ILEM Consultancy

At the Climate Resilience and Energy Transition Dialogue (CRET 2025)
mobilizing investment for Climate action, food security, clean cooking and just Energy Transition for all.

Mr. Jeremy, representing PARHA, visited ILEM-Africa Consultancy Firm yesterday to discuss a collaborative effort on implementing a project aimed at promoting youth-driven demand for family planning in Sierra Leone. This project, supported by FHM Engaged and USAID, seeks to address the critical need for accessible and effective family planning services among the youth in Sierra Leone.

Recognizing ILEM-Africa Consultancy Firm's extensive expertise in this field, PARHA aims to leverage our specialized knowledge and experience to ensure the successful ex*****on of the project. ILEM-Africa's proven track record in delivering impactful family planning initiatives positions us as an ideal partner for this endeavor.

The collaboration between PARHA and ILEM-Africa Consultancy Firm promises to bring innovative solutions and sustainable outcomes, ultimately enhancing the accessibility and acceptance of family planning services among the youth in Sierra Leone. This partnership is expected to play a pivotal role in empowering young individuals with the information and resources they need to make informed decisions about their reproductive health.

ENGAGING STAKEHOLDERS: CRAFTING SIERRA LEONE'S NATIONAL INVESTMENT STRATEGY

In a concerted effort to chart a robust economic trajectory for Sierra Leone, ILEM-AFRICA, a leading consultancy firm, has undertaken the crucial task of formulating the National Investment Strategy in collaboration with the National Investment Board. Recognizing the indispensable role of stakeholder engagement in shaping comprehensive policies, the firm recently convened consultative meetings in Makeni and Bo, garnering insights from a diverse array of investors and business leaders.

On the 16th of April, Makeni, pulsating with entrepreneurial energy, hosted a gathering of visionaries and industry stalwarts. The session provided a platform for spirited discussions on investment opportunities, regulatory frameworks, and sector-specific challenges. From agriculture to technology, participants lent their expertise to sculpting a strategy poised to unlock the nation's potential.

Similarly, on the 24th of April, Bo, a bustling hub of commerce, welcomed delegates eager to contribute to Sierra Leone's economic renaissance. The dialogue in Bo delved into nuanced considerations such as infrastructure development, skills enhancement, and fostering an enabling business environment. As voices resonated with optimism, it became evident that collaboration and innovation will underpin the nation's growth trajectory.

The consultative meetings exemplified the power of inclusive decision-making, drawing insights from the grassroots to the boardroom. By bridging perspectives from investors, entrepreneurs, and policymakers, ILEM-AFRICA and the National Investment Board are poised to sculpt a strategy that resonates with Sierra Leone's aspirations for prosperity and sustainability.
The synthesis of ideas gleaned from Makeni and Bo will serve as the cornerstone for the National Investment Strategy, aligning with Sierra Leone's broader vision for economic resilience and social progress.

FORMER LIBERIAN MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS H.E. Mme. OLUBANKE KING-AKERELE HONORED AT THE INSTITUTE OF LEADERSHIP, ENERGY, ENVIRONMENT, AND MANAGEMENT

In a momentous occasion that bridged borders and celebrated exemplary leadership, former Liberian Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Mme. Olubanke King-Akerele, graced the Institute of Leadership, Energy, Environment, and Management (www.ilem-africa.org) in Sierra Leone to inaugurate the boardroom dedicated in her honor. The event, marked by reverence and admiration, underscored H.E. Mme. Olubanke King-Akerele's enduring legacy as a trailblazer in diplomacy and governance.

Accompanied by the esteemed Liberia Ambassador to Sierra Leone and two other prominent Liberian women, H.E. Mme. Olubanke King-Akerele's visit to ILEM-Africa Consultancy Firm served as a testament to her far-reaching influence and profound impact on future generations of leaders. As she stepped into the newly unveiled boardroom, now christened BANKE HALL, her presence radiated grace and wisdom, inspiring all who gathered to pay homage to her remarkable achievements.

