About DDS

Bio

Mohamed Samba Barrie is a development economist and data analytics expert with over a decade of experience in research, public finance reform, and policy advisory across government institutions, multilateral programs, and private sector consulting. He currently serves as the Executive Director of Development Decision Support (DDS), where he leads the firm’s strategic vision, oversees project delivery, and drives research innovation across its key areas: tax and revenue reform, public policy design, data analytics, and institutional capacity building.

Prior to his current role, Mohamed was Technical Coordinator subsequently Technical Manager for Sierra Leone’s property tax reform under the Local Government Revenue Initiative (LoGRI), where he played a leading role in deploying spatial data systems, streamlining municipal tax administration, and guiding policy reforms in cities like Makeni, Freetown, and Kenema. His work directly informed rate-setting, billing system design, and stakeholder engagement strategies at the local government level.

Mohamed previously held senior research and economist roles at the Bank of Sierra Leone and the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development, where he contributed to national economic analysis, fiscal risk assessments, policy evaluations, and scenario modeling on issues ranging from inflation to labor markets. His background also includes private sector advisory experience with KPMG Sierra Leone, where he supported investment diagnostics, public-private partnership structuring, and donor-funded research initiatives.

An active contributor to economic scholarship, Mohamed has published extensively on macroeconomic modeling, tax policy, policy simulations, exchange rate forecasting, and monetary transmission in peer-reviewed journals. He is also an experienced trainer and mentor, having supported capacity-building for government officials, enumerators, analysts, and local councils in data collection, visualization, and policy research methods.

He holds a Master’s of Science degree in Economics, and Finance (University of Turin), MA in Comparative Law, for the (International University College of Turin), a BSc in Economics (FBC), and multiple certifications in tax and development, data analytics, machine learning, policy analysis and project management.

Under his leadership, DDS is deepening its role as a trusted partner in evidence-based decision-making and sustainable development strategy in Sierra Leone and beyond.

Bio

Alieu Gilbert Fullah is an accomplished Data Scientist and Technical Director with over a decade of experience in data analytics, ICT systems, and digital innovation. At Development Decision Support (DDS), Alieu leads the firm’s technical strategy, overseeing data architecture, digital systems development, and advanced analytics for a wide range of research and public sector reform projects. His work ensures that DDS delivers high-quality, tech-enabled solutions that empower evidence-based decision-making across government, donor, and development institutions.

Alieu’s expertise spans full-stack development, machine learning, geospatial analytics, data visualization, and ICT infrastructure. His career includes global assignments with Microsoft Shanghai and UNDP Copenhagen, as well as national leadership roles including Head of Technology at the Institute for Governance Reform (IGR) and Technical Specialist for the Local Government Revenue Initiative (LoGRI). In these roles, he led large-scale survey operations, built property data systems, and developed tools to modernize service delivery and improve public accountability.

He is the creator of several data platforms, including the BioMeter Online Tracker and the Sierra Leone Governance and Services Tracker, and has contributed to major policy-oriented projects funded by USAID, the EU, World Bank, and Irish Aid. His blend of technical depth and strategic thinking allows him to translate complex data into accessible insights for policy design, governance reforms, and community-level interventions.

Alieu holds an MSc in Information and Communication Engineering from Huazhong University of Science and Technology (China) and a BSc in Information Systems from the University of Sierra Leone. He is certified in advanced data analytics, deep learning, GIS, and IoT systems. Fluent in Python, SQL, Power BI, Flutter, and GIS platforms, he brings a multidisciplinary approach to technology leadership.

As Technical Director at DDS, Alieu leads a growing team of developers, analysts, and field technicians, building the digital backbone of DDS’s work to promote transparent governance, efficient service delivery, and inclusive development.

Bio

Amadu Jan Jalloh is a strategic thinker and experienced development professional with a proven track record in public sector reform, operational leadership, and data-driven policy implementation. As Programs Director at Development Decision Support (DDS), Amadu provides strategic oversight and leads the operational execution of DDS’s expanding portfolio across governance, local revenue systems, institutional strengthening, and evidence-based development planning.

Amadu has over four years of experience supporting large-scale reform initiatives across multiple local governments in Sierra Leone. He has played a central role in the design and rollout of digital property tax systems under the Local Government Revenue Initiative (LoGRI), working closely with city councils, development partners, and technical teams to improve tax compliance, expand the revenue base, and build local administrative capacity. He combines hands-on expertise in project management, Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL), and operational systems design with a deep understanding of local governance dynamics and stakeholder engagement.

In his current role at DDS, Amadu oversees project implementation, institutional performance, and operational functions—including Finance, Procurement, HR, and MEL. He leads teams to deliver results on time and within budget while ensuring that all projects maintain strong compliance, coordination, and impact orientation. He also supports the institutionalization of learning processes and reporting systems to guide continuous improvement and strategic planning.

His professional background includes experience in both research and applied reform work. Prior to joining DDS, Amadu worked with the University of Toronto’s Local Government Revenue Initiative (LoGRI) program in multiple capacities, providing technical support for property valuation, staff training, and internal audits. He also supported revenue tracking and compliance systems while working with the Revenue Mobilization Department of the Freetown City Council, and has experience in environmental data collection through the Freetown Tree Town Campaign.

Amadu holds a First Class Honours degree in Business and Information Technology from Njala University, and has completed professional training in data analytics, project management, and artificial intelligence.

He brings a strong blend of technical, operational, and people management skills, with a commitment to integrity, learning, and collaboration.