The newly appointed Country Representative of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Mr. Satora Matsuyama, paid a courtesy visit to the leadership of the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) at the Agency’s headquarters in Aberdeen, Freetown.
Welcoming the delegation, the Deputy Director General of the NDMA, Sulaiman Bockarie Sowa, introduced members of the Agency’s senior management team and expressed appreciation for the longstanding partnership and support JICA has provided to the NDMA over the years.
The Director General of the NDMA, John Vandy Rogers, congratulated Mr. Matsuyama on his appointment and provided an overview of the Agency’s ongoing efforts to strengthen disaster risk reduction and mitigation across the country.
DG Rogers highlighted several key interventions undertaken by the Agency, including the annual implementation of the NDMA Flood Mitigation Strategy, which identifies hazards in flood prone communities and facilitates timely mitigation measures to reduce disaster risks.
He also commended JICA for its continued investment in capacity building, noting that several NDMA staff members have benefited from specialized training programmes in Japan.
“JICA has been an invaluable partner in strengthening our institutional capacity. Staff who have benefited from training opportunities in Japan have returned with enhanced knowledge and skills, and today serve as trainers and mentors to their colleagues. We look forward to deepening this collaboration and continuing to learn from Japan’s globally acclaimed expertise in disaster risk management and resilience building,” DG Rogers stated.
In his remarks, Mr. Matsuyama thanked the NDMA for its commitment to effectively managing disasters and safeguarding vulnerable communities across the country. He noted that he had closely followed the Agency’s work and expressed JICA’s readiness to expand cooperation in key areas, particularly institutional capacity development and technical support.
“The work being undertaken by the NDMA is commendable and essential to building national resilience. JICA remains committed to supporting Sierra Leone through training opportunities, technical assistance, and knowledge exchange programmes that will further strengthen the Agency’s ability to deliver on its mandate,” Mr. Matsuyama said.
The JICA Country Representative further pledged to approve additional training opportunities for NDMA personnel this year as part of efforts to enhance the Agency’s operational and technical capacity.
He also disclosed that JICA’s support to the NDMA in 2026 will include the development of a comprehensive hazard profile and digital hazard mapping for Freetown. He further said that the initiative will provide scientific data and evidence based analysis on disaster prone areas and the various hazards communities face, thereby supporting informed planning and targeted mitigation measures.
DG Rogers concluded the meeting by expressing profound appreciation to Mr. Matsuyama, JICA, and the Government and people of Japan for their steadfast support to the NDMA and the people of Sierra Leone. He reaffirmed the Agency’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with JICA in advancing disaster risk reduction and preparedness across the country.
