Sierra Leone seeks stronger coordination of national data systems
A national review found more than 70 data initiatives in Sierra Leone, yet only about 30% of national data systems exchange information effectively.
The Ministry of Planning and Economic Development (MoPED) is seeking stronger coordination among government institutions to improve Sierra Leone's national data systems, after concerns over fragmented platforms, limited information sharing and weak investment in data management. The issue was discussed on November 13, 2026, at the inaugural Steering Committee meeting of the Power of Data (PoD) Initiative in the MoPED Conference Hall in Freetown.
A national review presented at the meeting identified more than 70 data initiatives, about 160 stakeholders, over 20 policy and legal frameworks and 10 development partners. Less than 1% of the national budget went to data and statistics, and the country's data protection legislation remains at draft stage. Deputy Development Secretary I, Usman Cherry Conteh, urged government agencies to work together to prevent duplication and produce practical results.
The Minister's statement, read by Conteh, called for existing data platforms to be connected rather than replaced, and recommended an implementation plan with clear responsibilities, timelines, budget allocations and monitoring arrangements. UNFPA Deputy Representative Sibeso Mululuma encouraged the government to increase domestic financing, and Power of Data consultant Bailah Molleh outlined five priority areas under the proposed 2026–2030 Country Implementation Framework.
Why it mattersGovernment agencies must connect existing data platforms and set budgets and timelines, while less than 1% of the national budget currently goes to data and statistics.