Institutional Capacity Building and Outreach Program (ICBOP)

1. Program Description

The Institutional Capacity Building and Outreach Program (ICBOP) aims to enhance the internal capabilities of the Sierra Leone Local Content Agency (SLLCA) and external stakeholders involved in local content implementation. This program focuses on strengthening the agency’s operational effectiveness, stakeholder engagement, and outreach efforts to promote the importance of local content to businesses and the general public. It includes training, resource mobilization, public awareness, and strategic partnerships to improve the overall impact of the local content act, policies & regulations.

2. Objectives

  • To strengthen the institutional capacity of the Sierra Leone Local Content Agency to effectively manage local content programs.
  • To build the capacity of key stakeholders, including businesses, government agencies, and development partners, to comply with local content requirements.
  • To enhance public awareness and understanding of the benefits and importance of local content policies and their role in national development.
  • To facilitate partnerships with local and international organizations for resource mobilization and technical assistance.
  • To develop communication strategies to foster positive relationships with various stakeholders, including private sector companies, the public, and government institutions.

3. Scope

The program operates within the framework of the Sierra Leone Local Content Agency, supporting both internal capacity building for agency staff and external outreach to private sector actors, government entities, and the general public. It involves collaborations with training institutions, international development partners, business associations, and media outlets to increase awareness and support for local content initiatives.

4. Key Activities

  • Internal Capacity Building for Agency Staff – Conducting training sessions, workshops, and seminars for agency staff to enhance their skills in monitoring, compliance, and reporting.
  • Stakeholder Engagement and Consultation – Organizing workshops, forums, and stakeholder meetings to engage with businesses, local governments, and other sectors on local content issues.
  • Public Awareness Campaigns – Launching media campaigns (radio, TV, social media, etc.) to educate the public on the importance of local content for national development.
  • Strategic Partnerships and Resource Mobilization—Building partnerships with international development agencies, private sector actors, and NGOs for technical support and funding.
  • Policy Advocacy and Legislative Outreach – Working with policymakers and parliamentarians to ensure local content issues are adequately addressed in national development policies.
  • Monitoring and Feedback Mechanisms—Establishing systems for gathering feedback from stakeholders to improve outreach strategies and programs.

5. Expected Outcomes

  • Improved capacity and performance of the Sierra Leone Local Content Agency in implementing local content programs.
  • Increased stakeholder engagement and collaboration between businesses, government, and the public.
  • Greater public awareness and understanding of local content and its role in economic development.
  • Stronger partnerships that enhance the implementation of local content policies and provide additional resources for the agency.
  • Better-informed decision-making by government institutions and businesses regarding local content compliance and promotion.

6. Responsible Department

Directorate of Communications and Outreach—Leads the program by enhancing the agency’s visibility, fostering public-private partnerships, and executing outreach activities to build support for local content policies.