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The National Fund for Public Interest Media (NaFPIM) was officially launched in Freetown on Thursday, March 20, 2025, marking a significant step towards bolstering independent journalism in Sierra Leone.
Ahmed Sahid Nasralla, President of the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) and Chairman of NaFPIM’s Multi-Stakeholders Board, addressed attendees, expressing gratitude to development partners including the International Fund for Public Interest Media (IFPIM), BBC Media Action, and the Government of Sierra Leone.
Nasralla highlighted the fund’s origins, tracing its roots to the repeal of the Criminal Libel law and the subsequent media viability conference, which culminated in the National Action Plan (NAP) for media development.
“The establishment of The National Fund for Public Interest Media (NaFPIM) is not a product of chance but the result of deliberate and sustained advocacy. It is one of the key recommendations of the National Action Plan,” Nasralla said.
He further explained that NaFPIM will support media houses and journalists’ networks by providing grants for investigative journalism, in-depth reporting, and high-quality public interest content. He also called on the Government of Sierra Leone to honor its commitment of USD 50,000 to the fund.
“Public interest journalism is not just a media issue it is a national issue,” he said. “A well-informed public strengthens democracy, fosters development, and promotes social justice.”
Nasralla concluded by urging media practitioners to make the most of this opportunity. “This fund is for you, the media. It is a tool to help you do your work better, to raise the bar, and to contribute to the nation’s development,” he said.
The launch of NaFPIM sets the stage for a new chapter in supporting Sierra Leone’s media sector, ensuring that journalists have the resources they need to serve the public and uphold democratic values.
