Freetown, Sierra Leone-April 27, 2025
In a significant step toward fostering national development and strengthening cross-sector collaboration, the West Africa Tourism Peace and Economic Integration Organization (WATPECO), led by its CEO, Dr. Memunatu Pratt convened a high-level dialogue meeting with the National Commission for Social Action (NaCSA) on Tuesday, April 27, 2025. The strategic engagement took place at NaCSA’s Programme Directorate Office on Charlotte Street, Freetown.
The purpose of the meeting was to explore collaborative opportunities aligned with the Government of Sierra Leone’s development agenda, particularly the “Five Big Game Changers” initiative a framework designed to catalyze transformational change across key sectors.
Overview of WATPECO’s Mission
In her opening remarks, Dr. Pratt presented an overview of WATPECO’s vision and operations. As a regional body, WATPECO is committed to promoting peacebuilding, economic integration, and regional cultural exchange through innovative, people-centered development models. She emphasized that WATPECO is not just an advocacy entity but also a technical implementing partner working in alignment with the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development and other key stakeholders.
Key Focus Areas of Collaboration
The meeting focused on synergies between WATPECO’s ongoing programs and NaCSA’s development interventions, particularly in areas that support:
1. Massive Economic Diversification Programs
2. Human Capital Development and Skills Diversification
3. Agro-Tourism and Integrated Agricultural Value Chains
4. Digital Marketing and Market Linkages
5. Financial Inclusion for Women and Youth
Dr. Pratt stressed the importance of introducing innovative models that complement traditional development approaches. She highlighted WATPECO’s work in fostering digital connectivity between farmers, the hospitality sector, and consumers. This model not only enhances visibility for local producers but also creates job opportunities for young people and supports financial inclusion for women farmers, a crucial driver in rural transformation.
NaCSA’s Response and Support
On behalf of NaCSA, Director of Programs Mrs. Regina Saffa and the Cooperatives Program Lead welcomed WATPECO’s proposal with great enthusiasm. They acknowledged the alignment of WATPECO’s initiatives with NaCSA’s mission to empower communities, particularly women and youth, through economic empowerment and livelihood programs.
They further noted that these proposed areas of collaboration could be effectively mainstreamed into NaCSA’s existing and upcoming World Bank-funded projects, which are tailored to improve the socio-economic conditions of vulnerable communities across Sierra Leone
Building Stronger Development Networks
In her concluding statement, Dr. Pratt emphasized that WATPECO has conducted extensive consultations with both national and international development partners. The organization is committed to working closely with government entities and donor agencies to build a robust nexus for integrated development, particularly in agro-tourism, skills training, entrepreneurship, and rural economic revitalization.
She reaffirmed WATPECO’s role as an implementing partner to the Government of Sierra Leone, actively supporting the national strategy to deliver on the five big game changers.
Looking Ahead
The meeting concluded with a mutual agreement to further explore specific areas of collaboration through technical working groups and joint project frameworks. Both institutions expressed optimism about the impact such partnerships could have in accelerating national development, promoting inclusive growth, and driving regional integration through tourism and agro-economy.
