LocationsSierra Leone inaugurates the national component of the GEF-funded Shifting to Zero Waste Against Pollution (SWAP) Initiative.
March 4, 2026
Group photo featuring UNDP Deputy Resident Representative Kevin Petrini, Deputy Mayor Kweku Melvin Lisk Esq., Executive Chairman of EPA‑SL Dr. Abu‑Bakar S. Massaquoi, and development partners.
Freetown – Sierra Leone - 28th February 2026 : UNDP Sierra Leone together with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has launched the national component of the Shifting to Zero Waste Against Pollution (SWAP\, a global project financed by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) to be implemented in five cities: Freetown (Sierra Leone), Kocaeli (Türkiye), Montevideo (Uruguay), Tunis (Tunisia) and Tianjin (China).
The objective of the initiative is to reduce chemical pollution in the value chain and improve resource efficiency by supporting pilot cities in emerging economies and Least Developed Countries towards a zero-waste vision in line with green chemistry, circular economy, and waste hierarchy principles for sustainable production and consumption. Among other things, the initiative shall undertake the following interventions:
Enable conditions and coherent policies to promote integrated planning and programming at city level towards a long-term vision of zero waste and zero pollution.
Explore special and diverse legal, fiscal and financial steering instruments to promote sustainable investment and cost recovery to address the financial challenges for the transition to a zero-waste city.
Enhance sustainable production and consumption by encouraging the private sectors adopting BAT/BEP to eliminate harmful chemicals in products, promoting eco-design, sustainable consumption and services, building ecosystem from upstream to downstream for circularity of materials.
Make information and knowledge accessible for raising awareness to every key stakeholder in the key value chains including producers, retailers, consumers, citizens, and waste workers through a whole-of-society approach.
In Sierra Leone, the project shall be implemented under the leadership of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) over five years (2027 – 2031), with technical support from UNDP, and with grant funding of about USD 4.4 million from the Global Environment Facility.
Bringing together government institutions such as the Environment Protection Agency-Sierra Leone, Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, Freetown City Council, Universities and the private sector, the inception workshop served as a platform where key stakeholders could prioritize, align on priorities, clarify roles and responsibilities, and reinforce partnerships needed to deliver zero-waste impact.
Dr. Abu-Bakar S. Massaquoi, Executive Chairman, EPA-SL
Speaking at the inception workshop, Dr. Abu-Bakar S. Massaquoi, Executive Chairman of the Environmental Protection Agency, Sierra Leone, welcomed the transition and underscored the opportunity ahead: “The initiative arrives at a critical moment. Environmental pressures are increasing, but so too is the opportunity to transform these challenges into pathways for jobs, innovation, and sustainable growth. With stronger coordination and institutional leadership, we can deliver meaningful impact for communities and position environmental management as a driver of national development.”
Mr. Kevin Petrini - Deputy Resident Representative UNDP
UNDP Deputy Resident Representative Kevin Petrini emphasized the strategic importance of integrating the initiative into national and urban planning frameworks: “The SWAP project must be fully integrated into national and city development plans rather than operating in isolation. Strong coordination across ministries, municipalities, academia, and industry will be essential to delivering sustainable impact. This initiative positions Sierra Leone within a global learning network and supports the transition toward innovation-driven, inclusive environmental solutions.”
He noted that the initiative will strengthen policy frameworks, planning systems, financing mechanisms, and the adoption of environmentally sound technologies, while empowering young people to engage in circular economy innovation and entrepreneurship.
Mr. Kweku Melvin Lisk Esq. Deputy Mayor of Freetown
At the city level, the Deputy Mayor of Freetown highlighted the importance of local leadership and community engagement: “Achieving a cleaner, more resilient Freetown requires strong partnerships, institutional commitment and behavioural change. The SWAP initiative supports our transition toward circular solutions that create opportunities for enterprises, workers, and communities.”
Academic stakeholders also reinforced the broader development dimension of the initiative. Professor Bayoh, Deputy Vice Chancellor – Fourah Bay College, described the project as a timely response to interconnected environmental, social, and economic challenges: “Environmental management is not only a technical issue, but also a development and social justice priority. Strengthening systems, investing in innovation, and promoting circular approaches will be essential to improving public health and building a more sustainable future.”
Professor Baio - Deputy Vice Chancellor – Fourah Bay College
With EPA now leading implementation, the initiative is expected to accelerate collaboration across sectors, empower local actors, and position Sierra Leone as a growing example of resilient, inclusive, and forward-looking environmental governance.
ABOUT UNDP Sierra Leone
UNDP is the leading United Nations organization fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Working with partners in more than 170 countries, UNDP helps nations build integrated, lasting solutions for people and planet.
ABOUT EPA-SL
The Environment Protection Agency (EPA) Sierra Leone is the national authority mandated to protect and sustainably manage the country’s natural resources to ensure a healthy environment for all. The Agency regulates industrial operations through Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) compliance, monitors activities affecting the ecosystem, and advises the government on environmental policy.
Media contact:
Tanya Honnah
Communication & Partnership Analyst (UNDP)
+232 78 751 325
tanya.honnah@undp.org