Sierra Leone launches US$4.66M waste project
The five-year initiative funded by the Global Environment Facility aims to reduce pollution in Freetown.
A US$4.66 million project funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) was launched on 2 November 2026 to transform Freetown’s waste management system.
The initiative, which includes the Environment Protection Agency Sierra Leone and the Freetown City Council, aims to minimise pollution over five years. Dr Abu-Bakarr Massaquoi, Executive Chairman of the Environment Protection Agency, stated that waste should be viewed as a valuable resource.
Freetown is the only city from a least developed country among five participating cities globally in this project, which aligns with the government's Sustainable Waste Management Act and aims to advance Sierra Leone’s circular economy.
Why it mattersThe project aims to improve Freetown's waste management system and minimise pollution, directly affecting residents.