Meet the Team

Mohamed Samba Barrie is a development economist and public finance strategist with over a decade of high-impact experience spanning central banking, government economic policy, international development research, and private sector advisory. As the Executive Director of Development Decision Support (DDS), he leads the firm's strategic direction, oversees the delivery of its technical programmes, and drives its positioning as Sierra Leone's foremost evidence-based consultancy; with a portfolio that spans fiscal policy, property tax reform, public finance analytics, institutional capacity building, and data-driven development strategy.

Mohamed has also served as Technical Manager for Sierra Leone's property tax reform under the Local Government Revenue Initiative (LoGRI), a flagship programme of the International Centre for Tax and Development (ICTD) at the University of Toronto's Munk School of Global Affairs. In this role, he supported the end-to-end technical delivery of property surveys across Makeni, Freetown, and Kenema; directing a field operation of over 120 enumerators, generating more than 50,000 property records ahead of schedule, and deploying integrated GIS and banking payment systems that enabled city councils to monitor coverage, identify unregistered properties, and design evidence-based rate and billing policies. His advisory work directly informed municipal rate-setting, exemption frameworks, and the rollout of digital billing systems across multiple city councils.

Mohamed's institutional career includes senior economist and research roles at the Bank of Sierra Leone and the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development, where he produced macroeconomic forecasting models, fiscal risk assessments, and monetary policy simulations that informed executive-level decision-making. At the Bank, he built original DSGE and VAR models to simulate the macroeconomic effects of VAT reforms, technological shocks, and exchange rate dynamics; several of which were presented at the Economic Association of Sierra Leone Conference and published in peer-reviewed journals. At the Ministry, he led policy evaluations on post-Ebola economic recovery, agricultural subsidy reform, and education planning, contributing directly to Sierra Leone's National Development Plan and its alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals.

His private sector experience includes a tenure as Research Analyst in the Deal Advisory division at KPMG Sierra Leone, where he supported investment diagnostics, public-private partnership structuring, and strategic market entry analysis, including a sector-level study that influenced a multi-million-dollar agribusiness investment. Across these roles, Mohamed has consistently operated at the interface of rigorous quantitative analysis and high-stakes institutional decision-making.

An active contributor to economic scholarship, Mohamed has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals and working paper series on macroeconomic modelling, monetary policy transmission, property tax reform, exchange rate forecasting, DSGE simulation, and machine learning applications in economic analysis. He is a sought-after trainer and practitioner, having facilitated advanced econometrics and data analytics workshops for university faculty, central government economists, and local government officials across Sierra Leone. His certifications span advanced data analytics and machine learning (Google), ICTD tax and development research, and WAIFEM econometric and monetary policy training.

Under his leadership, DDS has established institutional relationships with the GOSL, IOM, IGC, the Ministry of Finance, the National Revenue Authority, and multiple local councils. His vision for DDS is a consultancy that closes the gap between analytical rigour and real-world implementation, building data systems and institutional knowledge that outlast project cycles.

Mohamed holds a double Master's degree in Comparative Law, Economics and Finance and an MSC Economics and Finance Research from the University of Turin and the International University College of Turin (Italy), and a BSc in Honours in Economics from Fourah Bay College, University of Sierra Leone. His professional development includes specialist training at WAIFEM in advanced macroeconomic modelling, econometric methods for policy analysis, and monetary policy frameworks.

Alieu Gilbert Fullah is a GIS and data systems specialist with over a decade of professional experience spanning geospatial analytics, ICT infrastructure, software development, and large-scale cadastral systems. As Technical Director at Development Decision Support (DDS), he leads the firm's technical strategy, directing data architecture, digital platform development, and advanced geospatial analytics across DDS's research, governance, and public finance reform portfolio, and ensuring that every assignment is underpinned by technically rigorous, scalable, and policy-relevant digital infrastructure.

