India Pledges Nearly $1 Million to Support People with Disabilities in Sierra Leone

April 10, 2025

India has committed $990,000 in aid to Sierra Leone for a new project aimed at empowering people with disabilities. The initiative, titled Enabling Economic Independence for Specially Abled Persons, is designed to create sustainable livelihoods and promote economic self-reliance among individuals with disabilities in rural communities.

The support comes through the India-UN Development Partnership Fund, with the United Nations Development Programme working alongside India to implement the project.

Key features of the project include the renovation of dedicated centers, the development of specialized training programs, the use of technology to improve mobility and access to essential services, and the introduction of a loan scheme to help beneficiaries purchase tools and equipment.

This initiative reflects the strong relationship between India and Sierra Leone, which also includes educational collaborations. Over 450 Sierra Leoneans have participated in online learning programs through India’s tele-education and telemedicine platforms, and the country remains a key beneficiary of Indian training and scholarship programs.

Since its launch in 2017, the India-UN Development Partnership Fund has supported 86 projects in 65 countries, with India committing a total of $150 million to advance sustainable development goals globally.