Finance Minister Bangura Hosts New AfDB Director, Discusses Big Five Game Agenda

Minister of Finance, Sheku Ahmed Fantamadi Bangura, has reaffirmed Sierra Leone’s strong partnership with the African Development Bank (AfDB) during a courtesy call by the Bank’s Executive Director, Dr. Elsiddig Mohamed Rahma, at his office on George Street in Freetown on Monday, 9 February 2026.

Dr. Rahma, who is on a two-day working visit to Sierra Leone, told the Minister that the visit forms part of his efforts to strengthen dialogue with member states, foster collaboration, and deepen his understanding of Sierra Leone’s development priorities.

He explained that since assuming office as Executive Director for Sierra Leone, Ghana, Liberia, The Gambia, and Sudan, he has been visiting countries within his constituency to better understand their development landscapes, assess economic performance, and enhance cooperation between the Bank and national institutions.

Welcoming the AfDB Executive Director, Minister Bangura congratulated Dr. Rahma on his appointment and described the African Development Bank as a critical partner to the government and people of Sierra Leone. He said the Bank has continued to play a significant role in supporting the country’s development agenda over the years.

The Finance Minister informed Dr. Rahma of the government’s commitments to ongoing programmes and reforms being implemented in collaboration with the AfDB and other development partners, including the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund. He also highlighted recent economic gains, noting improvements in inflation, fiscal deficit, interest rates, and domestic revenue mobilisation.

Minister Bangura further outlined the government’s development priorities under the Big Five Game Changers and discussed ways in which the African Development Bank could align its current and future project portfolio with these priorities to maximise impact.

Deputy Minister of Finance I, Kadiatu Allie, thanked the Executive Director for the visit and expressed appreciation to the African Development Bank for its longstanding relationship with Sierra Leone, particularly its project interventions across several key development sectors.

Dr. Rahma is expected to hold meetings with other Ministries, Departments, and Agencies during his two-day working visit as part of efforts to strengthen cooperation and engagement between Sierra Leone and the African Development Bank.