Gilbert's deepest expertise lies in Sierra Leone's municipal property tax reform. As Technical Specialist — GIS, Data & Systems at the Local Government Revenue Initiative (LoGRI) (ICTD / University of Toronto), he serves as the senior technical authority for all GIS operations and cadastral system integration across Freetown, Makeni, and Kenema City Councils. He performs aerial imagery orthorectification and validation, manages ArcGIS Online multi-city databases and offline mapping packages for the Moptax 2.0 property tax platform, designs property discovery tools using Field Maps and Survey123, develops photo verification and data quality assurance workflows, and automates data pipelines to reduce manual processing across the reform cycle. Previously, as Data Technician & GIS Supervisor on the same programme, he led a team of over 80 field enumerators and GIS technicians in one of Sierra Leone's largest-ever cadastral data collection exercises, capturing over 50,000 individual property records with rigorous quality controls and spatial accuracy standards.

As Head of Technology at the Institute for Governance Reform (IGR), Gilbert led a 10-member IT team through a full digital transformation — integrating advanced analytics, establishing IT governance frameworks that reduced system vulnerabilities by 30%, and championing AI and data analytics R&D across one of Sierra Leone's leading governance institutions. Earlier in his career at IGR as Data Analyst, he deployed 15+ survey instruments collecting data from 500+ respondents nationwide, automated analytical workflows in Python cutting processing time by 25%, standardized validation protocols improving dataset completeness by 40%, and collaborated directly with the World Bank, Irish Aid, New York University, and Afrobarometer on governance and development data projects.

Gilbert's career includes international roles with Microsoft Shanghai, as a Certified Technical Support Engineer for Microsoft Teams — and UNDP Copenhagen, where he resolved connectivity issues across UNDP's global infrastructure and analyzed real-time IoT data from smart healthcare deployments. This global exposure, combined with over four years managing the full network infrastructure for Bollore Transport and Logistics, gives him an unusually broad technical foundation — from enterprise network administration and cloud platforms to field-level mobile data tools and community-facing digital applications.

He is the creator of several independently-built public platforms, including the BioMeter Online Tracker (biometersl.com) — a live political accountability platform tracking Presidential campaign promises, the Sierra Leone Governance and Services Tracker (slgst.org) built for the USAID BASE programme, and an EU-funded education monitoring system tracking performance across 200 schools in five districts. He has also developed and published a GIS mobile application on the Google Play Store, and conducted cross-lingual sentiment analysis on Belt and Road Initiative media coverage across Kenya and China, demonstrating both the breadth of his software capability and the depth of his analytical thinking.

Gilbert 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. His certifications include GIS for Data Analysis and Visualization (Specialist), the Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate, Advanced Data Analytics with Python, Machine Learning and Deep Learning Specializations, and IoT Fundamentals: Big Data & Analytics. His technical stack spans ArcGIS Online, QGIS, Python, R, Power BI, Tableau, Django, Flutter, MySQL, PostgreSQL, Firebase, and the full suite of mobile data collection and cadastral tools. At DDS, he is the technical architect behind the firm's growing capability to deliver data-driven solutions that are not just analytically sound, but institutionally embedded and built to last.

Amadu Jan Jalloh is a development professional and ICT systems specialist with over five years of hands-on experience at the forefront of Sierra Leone's municipal property tax reform. As Programs Director and Chief Operating Officer of Development Decision Support (DDS), he provides the institutional backbone through which DDS translates strategy into delivery, with executive-level responsibility for Finance, HR, Procurement, and Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning (MEL) across the firm's full programme portfolio.

Amadu's career is defined by his deep, end-to-end involvement in Sierra Leone's Local Government Revenue Initiative (LoGRI), the flagship property tax modernization programme of the International Centre for Tax and Development (ICTD) at the University of Toronto. Over five years, he has progressed from Project Assistant to Project Coordinator to Project Manager, accumulating a rare depth of institutional knowledge across the full reform cycle. In that time, he has driven the deployment of Moptax 1.0 and Moptax 2.0 — the core property tax management platforms, across Freetown, Kenema, and Makeni City Councils; designed and institutionalized Standard Operating Procedures and internal audit frameworks now in active use across multiple councils; and led data accuracy verification, billing reconciliation, and formal system handover processes that have permanently strengthened local revenue infrastructure.

