Freetown, SIERRA LEONE – On Friday, August 30, 2023, Emmanuel Saffa Abdulai, Ph.D., Director-General of the National Sports Authority (NSA), highlighted that the FY 2025 budget prioritizes job creation, aligning with one of the Government’s Big Five Game-Changers. Abdulai made this statement during a budget presentation by the Ministry of Sports (MOS) and the NSA to Finance Ministry officials.
Abdulai emphasized that the 2025 budget aims to boost local sports initiatives, which are expected to drive job creation, enhance national unity, and support infrastructural development. He noted that the sports sector has the potential to generate over 3,000 jobs within eight months, citing the recent Sierra Leone Male and Female Premier Leagues as a prime example of this impact.
In addition to job creation, Abdulai outlined plans for constructing new sports facilities and rehabilitating existing ones across the country. The NSA’s budget proposal for 2025 seeks over Three Hundred and Twenty-Four Million New Leones, significantly surpassing the previous ceiling of NLe 121,894,700, to support and develop sports activities.
Mustapha Haroine Korgie, Director of Sports, presented on behalf of the Ministry of Sports, revealing that they have drafted six new policies addressing various emerging sports issues, including gender equality, ranking, and funding. He clarified that the NSA, as the technical arm of the Ministry, is responsible for implementing all sports-related activities, and highlighted the positive, collaborative relationship between the two institutions.
During the meeting, Finance Ministry officials, media representatives, and non-state actors praised the detailed PowerPoint presentations, which included visual evidence of Sierra Leonean athletes’ international achievements.
Prior to the presentations, Sports Minister Madam Augusta James-Teima emphasized the need for a substantial budget for sports, citing its potential to create significant employment opportunities for youth. She urged the Finance Ministry to recognize the extensive requirements of sports activities and provide appropriate support. BT/2/9/2024
