OPEC Fund backs major program to boost food security and rural livelihoods in Sierra Leone

November 25, 2025: The OPEC Fund for International Development (the OPEC Fund) is providing a US$30 million loan and a US$2 million grant to support Sierra Leone’s new Livestock and Livelihoods Development Program (LLDP). The program aims to improve food security, strengthen rural livelihoods and expand climate-resilient agriculture across eight national districts, benefiting more than 370,000 people.

Co-financed with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) and the Government of Sierra Leone, the US$107.5 million program will also deliver clean cooking solutions to reduce deforestation and health risks.

OPEC Fund President Abdulhamid Alkhalifa said: 

“The OPEC Fund is pleased to strengthen its long-standing partnership with Sierra Leone through this comprehensive program that promotes climate-resilient growth. By investing in livestock systems, rural enterprises and clean cooking solutions, we are helping create jobs, empower women and youth, while supporting the country’s long-term development priorities.”

LLDP will support 62,250 rural households, including women, youth and vulnerable groups. Activities of the initiative include enhancing livestock production, animal health and vaccination services, market infrastructure and providing training for micro and small livestock enterprises. A dedicated clean cooking component will be implemented in collaboration with the World Food Programme (WFP) and Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL) to distribute over 24,000 fuel-efficient stoves and 1,000 biogas units, reducing pressure on forest resources and improving household health.

The OPEC Fund’s support aligns with Sierra Leone’s Medium-Term National Development Plan (2024–2030) and advances global goals on poverty reduction, food security, gender equality and climate action. Sierra Leone is a long-standing OPEC Fund partner, with cooperation dating back to 1976. To date, the OPEC Fund has approved more than US$200 million in development financing for the country across agriculture, transport, water, energy and social sectors.

About the OPEC Fund

The OPEC Fund for International Development (the OPEC Fund) is the only globally mandated development institution that provides financing from member countries to non-member countries exclusively. The organization works in cooperation with developing country partners and the international development community to stimulate economic growth and social progress in low- and middle-income countries around the world. The OPEC Fund was established in 1976 with a distinct purpose: to drive development, strengthen communities and empower people. Our work is people-centered, focusing on financing projects that meet essential needs, such as food, energy, infrastructure, employment (particularly relating to MSMEs), clean water and sanitation, healthcare and education. To date, the OPEC Fund has committed more than US$30 billion to development projects in over 125 countries with an estimated total project cost of more than US$200 billion. The OPEC Fund is rated AA+/Outlook Stable by Fitch and AA+, Outlook Stable by S&P. Our vision is a world where sustainable development is a reality for all.