As a field operator and systems designer, Amadu has managed large-scale data collection campaigns and trained council staff in property valuation, equipment usage, and digital workflow management. He brings direct proficiency in QGIS, R, SPSS, KoboToolbox, Survey123, and the Moptax platform, and has designed bespoke Excel-based payment tracking and Rate Demand Notice delivery systems for the Freetown City Council; practical ICT solutions built in direct response to operational gaps identified in the field. His work as a Data Technician and Catchment Monitoring Officer for the Environmental Foundation for Africa further sharpened his geospatial capabilities, applying satellite imagery, drone mapping data, and mobile tracking tools to environmental monitoring.

At DDS, Amadu leads project planning, execution, and monitoring across all active programmes,  coordinating cross-functional teams, managing risk registers and budgets, overseeing MEL systems aligned to international standards, and representing the organization in technical engagements with clients, donors, and government counterparts. He is also driving DDS's 2025/2026 Sustainability Action Plan under LoGRI, ensuring long-term municipal ownership of the reform systems his team has built, a commitment to institutional durability that defines his approach to every assignment.

Amadu holds a BSc in Business and Information Technology (First Class Honours) from Njala University, and is currently enrolled in an MSc in Sustainable Development at the University of Makeni. His professional certifications include the Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate, IBM AI Fundamentals, IBM Project Management Fundamentals, and a Diploma in QuickBooks Desktop. A community leader and youth mentor beyond his professional work, Amadu brings to DDS a combination of technical precision, operational discipline, and a genuine commitment to building public institutions that work.

Isha Barrie is a detail-oriented and results-driven finance professional with over fifteen years of experience in audit, donor-funded accounting, and financial management. As Senior Admin and Finance Manager at DDS, she brings extensive expertise in financial reporting, compliance, grant management, and risk assessment, ensuring accuracy and transparency in all financial operations.

Isha’s background includes leading internal and external audits, identifying financial risks, and implementing strong internal controls to safeguard organizational assets. She has a proven track record managing donor-funded projects with a focus on compliance with funding regulations and delivering detailed financial reports to stakeholders.

Prior to joining DDS, Isha held senior roles including Audit Lead at KPMG Sierra Leone (now Baker Tilly) and Senior Accountant at the US CDC-funded Protecting and Improving Public Health Globally Project, where she successfully managed complex financial systems and ensured audit-ready reporting. Most recently, she served as Accounts Payable Manager at Viamo, overseeing end-to-end accounts payable processes and optimizing financial workflows.

Isha holds a Master of Science in Professional Accountancy from the University of London and a BSc (Hons) in Applied Accounting from Oxford Brookes University. She is a member of both the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) and the Institute of Chartered Accountants Sierra Leone (ICASL), and a certified Project Management Professional (PMP).

Known for her strategic financial leadership, strong stakeholder collaboration, and commitment to compliance, Isha plays a vital role in strengthening DDS’s financial systems and supporting sustainable organizational growth.

Manso Bangura is a seasoned finance and operations professional with over eight years of professional experience and nearly five years dedicated experience in property tax reform across Sierra Leone. As the Finance and Operations Lead at Development Decision Support (DDS), Manso plays a key role in managing technical processes, coordinating project implementation, and driving institutional development within local government systems.

He has led the end-to-end automation of property tax payment systems, working directly with IT developers, financial institutions, and government stakeholders to integrate Moptax payment platforms and resolve operational bottlenecks. His leadership in GIS digitization, payment reconciliation, and property discovery has directly contributed to the successful execution of major reform initiatives in Freetown, Makeni, Kenema, and other cities.

Manso brings strong capacity-building credentials, having designed and delivered training for administrative staff on every stage of the valuation and billing cycle. He developed internal audit protocols and reconciliation procedures that are now being adopted by councils for long-term sustainability. His ability to translate complex operational systems into practical tools has made him a trusted advisor to both reform teams and local authorities.

Beyond finance, Manso leads on strategic operations—overseeing the printing and distribution of rate demand notices, setting up taxpayer enquiries and appeals desks, managing vendor relationships, and facilitating internal and external coordination meetings. His operational insight has been central to the transition of reform ownership to local councils.

He is currently pursuing an MSc in Professional Accounting through the ACCA pathway and holds certifications as a Certified Accounting Technician and in Accounting and Business. He has also completed training in advanced Excel for business, which supports his work in financial analysis and performance reporting.

Manso’s blend of financial expertise, technical oversight, and public sector experience positions him as a vital figure in DDS’s work to modernize and strengthen local revenue systems in Sierra Leone.

