AYV News, June 8, 2026
The newly appointed Country Representative of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Satora Matsuyama, has paid a courtesy visit to the leadership of the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA), reaffirming Japan’s commitment to supporting disaster risk reduction and resilience-building initiatives in Sierra Leone.
The visit took place at the NDMA headquarters in Aberdeen, Freetown, where Mr. Matsuyama met with the Agency’s senior management team to discuss ongoing cooperation and future areas of collaboration.
Welcoming the delegation, NDMA Deputy Director General, Sulaiman Bockarie Sowa, expressed appreciation for the longstanding partnership between JICA and the Agency, noting that Japan’s support has significantly contributed to strengthening Sierra Leone’s disaster management capacity.
During the engagement, NDMA Director General, John Vandy Rogers, congratulated Mr. Matsuyama on his appointment and provided an overview of the Agency’s efforts to enhance disaster preparedness, risk reduction, and emergency response across the country.
Mr. Rogers highlighted the implementation of the NDMA Flood Mitigation Strategy, an annual initiative aimed at identifying hazards in flood-prone communities and implementing measures to reduce disaster risks before emergencies occur.
He also commended JICA for its investment in human resource development, noting that several NDMA staff members have benefited from specialized training programmes in Japan.
According to the Director General, officers who participated in the training programmes have returned with valuable knowledge and expertise, enabling them to serve as trainers and mentors within the Agency.
“JICA has been an invaluable partner in strengthening our institutional capacity. We look forward to deepening this collaboration and continuing to learn from Japan’s globally recognized expertise in disaster risk management and resilience building,” he stated.
In his remarks, Mr. Matsuyama praised the NDMA for its work in protecting communities and responding to disasters, describing the Agency’s mandate as critical to building national resilience.
He reaffirmed JICA’s commitment to supporting Sierra Leone through training opportunities, technical assistance, and knowledge-sharing programmes designed to strengthen the Agency’s operational effectiveness.
“The work being undertaken by the NDMA is commendable and essential to building national resilience. JICA remains committed to supporting Sierra Leone through capacity building and technical cooperation,” Mr. Matsuyama said.
The JICA Country Representative further disclosed plans to approve additional training opportunities for NDMA personnel this year as part of efforts to enhance the Agency’s technical and operational capabilities.
He also announced that JICA’s support in 2026 will include the development of a comprehensive hazard profile and digital hazard mapping system for Freetown. The initiative is expected to provide scientific data and evidence-based analysis on disaster-prone areas, helping authorities make informed decisions on risk reduction and mitigation measures.
Concluding the meeting, Director General Rogers expressed gratitude to JICA and the Government of Japan for their continued partnership and support.
He reaffirmed the NDMA’s commitment to working closely with JICA to strengthen disaster preparedness, improve risk management systems, and build safer and more resilient communities across Sierra Leone.
