Sierra Leone partners FIFA to launch first-ever women’s football strategy

Sierra Leone has partnered with FIFA to launch the country’s first-ever Women’s Football Strategy, marking a significant step towards strengthening the development of the women’s game from grassroots level to the international stage.

Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) President Babadi Kamara officially unveiled the four-year strategy on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, at the Freetown City Council Hall.

The initiative provides a framework for expanding opportunities for women and girls, improving football structures and creating a more inclusive and sustainable environment for the sport in the West African country.

The launch brought together key football and sports administration officials, including SLFA Second Vice President Prince Saquee, National Sports Authority Executive Director Mohamed Alphaka Conteh, SLFA General Secretary Ing. Mohamed Benson Bawoh and Women’s Football Manager Elizabeth Kailey.

FIFA representatives Thubaelihle Bridgette Sibanda of Zimbabwe and Tsholofelo Candy Setlhoko of Botswana also attended the ceremony, underlining the international body’s involvement in supporting the development of women’s football in Sierra Leone.

Speaking at the launch, Kamara described the strategy as a commitment to the future of the women’s game, stressing the importance of creating opportunities for girls to participate in football and develop their talents.

“The launch of our first-ever Women’s Football Strategy is more than a milestone; it is a commitment to the future of women’s football in Sierra Leone,” Kamara said.

“We want every girl to have the opportunity to play, develop her talent, and aspire to the highest level of the game.”

The SLFA president also emphasised the need for collaboration with partners and stakeholders to translate the strategy’s objectives into tangible results.

Beyond the launch, the SLFA and FIFA have begun a three-day capacity-building workshop for women’s football administrators, running from October 28 to 30, 2026.

The workshop is designed to strengthen administrators’ knowledge and skills, equipping them to support the effective implementation of the strategy and improve the management of women’s football programmes.

The four-year plan is expected to provide direction for the development of the women’s game across different levels, with its implementation requiring sustained cooperation between the SLFA, FIFA and other stakeholders.

With the launch of the strategy and the accompanying administrative training, Sierra Leone has established a framework aimed at expanding participation, nurturing talent and strengthening the structures needed for the long-term growth of women’s football.

The focus will now be on translating the strategy into practical outcomes that create more opportunities for women and girls and support the continued development of the game in Sierra Leone.