On May 17, 2024, Ernest Mbaimba Ndomahina, the Commissioner of the National Commission for Social Action (NaCSA), engaged in discussions with the Irish Embassy to enhance social protection efforts in Sierra Leone. This meeting aimed to forge a partnership that would bolster social protection measures, ensuring they effectively support the population.

### Strategic Partnership and Goals

The primary objective of the meeting was to establish a collaborative relationship between NaCSA and the Irish Embassy, focusing on developing pragmatic approaches to social protection. Both parties agreed to deepen their cooperation to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of social protection programs in Sierra Leone.

### Discussion Highlights

Commissioner Ndomahina and his team of experts outlined a strategic roadmap during their discussions with the Irish Embassy. This roadmap aims to improve the impact of social protection initiatives, moving beyond immediate relief to building sustainable livelihoods for the poor. The commissioner emphasized the importance of interventions that would help the impoverished transition to self-sufficiency, thereby preventing a relapse into poverty.

### Aligning with National and Global Agendas

The discussions highlighted the alignment of these social protection efforts with the broader goals of President Bio’s transformative agenda, which focuses on food security, human capital development, and job creation. These initiatives are part of Sierra Leone’s national development plan, which aims to address ongoing and emerging challenges, with a renewed commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.

### Commitment to Social Protection

Commissioner Ndomahina assured that NaCSA is well-prepared to fulfill its social protection mandate. He stressed the importance of advancing these discussions and learning from other countries' experiences. The collaboration is expected to strengthen efforts to support the most vulnerable Sierra Leoneans, including persons with disabilities, as swiftly as possible.

### Future Prospects

The engagement with the Irish Embassy marks a significant step towards enhancing social protection in Sierra Leone. This partnership is poised to yield actionable strategies that will contribute to the country's development and the well-being of its citizens. By fostering international cooperation, Sierra Leone aims to build a robust social protection system that supports sustainable development and resilience among its population.