Ibrahim Jalloh is a dynamic data and technology professional with over five years’ experience, currently serving as Manager of the Research, Data Analytics & GIS Unit at Development Decision Support (DDS). With a background in Business and Information Technology and a strong record of operational leadership in large-scale field research, Ibrahim brings both strategic insight and technical fluency to DDS’s data-driven research and development programming.

He has led and coordinated complex research activities across multiple institutions, including the Local Government Revenue Initiative (LoGRI), where he managed field teams responsible for property and business license distribution and supervised digital data collection efforts in Kenema. His work supports evidence-based policymaking in local governance and public finance.

Ibrahim's previous roles include serving as IT Manager for the Elections Observer Network (EON–SL), where he designed data systems for field observation and analysis using platforms like KoboCollect, MS Excel, and Power BI. He also held positions as Information Communication Officer to the Executive Director of the Sierra Leone Foreign Service Academy and as IT Officer at the Ahmad Tejan Kabbah Foundation, where he was responsible for managing digital platforms and supporting public communication strategies.

With a BSc (Hons) in Business and Information Technology from Njala University, Ibrahim is highly skilled in programming (Python, R, Java, SQL, HTML/CSS), GIS (QGIS), systems troubleshooting, data visualization, and project coordination. His versatility and experience across public sector reform, civic tech, and digital infrastructure make him a key contributor to DDS’s work in strengthening institutional capacity and improving development outcomes.

Othman Jalloh is a political economist and senior research associate at Development Decision Support (DDS), working within the Local Governance and Fiscal Policy Unit. He brings over ten years of cross-sector experience in economic policy, public sector reform, national security, and sustainability, with a strong track record of using research to inform practical policy and governance outcomes.

At DDS, Othman supports projects focused on local government finance, property taxation, fiscal decentralization, and inclusive economic development. His work draws on his expertise in political economy analysis, trade and investment policy, public revenue systems, and environmental governance. He plays a central role in shaping policy recommendations, engaging with government partners, and supporting technical research design and delivery.

Othman previously served as an Economic and Security Analyst at the Office of National Security under the Office of the President in Sierra Leone, where he led research on economic resilience and macroeconomic risks. He has managed components of World Bank– and UNDP–funded projects, contributed to policy reform in trade and environmental sectors, and supported AfCFTA engagement platforms. He also co-founded Kushe Africa and ME4ClimateJustice, advancing sustainable trade and civic-led environmental advocacy.

Othman holds a Master’s degree in Political Economy and a Bachelor’s in Government and International Relations and Political Economy from the University of Sydney. He brings a unique ability to bridge technical research, cross-government coordination, and grassroots engagement—making him an asset to DDS’s mission of supporting evidence-based governance and local development.

With over ten years of professional experience, Mohamed Sallieu Mansaray serves as a Senior Research Associate within the Local Governance and Fiscal Policy Unit at DDS. He is a Disaster Risk and Socio-Economic Resilience Specialist with strong experience in disaster risk reduction, socio-economic assessments, environmental and social impact analysis, conflict-sensitive planning, and community resilience building. He holds an MPhil in Economics and a B.Sc. Honours in Economics from Fourah Bay College, University of Sierra Leone, complemented by a Certificate in Population Analysis and Social Statistics.

At DDS, Mohamed contributes to research, policy analysis, local governance reform, and fiscal policy assignments, with a particular focus on integrating socio-economic evidence, risk analysis, and resilience considerations into development planning. His expertise includes household and livelihood surveys, vulnerability assessments, stakeholder consultations, environmental and social impact assessments, disaster risk profiling, and the use of data to inform policy and institutional decision-making.

Mohamed brings extensive field and institutional experience from his previous roles with CEMMATS Group Ltd, WANEP-Sierra Leone, the National Revenue Authority, and GIMA AGRIC SL Ltd. He has led and supported assignments involving socio-economic baseline studies, public consultations, livelihood needs assessments, community resilience planning, institutional risk monitoring, and data quality assurance. His work has cut across infrastructure, mining, agriculture, urban development, peacebuilding, and public sector reform, giving him a strong practical understanding of local governance and development challenges in Sierra Leone.

