World Bank Consultations

The month of June was a difficult month for me. Still adapting to the extreme heat, while surviving two weeks without electricity at the end of May. June began on a positive note as I was looking forward to a long weekend mid-June to explore Freetown and Lungi. The first two weeks there was electricity and daily running water. Yeah!

The first two weeks were busy preparing for lectures and engaging in futuristic endeavors.  We had visitors from the World Bank to examine and explore how they may help us and Sierra Leone with job creation, especially for the young graduates.  The visit concluded with rich discussions on plans to expand the academic programs by launching a Biomedical Engineering Equipment Technician program and a Biomedical Engineering program with the hopes of receiving accreditation in 2027.

My contribution to the conversation was to encourage foreign companies who make health and medical equipment to establish at least two manufacturing warehouses in Sierra Leone which would require an agreement to hire staff from Sierra Leone. Also to donate old or expired equipment to the university for the programs labs. This partnership would provide job opportunities, provide training opportunities, and most importantly significantly improve the lives of Sierra Leone with regards to health care. It also included discussions with entrepreneurship ideas, waste management, and securing faculty to lecture in the additional programs that will be launched in the upcoming year(s). I have attached a few pictures from the meeting as well as the announcement.

 

The World Bank concludes consultation with UNIMAK Staff

The World Bank Sierra Leone Country Team, led by Country Manager Abdu Muwonge, concludes consultations with University of Makeni (UNIMAK) staff on June 11, 2026,  for the upcoming 2026–2031 Country Partnership Framework (CPF). Held at the UNIMAK Fatima campus, the high-level meeting featured significant contributions from UNIMAK Registrar Foday Augustine Bangura, Director of Academic Affairs Fr. George Gbamanja, and Dean of Commerce and Management Dr. Santigie Kaba, who all offered localized, academic insights on the Country Partnership Framework (CPF), aiming to align the World Bank's upcoming five-year framework specifically on job creation.  In addition, other staff of UNIMAK also made meaningful contributions that focus on job creation across all sectors of development in Sierra Leone. They also discuss UNIMAK's impact on economic growth through the core values of teaching, research, and community engagement.  The WORLD BANK Country Manager, Abdu Muwonge,  praised the UNIMAK staff for their brave inputs on the Country Partnership Framework (CPF).

Hoping that July is a better month.

God Bless,

Nancy