The decision to name the boardroom after H.E. Mme. Olubanke King-Akerele was a heartfelt tribute from the founder and managing director of ILEM Consultancy Firm, Mr. Shar Abraham Grass-Sessay who shared a deeply personal connection with the esteemed diplomat. Reflecting on their serendipitous encounter in Senegal, where he had the privilege of working under her mentorship at the United Nations, he recounted how H.E. Mme. Olubanke King-Akerele had been a guiding light in his journey towards leadership and excellence.

H.E. Mme. Olubanke King-Akerele's mentorship had been instrumental in shaping his career trajectory, he explained, recounting how she had recognized his potential during his time as a refugee in Senegal amidst the tumult of Sierra Leone's rebel war. With her unwavering support and encouragement, he had been afforded opportunities to intern at the UN and eventually assume leadership roles in Sierra Leone, a testament to her belief in his capabilities and dedication to nurturing emerging leaders.

In her gracious remarks at the dedication ceremony, H.E. Mme. Olubanke King-Akerele expressed her profound gratitude for the honor bestowed upon her, emphasizing the importance of mentorship and empowerment in unlocking the potential of future leaders. Drawing upon her own experiences, she underscored the transformative power of mentorship in shaping lives and creating pathways to success, urging all present to pay it forward and uplift others on their journey towards greatness.

As the walls of Banke Hall bore witness to the legacy of a visionary leader and mentor, the Institute of Leadership, Energy, Environment and Management reaffirmed its commitment to fostering excellence, integrity, and innovation in leadership. Through the dedication of the boardroom in H.E. Mme. Olubanke King-Akerele's honor, ILEM pays homage to a woman whose life's work exemplifies the values of service, resilience, and empowerment, inspiring future generations to strive for excellence and make a meaningful difference in the world.

In the framework of ILEM Consultancy Firm *Thematic Intervention Outlay III* focusing on "Management of Business Development Services", an inaugural 5-days capacity building training addressing business skills gap affecting the stability and growth prospect of SMEs in Sierra Leone is underway.

The training sessions will last for 5 days spread over 2-weeks, commencing Thursday 18th March and ending on Friday 26th March 2021. The training sessions are co-facilitated by SIYB Trainers Mr. Sahr Abraham Grass-Sessay and Mr. Abu Bangura.

The first set of Entrepreneurs and Business Support Organizations (BSOs) will benefit from accredited Start and Improve Your Business (SIYB) training package on how to generate business idea and how to plan and manage a successful business undertaken.

It should be noted that ILEM is a partner institution of West Africa Competitiveness Programme-WACOMP, an initiative supported by ECOWAS/EU/UEMOA/UNIDO and administered by International Training Center of the International Labour (ITC/ILO).

The opening session was co-chaired by UNIDO Country Director (Mrs Mariatu Abionor Swaray) and the Managing Director of ILEM Consultancy Firm (Mr. Sahr Abraham Grass-Sessay)

NaCOVERC at ILEM Consultancy Firm

On the 9th of March, NaCOVERC paid a due diligence visit at the edifice of ILEM Consultancy Firm (17a Bolling Street, Freetown) was made to ensure COVID measures and regulations are in place at the Firm.

As a partner institution of the West Africa Competitiveness Programme - WACOMP, funded by ECOWAS/EU/UEMOA/UNIDO/ and administered by the International Training Center of the International Labour (ITC/ILO), ILEM will will be conducting a certified SIYB Training of Entrepreneurs and Business Support Organizations (BSOs). The training sessions will last for 5 days spread over 2-weeks, commencing 18th March and ending on 26th March 2021.

After a thorough inspection and recommendation provided, NaCOVERC subsequently approved upcoming capacity building training, which aim at addressing business skills gap affecting the stability and growth prospect of SMEs in Sierra Leone.

Personnel of ILEM wish to thank NaCOVERC for putting in place and enforcing robust measures in Sierra Leone in our common fight to contain the spread of the global Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19).