Beyond his technical expertise, Mohamed is experienced in training, field coordination, enumerator supervision, stakeholder engagement, and community-based planning. He is proficient in Kobo Collect, Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint, and applies both qualitative and quantitative research methods to generate practical evidence for decision-making. His work at DDS supports the organization’s commitment to evidence-based policy, stronger local governance systems, improved fiscal management, and sustainable development outcomes in Sierra Leone.

Talatu Jalloh is a development economist and quantitative researcher with a PhD in Economics from Kobe University, Japan, and a strong track record spanning academic research, government statistics, and applied policy advisory. He serves as Assistant Manager of the Research, Data Analytics & GIS Unit at Development Decision Support (DDS), where he leads the design and execution of applied research, data analytics operations, and spatial data analysis, bringing rigorous econometric methods to inform evidence-based decision-making for governments, development partners, and civil society.

Talatu's doctoral research at Kobe University; conducted under a Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship — evaluated the African Business Education Initiative (ABEI), examining how purpose-driven work-based learning shapes entrepreneurial aspirations and business formation among African graduate scholars. His research contributes original, policy-relevant evidence to debates on human capital development, skills formation, and enterprise creation in developing-country contexts. He has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals on topics including macroeconomic governance, trade and environmental quality, digitalization and domestic resource mobilization, capital flight, and financial sector performance.

Beyond academia, Talatu has held substantive professional roles in Sierra Leone's public and civil society sectors. As a Statistician at the Ministry of Agriculture, he generated farm-level data insights that directly shaped the design and monitoring of the Agricultural Value Chain Development Project (AVDP). As a Research Assistant at Mamie Foundation; in partnership with Brunel University and the Open University under a Royal Academy of Engineering-funded initiative, his data-driven analysis informed the conceptual design of a targeted technology solution for gender-based violence response and prevention. These experiences ground his quantitative expertise in real-world development challenges and policy processes.

Talatu is an active member of Japan's Association of Development Economics (JADE), the Economic Association of Sierra Leone (EASL), and the African Economic Research Consortium (AERC) network. He brings to DDS a rare combination of advanced econometric capability, spatial data and GIS competency, and hands-on field research experience; enabling DDS to deliver research that is analytically rigorous, locally grounded, and directly actionable for policy and institutional reform.

He holds a PhD in Economics (Kobe University, Japan), an MPhil in Economics (University of Ghana — AERC Scholar), and a BSc in Economics (Hons) from Fourah Bay College, University of Sierra Leone, and holds a Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate.

Kumba Kamara is a dedicated Admin and Finance Officer at Development Decision Support (DDS), where she provides essential administrative, logistical, and financial support across research and consultancy projects. With academic training in Population and Development Studies and a Diploma in Procurement and Logistics, she brings a strong understanding of public sector operations and project support systems.

At DDS, Kumba is responsible for managing day-to-day administrative tasks, supporting procurement processes, maintaining financial records, and ensuring smooth coordination between project teams and support functions. Her background includes field experience as a Data Collection Officer at the Ministry of Finance and Enumerator at Statistics Sierra Leone, giving her a practical understanding of data-driven work environments.

Kumba is valued for her attention to detail, organizational skills, and ability to adapt in fast-paced settings. She is proficient in Microsoft Office and has working knowledge of GIS tools. Her professionalism and team-oriented mindset contribute to the overall efficiency and accountability of DDS’s operations.

With over four years of experience in data management, analysis, field research, and reporting, Satmaria Koroma serves as a Research Analyst within the Technology, Software, and Systems Development Unit at DDS. She holds a First Class Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and a Master of Science in Geographic Information Systems with Distinction. Her academic background in computer science, spatial data systems, and GIS is complemented by practical experience in community-based data collection, digital survey systems, monitoring and evaluation, and evidence generation.

At DDS, Satmaria supports technology-enabled research, digital data systems, geospatial analysis, and software-driven field operations. Her work contributes to the design, management, and quality assurance of data collection processes that support research, local governance reform, property data systems, and development programmes. She is experienced in using mobile-based data collection tools such as KoboToolbox, CommCare, Survey123, Field Maps, and Mop Tax, with strong skills in data cleaning, verification, analysis, and reporting.

