NaCSA Receives Satisfactory Rating for the Implementation of the PSSNYE Project*

*On Friday, April 25, 2025,* the National Commission for Social Action (NaCSA) held a pivotal meeting to conclude the 2025 World Bank Mid-Term Review for the Productive Social Safety Net and Youth Employment (PSSNYE) project. This Mid-Term Review (MTR) serves as a significant checkpoint in evaluating the ongoing progress and overall impact of social protection and youth employment programs in Sierra Leone.

During the MTR, NaCSA, along with various implementing government ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs), delivered comprehensive presentations detailing the project's milestones and achievements. The World Bank subsequently awarded the PSSNYE project a satisfactory rating, a reflection of its effective implementation and transparency in operations. This positive assessment highlights the project's adherence to established standards and its capacity to create meaningful impacts.

Ambassador Ernest Mbaimba Ndomahina, the Commissioner of NaCSA, expressed his gratitude for the advancements achieved in the social protection sector of Sierra Leone. He emphasized the successful conclusion of the Social Safety Net (SSN) program, which provided vital support to vulnerable populations, and the initiation of the PSSNYE project, designed to further enhance social safety nets and promote youth employment. Ambassador Ndomahina underscored how these initiatives align with the transformative national agenda outlined by His Excellency Dr. Julius Maada Bio, showcasing their potential to uplift the socio-economic conditions in the country.

Reaffirming NaCSA's dedication to transparency and efficiency, Ambassador Ndomahina assured stakeholders that the government remains committed to overcoming any challenges that may impede the project's implementation. He expressed his appreciation for the continued support from development partners, particularly the World Bank and UNICEF. He called for ongoing collaboration among all stakeholders to widen the reach of social protection coverage across Sierra Leone.

The MTR also featured key stakeholders, including the Deputy Commissioner of the Anti-Corruption Commission, the Commissioner for the National Youth Commission, and the Statistician General of Statistics Sierra Leone. Representatives from the Ministry of Youth Affairs and the Ministry of Employment, Labor, and Social Security were also present. These stakeholders are committed to ensuring that the development objectives of the PSSNYE project are met and that the benefits reach the intended populations effectively.

Mona Korsgard, the Chief of Evidence, Policy, and Social Protection for UNICEF Sierra Leone, passionately highlighted the critical importance of investing in children and youth, emphasizing that a robust social safety net is essential to protect the most vulnerable members of society. She advocated for the creation of inclusive policies, emphasized the need for transparent implementation processes, and called for sustainable funding mechanisms to ensure the long-term success of social protection efforts.

The World Bank Technical Team Leads, Dr. Abu Kargbo and Samik Adhikari, also provided their insights during the meeting, stressing the necessity of establishing sustainable social protection systems. They advocated for stronger safety nets, enhanced youth employment programs, and initiatives aimed at fostering economic resilience within communities. Furthermore, they highlighted the significance of efficient project implementation, transparency, and collaborative efforts among stakeholders to optimize the positive impact of social protection programs.

In conclusion, the MTR served as a vital platform for sharing successes, identifying challenges, and reaffirming commitments among all stakeholders involved in the PSSNYE project. The satisfactory rating from the World Bank not only recognizes the achievements thus far but also motivates continued effort towards enhancing social safety nets and employment opportunities for the youth of Sierra Leone.

*For further information on this and other matters, please contact:*

*The Information, Education and Communication Unit*

*+23278155556/+23277022709/+23230518539*