The Economic Forum

The work we do for programmes in Sierra Leone.

Research, programme management and technical support for ministries, development funds and businesses in Sierra Leone. Most assignments draw on several practices at once.

A market street in central Freetown. Photograph by Abdulai Sayni.

Research & evaluation

We design and deliver research that helps clients understand needs, assess progress and plan their next steps. Our work combines field knowledge with sound study design, data quality assurance and careful analysis.

What we deliver

  • Baseline studies and socio-economic surveys
  • Fieldwork, survey logistics and data management
  • Monitoring frameworks and data quality reviews
  • Mid-term reviews and final evaluations

Fund & grant management

We help development programmes establish and manage grant processes, from operating procedures and application appraisal to beneficiary support, performance monitoring and reporting.

What we deliver

  • Fund governance and operating procedures
  • Application appraisal and grant administration
  • Technical assistance for applicants and grantees
  • Performance monitoring and programme reporting

Enterprise & agribusiness

We work with SMEs, agribusinesses and producer groups to understand opportunities and strengthen their ability to participate in markets. Our support connects business development with the realities of smallholder agriculture and local enterprise.

What we deliver

  • Business plans and investment proposals
  • Agribusiness and value chain studies
  • Enterprise assessments and business development
  • Support for producer groups and out-grower networks

Institutions & public policy

We support public institutions and development partners with policy analysis, programme design and organizational systems. Our assignments help clients examine service delivery, strengthen financial management and translate priorities into practical arrangements.

What we deliver

  • Policy, regulatory and institutional studies
  • Public finance and service-delivery assessments
  • Programme design and implementation support
  • Operational manuals and management systems

Skills & capacity building

We develop training materials and deliver practical learning for public institutions, programme teams, businesses and community groups. Knowledge transfer is part of our approach to helping clients sustain their work beyond an assignment.

What we deliver

  • Training materials and practical learning modules
  • Financial, administrative and management training
  • Institutional strengthening and team development
  • Technical coaching and knowledge transfer

Gender & social inclusion

We bring gender, youth and social inclusion into research, programme design and enterprise support. Our work examines barriers to resources, finance, skills and decision-making, with particular attention to women’s economic participation.

What we deliver

  • Gender analysis and inclusive value chain mapping
  • Research on women’s economic participation
  • Community and stakeholder consultation
  • Gender- and age-disaggregated assessments

How the practices combine

Each documented assignment and the practices it drew on. Clients get one team rather than separate specialists to coordinate.

Assignment Research Fund management Enterprise Policy Skills Inclusion
Food Systems Resilience Programme baseline study 2024 Yes No Yes No No Yes
Skills Development Fund Secretariat 2020–2024 No Yes No Yes Yes No
Women in agribusiness: country context study 2018 Yes No Yes No No Yes
Integrated National Public Services Survey 2015–2016 Yes No No Yes Yes No
See the full assignment record

Prepare an assignment brief

Outline the support you need, the location and your timeframe.

Prepare a brief