Satmaria brings practical experience from assignments with Goal Sierra Leone, Ponka Ideal Outsourcing, the Council of Churches in Sierra Leone, Makeni City Council, and the International Centre for Tax and Development. Her work has covered WASH assessments, election-related data coordination, property data collection, taxation research, rate demand notice and business licence distribution, and health-related survey exercises. These assignments have strengthened her capacity to manage field teams, ensure data accuracy, support evidence-based decision-making, and translate raw data into useful insights for programme implementation.

Beyond her technical skills, Satmaria is committed to ethical data handling, community engagement, child protection, education, health, and economic empowerment. Her combined expertise in computer science, GIS, digital data collection, and field research strengthens DDS’s ability to deliver high-quality research, technology solutions, and data-driven advisory services. Her work supports DDS’s broader mission of promoting evidence-based policy-making, stronger local governance systems, and sustainable development outcomes in Sierra Leone.

Abubakar Barrie is a Research Analyst in the Research, Data Analytics & GIS Unit at Development Decision Support (DDS), where he supports the design, implementation, and interpretation of research that informs policy and program decisions across sectors. With a strong foundation in economics and a focus on local governance and public finance, Abubakar plays a key role in turning complex datasets into accessible, policy-relevant insights.

He brings hands-on experience in both quantitative and qualitative research methods, including field coordination, data analysis, and reporting. At DDS, Abubakar contributes to a range of projects—from property tax reform to socio-economic diagnostics—by managing data collection processes, performing statistical analysis, and preparing evidence briefs for partners and stakeholders.

Abubakar holds a First-Class Honours BSc in Economics from Njala University and is highly proficient in Microsoft R, Python, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint. His strengths include critical thinking, clear communication, and an eye for detail, which make him a reliable team player in high-pressure environments. His ability to bridge data and policy makes him an asset in DDS’s mission to support data-driven development and public sector transformation.

Gifty Hemans is a versatile Research Analyst in the Technology, Software, and Systems Development Unit at Development Decision Support (DDS). With strong skills in data management, analytics, and administrative coordination, she supports the development of research tools and digital systems that improve policy implementation and operational efficiency across public sector projects.

At DDS, Gifty contributes to the design and execution of data-driven initiatives, applying tools such as SPSS, Python, SQL, and Microsoft Office to generate evidence and support decision-making. Before joining DDS, Gifty served as a Supervisor and for the Makeni Property Tax reform project, where she served as Field Supervisor during the data collection and delivery phase of the project, helping streamline field operations and enhance data quality through rigorous oversight and team coordination.

Gifty also brings administrative experience from her time as Secretary at Murialdo Government School, where she managed documentation, correspondence, and logistics—experience that translates into strong organizational and project support at DDS.

Her approach combines technical proficiency with hands-on problem-solving, making her a valuable contributor to multidisciplinary teams. Gifty is committed to continuous learning and innovation and is especially passionate about using data and technology to solve real-world development challenges.

Ibrahim Tanu Bah is a research and policy professional with over five years of experience working at the intersection of local governance, fiscal policy, and geospatial analysis. As a Research Associate in the Local Governance and Fiscal Policy Unit at Development Decision Support (DDS), he contributes technical expertise to projects aimed at improving local revenue systems, strengthening accountability, and enhancing public sector performance.

His work focuses on property taxation, GIS mapping, and economic research, often supporting local councils and government partners with evidence-based insights that guide reform design and implementation. Ibrahim has played key roles in field-based policy research, tax mapping exercises, and revenue diagnostics in both urban and peri-urban settings.

Ibrahim is highly skilled in tools such as STATA, Excel, and QGIS, which he uses to translate complex spatial and financial data into actionable analysis for decision-makers. He has supported the rollout of digital tax systems, the development of taxpayer databases, and the production of visual dashboards that support more transparent fiscal governance.

He holds a Bachelor of Science with Honours in Economics from Njala University and is known for his collaborative approach to stakeholder engagement.

His ability to bridge data, policy, and practice continues to make him a valuable contributor to DDS’s mission of supporting data-driven development in Sierra Leone and beyond.

Mohamed Osman Kamara is a research analyst at DDS, working within the Technology, Software, and Systems Development Unit. He supports the design and implementation of digital solutions that improve how governments collect, manage, and use data for better service delivery and policy outcomes. His work bridges software development, geospatial analysis, and systems support—helping DDS build practical, scalable tools for public sector reform.

