On August 24, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) approved a contribution of over $16 million to Sierra Leone to support democratic initiatives such as working towards decentralization of government. This funding will also support agriculture, youth’s employment, vitamin A distribution, polio vaccinations and diamond industry reform. 

At the signing ceremony, this grant was characterized as a symbol of the U.S. government’s willingness to work with the Sierra Leone government and of the U.S.’ “continued commitment to the development and prospering of Sierra Leone and its people.” (Cited in: Sierra Leone: US Approves $16 Million Grant With S. Leone Gov’t, Concord Times (Freetown), September 1, 2006).

Compiled from: Sierra Leone: US Approves $16 Million Grant With S. Leone Gov’t, Concord Times (Freetown), September 1, 2006.