalytic Fund aims to strengthen human capital development across the region, providing financial support for educational, vocational, and health-related initiatives. Through such projects, ECOWAS hopes to bridge gaps in human capital and stimulate sustainable growth in the member states.

As part of the consultation, the delegation also met with identified fund managers, further laying the groundwork for the launch of the catalytic fund. This collaborative approach marks an important milestone in the drive to empower West Africa’s future leaders and professionals, ensuring the region’s human capital can meet the challenges of an increasingly interconnected world.

With the outcomes of these consultations expected to influence future funding decisions, Sierra Leone is on the brink of becoming a key player in the ECOWAS vision for a prosperous, human-centered West Africa.