Sierra Leone Local Research Fellowship Event Cover Image. Photo by IGC
National launch of the Herbert P. M’cleod local researchers programme
Sierra Leone is working to deepen its local research capacity and strengthen links between research institutions and policymakers. This IGC-led event brought together economists and social scientists from five leading universities, where the institutions signed an MoU to formalise their collaboration to building a more coordinated national research ecosystem. Senior government officials also participated, reinforcing the country’s push for evidence-based decision making in macroeconomic management, fiscal policy, and sustainable development.
Universities included in the MoU
- University of Sierra Leone
- Central University
- Njala University
- University of Makeni
- University of Management and Technology
About the event
The launch marked an important national step in advancing research–policy collaboration in Sierra Leone. It featured keynote remarks from the Governor of the Bank of Sierra Leone, followed by the official unveiling of the Herbert P. M’cleod Local Researchers Programme and the signing of Memorandum of Understanding between the IGC and five partner universities. The agenda included an interactive policy dialogue and a televised panel discussion highlighting the value of home-grown evidence for national development.
High-ranking and notable attendees included Dr Ibrahim L. Stevens, Governor of the Bank of Sierra Leone; Prof Aiah Lebbie, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Sierra Leone; and Prof Bob Karankay Conteh, Vice-Chancellor of Central University. Senior representatives from additional academic institutions, government agencies, and development organisations were also present.
Prof. Bob Karankay Conteh said the event was:
“A reflection of our commitment to nurturing local talent, promoting research excellence and supporting national development.... (as well as) ensuring that local research contributes meaningfully to policymaking and societal advancement.”
Sierra Leone Local Research Fellowship Programme. Photo by IGC
Delivering the launch, Governor Stevens—an IGC alumnus and former Country Director—reflected on his connection to M’cleod, noting:
“Herbert took over the role I once held, managing a £50 million research and policy budget across Africa and South Asia. Today is not just a day of celebration, but a day of commitment. We must ensure that ideas inspire change and evidence drives transformation.”
The launch of the Herbert P. M’cleod Local Researchers Programme. Photo by IGC
The event attracted significant national media attention, including articles in Awoko Newspaper and coverage by Liberty Online TV. A televised discussion with the Bank Governor, the IGC Country Director, and university representatives was broadcast nationwide. Central University’s media team also shared highlights through their campus television and radio platforms.
The event was chaired by Dr Mohamed Ibrahim Justice Ganawah, Country Economist at IGC Sierra Leone, and concluded with a networking session and campus tour. The programme represents a flagship national partnership aimed at institutionalising local research and strengthening evidence-informed policymaking across Sierra Leone.
Learn more about the programme and the 2025 IGC Sierra Leone fellowship call