By Hassan Osman Kargbo
The Media Reform Coordinating Group (MRCG), in partnership with various organizations, has officially launched the National Fund for Public Interest Media (NaFPIM), a transformative initiative aimed at bolstering independent journalism in Sierra Leone. The launch event took place on Thursday, March 20, 2025, at the New Brookfields Hotel in Freetown and was attended by numerous stakeholders, including government officials, journalists, and international partners.
NaFPIM is a competitive grant fund designed to support media organizations that focus on public interest journalism, free from political and commercial influences. The initiative is part of a broader strategy outlined in the National Action Plan for Media Viability, developed in 2022 with input from key media stakeholders. The fund seeks to ensure that Sierra Leoneans have access to reliable and unbiased information, which is crucial for fostering civic engagement and strengthening democratic governance.
In his opening remarks, Dr. Francis Sowa, the National Coordinator of MRCG, reflected on the journey that led to the creation of NaFPIM. He noted the significant role that the National Media Identity and Investment Conference played in identifying key reforms needed for media sustainability, including the urgent need for sustainable financing for media organizations. Dr. Sowa likened the launch to the “birth” of a long-awaited solution to the financial struggles of Sierra Leone’s media industry, emphasizing that while some doubted the fund’s feasibility, the collaborative efforts of partners such as BBC Media Action and the International Fund for Public Interest Media (IFPIM) had made the initiative a reality.
The keynote address was delivered by Saraphine Wakanda, the UN Resident Coordinator in Sierra Leone, who underscored the importance of independent journalism in the context of democracy and good governance. She pointed out the increasing threats faced by journalists globally, citing that in 2024, 68 journalists were killed, many of them in conflict zones. Wakanda called on all sectors of society, including the government, civil society, and the private sector, to unite in support of NaFPIM, which she described as essential for the success of public interest journalism.
Echoing these sentiments, Deputy Minister of Information and Civic Education, Bockarie Abdel-Aziz Bayoh, emphasized the government’s commitment to media development. He revealed that the Sierra Leone government had pledged $50,000 to kickstart the fund, highlighting the importance of media independence in safeguarding democracy. Bayoh noted that impoverished journalists posed a threat to media integrity and warned journalists to avoid political bias in their reporting. He encouraged media houses to focus on the public interest and to uphold the values of fairness and impartiality.
Makmid Kamara, Regional Director for Africa and the Middle East at the International Fund for Public Interest Media (IFPIM), also spoke at the event. Kamara praised the launch of NaFPIM, emphasizing that flexible funding is crucial to the survival of public interest media. He explained that IFPIM has provided grants in over 40 countries, and through this support, media organizations can build resilience and maintain their independence, especially in the face of declining advertising revenue and growing corporate influence. Kamara encouraged the Sierra Leonean government to continue investing in media sustainability.
Ahmed Sahid Nasralla, President of the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ), expressed his pride in the establishment of NaFPIM, calling it a historic milestone for independent journalism in Sierra Leone. Nasralla reminded the gathering that the launch of the fund followed years of advocacy, including the repeal of the Criminal Libel Law in 2020, and that it represented a significant turning point for the media landscape in the country. He called on both the government and the private sector to ensure the fund’s long-term sustainability and urged journalists to produce high-quality investigative journalism.
Edward Benjamin Kargbo, the BBC Media Action Country Director, shared his experiences from working with community radio and underscored the significant financial challenges that media houses in Sierra Leone face. He expressed hope that NaFPIM would be a much-needed solution to the financial instability that has long plagued the media sector.
Joseph Egbenda Kapuwa Esq., Chairman of the Independent Media Commission (IMC), also lauded the fund’s establishment, noting that NaFPIM would help media organizations break free from the financial pressures that often compromise journalistic independence. He encouraged media houses to apply for grants, highlighting that financial independence is critical for maintaining a free and fair press.
The launch of NaFPIM marks a critical step in strengthening the media sector in Sierra Leone, enabling media houses to produce content that serves the public good. The fund is open for applications, allowing media institutions to apply for grants to support their journalism projects. For more information, applicants can visit www.mrcgonline.org and follow the application instructions.
With the backing of national and international partners, NaFPIM is poised to play a vital role in the future of journalism in Sierra Leone, ensuring that public interest journalism thrives and contributes to a more informed and engaged citizenry.
