Freetown, Sierra Leone-2022: Sierra Leone has achieved a high overall score of 87.5 in implementing the 2019 EITI Standard. The overall score reflects an average of the three component scores on “Stakeholder engagement”, “Transparency”, and Outcomes and Impact. The announcement was made by the EITI Board Chair- Hon. Helen Clerk at the 54th Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative Board meeting in Oslo, Norway.

According to the report, Sierra Leone scores 94 on Outcomes and impact; 90 on Stakeholder engagement; and 78 on Transparency. The report also holds that Sierra Leone has exceeded three EITI Requirements-fully met 16, mostly met six and partly met one requirement. Six EITI Requirements are not applicable. Sierra Leone was also awarded two additional points on the Effectiveness and sustainability indicators.

In a letter addressed to H.E. President Maada Bio, the EITI Board Chair, Hon. Helen Clark said the result “reflects the high-level commitment and dedication of the government of Sierra Leone, key office holders, staff and multi-stake holder group members to harness the EITI as a platform to advance reforms, inform public debate and improve access to information on the mining and oil and gas sectors”. Hon. Clark also singled out Mrs. Francess Piagie Alghali, Minister of States- Office of the Vice President and Chair, SLEITI MSG for effectively overseeing the SLEITI process. 

The Validation report highlights significant progress in the SLEITI process. Notably, the SLEITI work plan sets out priorities and establishes a clear framework for monitoring outcomes; contributing to ongoing national peace building efforts through promoting subnational disclosures at the local level; Stakeholder engagement has improved since the previous Validation and the Government has taken effective leadership and involved new government agencies in the SLEITI implementation; Civil society has revitalized its engagement in the EITI and diversified its representation on the MSG; industry engagement has been  strengthened; the MSG has considered gender equality in its composition and activities; and he multi-stakeholder group serves as a forum for dialogue and effectively steers the SLEITI process.

The EITI Board has determined that Sierra Leone will have until 1^st January 2025 to carry out its next Validation and to carry out corrective actions.

This is the second time in a row Sierra Leone has been recognized by the EITI Board for implementing the broader objectives of the EITI Standard. In 2018, Sierra Leone achieved “Meaningful Progress overall” in implementing the 2016 EITI standard.

The SLEITI Multi-stakeholder group at its recent MSG meeting held on 8^th November 2022 has welcomed the decision of the EITI Board on Sierra Leone’s Validation and commended the government of Sierra Leone and its development partners for the continued funding support for implementing work plan activities in accordance with the 2019 EITI Standard and national Priorities. The MSG has resolved to address the corrective actions proffered by the EITI Board in order to sustain EITI implementation in Sierra Leone.