At DDS, Mohamed contributes to several core projects, including the Local Government Revenue Initiative (LoGRI), where he helps develop and maintain GIS platforms, digital survey tools, and back-end systems used for property data collection, analysis, and reporting. He plays an active role in scripting automation processes, troubleshooting infrastructure issues, and ensuring that DDS’s digital tools are secure, efficient, and aligned with project goals.

He brings strong technical capabilities in Python, Java, SQL, and GIS applications such as QGIS and Survey123, alongside hands-on experience in cloud-based tools and network configuration. His work reflects DDS’s commitment to using open-source technology to drive inclusive and cost-effective governance innovation.

Mohamed holds a BSc (Hons) in Computer Science from Central University and has a growing profile as a tech advocate in Sierra Leone. He is actively engaged in digital inclusion initiatives and supports youth-focused programs aimed at building technology skills and innovation capacity nationwide.

With over five years’ experience Emmanuel Francis Bangura serves as a Research Associate within the Technology, Software, and Systems Development Unit at DDS. He holds a Master’s degree in Software Engineering from Nankai University and a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from the University of Makeni. His academic foundation is complemented by practical experience in telecommunications and network engineering, making him a versatile technical specialist.

At DDS, Emmanuel plays a critical role in developing, maintaining, and optimizing software systems and digital infrastructure that support research, data collection, and local governance reform projects. His expertise includes network configuration and management, system administration, software development, and database management. Emmanuel ensures that the technology platforms DDS relies on are secure, scalable, and responsive to the evolving needs of various projects.

Beyond his technical skills, Emmanuel applies agile project management principles to deliver timely and high-quality outputs. He coordinates with cross-functional teams, providing technical support and training to improve digital literacy and system usage among colleagues and partner organizations. His previous roles as an ICT trainer and head of educational committees have strengthened his capacity to mentor others and promote knowledge sharing.

Emmanuel’s work contributes directly to the efficiency and impact of DDS’s research and operational activities, positioning technology as a key enabler for evidence-based policy-making and sustainable development in Sierra Leone.

Foday Mansaray is Survey Manager in the Research, Data Analytics & GIS Unit at Development Decision Support (DDS), where he leads the planning and execution of field research that underpins evidence-based policy and program decisions. With over five years of experience managing data collection in both urban and rural contexts, Foday plays a central role in ensuring the quality, reliability, and relevance of DDS’s research operations.

At DDS, Foday oversees survey design, enumerator training, and field supervision across a wide range of projects, including property tax research, local revenue studies, and citizen feedback initiatives. He is especially skilled at coordinating field teams, adapting research tools to local contexts, and maintaining high standards of data integrity under demanding conditions.

Foday holds a B.A. in History and Sociology from Fourah Bay College, University of Sierra Leone. His experience includes work with the Institute for Governance Reform (IGR), R-DATS, Wageningen University, and the Innovative Hub for Research in Africa (IHfRA), supporting nationally recognized surveys such as Afrobarometer, the State of Education Report, and studies on youth, energy access, and child protection.

He is also a certified National Life Skills Facilitator, with a strong track record supporting community-based programs funded by UNICEF, UNFPA, and Irish Aid. Foday is proficient in digital research tools including KoboCollect, ODK, and SurveyCTO, and is known for his leadership, professionalism, and deep commitment to participatory, community-informed research.

Ibrahim Setigie Dumbuya is the Survey Manager in the Research, Data Analytics & GIS Unit at Development Decision Support (DDS), where he leads survey operations and field coordination for a wide range of research and evaluation assignments. With a background in Economics and a strong command of both digital and traditional survey methods, Ibrahim plays a critical role in ensuring the quality, integrity, and timeliness of DDS’s field data collection activities.

Ibrahim holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics from Fourah Bay College, University of Sierra Leone. He has been actively involved in national-scale surveys, including the digital Cartographic Mapping exercise led by Statistics Sierra Leone, where he served first as a field mapper and later as a team lead. His hands-on experience with GPS-enabled data collection tools and tablet-based platforms has made him a dependable expert in digital enumeration and spatial data gathering.