India Supports Sierra Leone’s USD 990,000 Aid Through UN Partnership

India announced a financial grant of USD 990,000 to Sierra Leone for a project aimed at empowering persons with disabilities. The initiative, titled “Enabling Economic Independence for Specially Abled Persons in Sierra Leone”, is supported under the India-UN Development Partnership Fund and executed in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The project aligns with Sierra Leone’s national priorities and underscores India’s commitment to inclusive development, sustainability, and South-South cooperation.

Key Highlights of the Project

• Total Indian Grant: USD 990,000
• Project Name: Enabling Economic Independence for Specially Abled Persons in Sierra Leone
• Partner Organization: United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
• Objective: Promote economic independence and sustainable livelihoods for differently abled individuals in rural Sierra Leone.

Major Components of the Project

• Refurbishment of dedicated training centers for persons with disabilities.
• Development of training curriculum in priority skill sectors.
• Technology adoption to enhance mobility and access to social services.
• Establishment of loan schemes for purchasing tools and work materials.
• Formation of work cooperatives in rural areas for livelihood support.

India–Sierra Leone Developmental Ties

• India and Sierra Leone enjoy warm and cordial relations.

Developmental cooperation of USD 250 million through,

• Lines of Credit.
• ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development.
• Pan-African e-Network (e-VBAB): Over 450 Sierra Leonean students have received online education from Indian universities.

Sierra Leone benefits from,

• ITEC Programme (Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation).
• ICCR Scholarships in Indian institutes.

About the India-UN Development Partnership Fund

• Established: June 2017 by the Government of India.
• Total Commitment: USD 150 million.
• Projects Supported: 86 projects across 65 countries.

Core Principles

• South-South Cooperation.
• National ownership and leadership.
• Local capacity development.
• Equality and sustainability.
• Mutual benefit.

Summary/Static	Details
Why in the news?	India Supports Sierra Leone’s USD 990,000 Aid Through UN Partnership
Country Benefiting	Sierra Leone
Fund Provided by	India USD 990,000
Project Title	Enabling Economic Independence for Specially Abled Persons
Implementation Partner	United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
Project Objectives	Training, employment, tech access, tool loans, center refurbishment
Broader Impact	Economic empowerment of rural disabled population
India-Sierra Leone Cooperation	USD 250M (Lines of Credit + ECOWAS); e-VBAB, ITEC, ICCR
India-UN Fund Total Contribution	USD 150 million
Total Projects via the Fund	86 projects in 65 countries
Fund Principles	South-South cooperation, sustainability, mutual benefit