The National Civil Registration Authority (NCRA) began a two-day internal review of its 2019–2024 Strategic Plan on Wednesday, 2nd April 2025 at the Sierra Palms Resort, marking a significant milestone in Sierra Leone’s progress in CRVS and Identity Management. This initiative supported by the World Bank/Global Financing Facility (GFF) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), is an introspective exercise that is a launching pad for an ambitious future for the institution. Followed by the internal assessment would be a three-day National Stakeholders Workshop which will take place from April 8–10 at the Bank Complex in King Tom, Freetown. The internal exercise lays the groundwork for the NCRA’s upcoming chapter, titled Vision 2030 Strategic Plan (2025–2030). The goal is to enhance the institution in its mission of creating a strong Civil Registration and Identity Management Systems, as the review delves deeply into the NCRA’s accomplishments and challenges over the previous five years.
Two seasoned consultants are leading this crucial process: Mr. Ibrahim Sahr Kamara, who is a local consultant with extensive experience, and Ms. Anette Forsingdal, the global consultant on Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS) systems. Forsingdal, who previously contributed her expertise in 2021 to create procedures for Statelessness and Migrant Registration, teams up with Mr. Kamara to guarantee a comprehensive assessment and a progressive Vision 2030 plan.
Their partnership intends to bring Sierra Leone’s Civil Registration System in line with international standards as well as national goals.
Ms. Violet Kinuthia, Technical Specialist and Manager of the Centre of Excellence for CRVS Systems at UNFPA’s New York headquarters, also contributes a worldwide viewpoint. Kinuthia contributes her experience to this endeavour, highlighting Sierra Leone’s position as one of nine African countries chosen to support the UN’s Legal Identity Agenda. She visited the country in 2020 as part of a UNECA trip. Her attendance demonstrates how committed the international community is to helping Sierra Leone strengthen its CRVS system, which is essential to sustainable development.
NCRA Director General Mohamed Mubashir MASSAQUOI, who is leading this revolutionary process, and his optimism is evident, in order to guarantee that every Sierra Leonean is included in an inclusive, top-tier system, in his statement said, “This assessment is a vital step towards operational excellence.” MASSAQUOI also highlighted the Government of Sierra Leone’s steadfast support, emphasising the President’s “undiluted political will” as a key component of the NCRA’s mandate. The results of this assessment and the next stakeholders’ workshop will solidify the Vision 2030, a five-year plan that aims to improve Sierra Leone’s Civil Registration System to unprecedented levels by the end of the decade.
At this juncture, the NCRA is not only looking back at its history but also courageously paving the way for a future in which every citizen is empowered by identity and registration.
