Ireland’s relationship with Sierra Leone
People-to-people links
Since the first Irish missionaries arrived in Sierra Leone over 150 years ago, the people-to-people links have been characterised by a warm sense of connection, with our countries relating to similar journeys of independence, conflict and development.
The Sierra Leone Irish Partnership (SLIP) celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2022 and serves as an invaluable forum for bringing people together, including Irish people with connections to Sierra Leone as well as Sierra Leoneans living in Ireland.
The Irish community in Sierra Leone is small but active, with many working in the development sector.
Development partnerships
Ireland has been a long-term, committed and trusted development partner to Sierra Leone, setting up a Development Office in Freetown in 2005 following the end of the country’s eleven-year civil war.
Since then, Ireland has invested over €200 million in development initiatives through bilateral aid managed by the Embassy of Ireland, and through partnerships with Irish and International NGOs.
In particular, Ireland has developed a strong reputation as a champion for gender equality and women’s empowerment and engages the Sierra Leonean government at a high level on these issues.
Ireland, through its Embassy and partners, has played a significant role in transforming the policy and legal environment for women and girls.
This has included support on lifting the ban on pregnant girls’ access to education and measures to increase women’s political representation at local and national level.
Ireland has also played a hugely significant role in improving nutrition, particularly in reducing stunting; in improving teaching practices and the learning environment for almost a million students; and has contributed to the strengthening of governance through electoral reforms and the strengthening of human rights institutions.
Strengthening ties to Ireland for a new generation
The number of Sierra Leoneans studying in Ireland continues to grow thanks to the Ireland Africa Fellowship Programme, which supports Sierra Leoneans to undertake a Master’s programme in Ireland.
Targeting young leaders and those working with partners on areas related to the Sustainable Development Goals, the Fellowship Programme builds national capacity and also strengthens ties to with Ireland for a new generation.
Cultural promotion
Ireland and Sierra Leone enjoy a rich cultural heritage, and Ireland continues to explore opportunities to showcase Irish culture in the vibrant Sierra Leonean cities.
Such opportunities arise through events like St Patrick’s Day or St Brigid’s Day, or through joint initiatives with the EU Delegation, or other Member State, Germany, in Freetown.
Bilateral ties
Ireland first opened an Overseas Development Assistance Office in Sierra Leone in 2005. This was followed by the opening of the Embassy of Ireland to Sierra Leone opened in 2014.