Africa-Press – Sierra-Leone. In a landmark step towards advancing independent journalism, the National Fund for Public Interest Media (NaFPIM) has officially awarded grants to 14 media outlets across Sierra Leone. The announcement was made on Thursday, August 28, 2025, at a well-attended ceremony held at the New Brookfields Hotel in Freetown.
NaFPIM, managed by the Media Reform Coordinating Group (MRCG) with support from the International Fund for Public Interest Media (IFPIM), the UK in Sierra Leone and BBC Media Action, was established to provide sustainable financial support for public interest journalism. The initiative stems from the 2022 Media Viability and Investment Conference and forms part of the National Action Plan (NAP) for Media Development.
Delivering his keynote address, Dr. Francis Sowa, Programs Manager for NaFPIM, traced the journey of the Fund, describing it as the realization of a three-year vision. He noted that the grants represent the sixth out of seven major recommendations made during the 2022 conference. “Today marks the fruition of years of planning, collaboration and commitment,” Dr. Francis Sowa said, stressing that the initiative aims to strengthen accountability and sustainability within Sierra Leone’s media landscape.
Chairman of the Independent Media Commission (IMC), Joseph Egbenda Kapuwa, highlighted the vital role of a free and independent press in promoting transparency and accountability. He urged beneficiaries to use the grants responsibly and uphold the highest professional standards.
Representing the Government of Sierra Leone, the Director of Government Information Services at the Ministry of Information and Civic Education, Emmanuel Turay, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to the initiative. He emphasized that Government support, both financially and politically, remains crucial for sustaining independent journalism.
Senior Programmes Officer at BBC Media Action, Ms. Diana Njeru, praised the collaboration and pledged continued support for building resilient, trusted and people-centred media outlets across the country.
A total of US$60,000 was disbursed during the ceremony, with grant amounts ranging between US$2,500 and US$7,000. Beneficiaries span across Sierra Leone’s regions, including Kono, Moyamba, Falaba, Tonkolili, Port Loko, Bo, Pujehun, Makeni and Freetown.
List of Beneficiaries and Amounts Awarded
Liberty Online TV – US$7,000 (Freetown)
AYV TV – US$6,000 (Freetown)
Hope FM – US$4,000 (Makeni)
Radio Bankasoka – US$4,000 (Port Loko)
Hands of Hope FM – US$3,500 (Freetown)
Radio Gbaft – US$4,000 (Mile 91)
Radio Shalom – US$4,000 (Falaba)
Kakua Newspaper – US$3,000 (Bo)
Nature Newspaper – US$3,500 (Freetown)
Radio Wanjei – US$4,000 (Pujehun)
Voice of Kono – US$4,000 (Kono)
Calabash Newspaper – US$2,500 (Freetown)
Classic Radio – US$4,000 (Bo)
Heart FM – US$4,000 (Moyamba)
Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) President, Alhaji Manika Kamara, congratulated the grantees and commended the NaFPIM Board and Technical Working Group for their diligent efforts. He urged beneficiaries to implement their projects with professionalism and integrity, noting that successful outcomes would help attract additional international support.
Former SLAJ President and current NaFPIM Board Chairman, Ahmed Sahid Nasralla, described the awarding of the grants as “historic.” He traced the journey back to the repeal of the 55-year-old criminal and seditious libel law, which paved the way for meaningful media reforms. “NaFPIM is no longer just an idea on paper. It is alive, it is kicking and it is here to serve as an independent and alternative source of revenue for the media,” Ahmed Sahid Nasralla declared.
He reminded Government of its commitment to provide counterpart funding for the initiative, stressing that the Fund’s sustainability will require collective responsibility and long-term support.
The event concluded with an orientation session, where grantees exchanged ideas and explored collaboration opportunities. Beneficiaries expressed plans to upgrade digital platforms, launch mobile applications, expand community reporting and promote civic engagement and media literacy.
With this development, Sierra Leone takes another step toward nurturing a free, vibrant, and independent media sector that serves the public interest, strengthens democracy, and promotes accountability.
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