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Sierra Leone’s Minister of Finance, Sheku Ahmed Fantamadi Bangura, has received strong praise from the World Bank for the country’s notable macroeconomic progress and ongoing reform agenda.
The commendation came during a high-level engagement with Ousmane Diagana, Vice President of the World Bank for Western and Central Africa. The meeting included Sierra Leone’s Ministers of Health, Energy, and Basic and Senior Secondary Education, reflecting a coordinated government approach to economic recovery and development.
Representing Julius Maada Bio, Minister Bangura outlined key economic achievements recorded over the past two years. These include a significant drop in inflation to 4.35 percent as of December 2025, improved exchange rate stability, reduced interest rates on government securities, and a positive primary fiscal balance.
He further noted that the World Bank’s project portfolio in Sierra Leone remains stable, with strong performance across critical sectors such as education, healthcare, and energy.
However, the Minister cautioned that external shocks—particularly the ongoing Middle East crisis—pose serious risks to food security and poverty reduction efforts. He urged the World Bank to provide timely and targeted financial support to help cushion vulnerable populations and sustain economic stability.
Bangura also disclosed that the government is considering activating the World Bank’s Rapid Response Option facility to access emergency funding. In addition, he appealed for budget support to be disbursed by June 2026 to maintain fiscal momentum.
In response, World Bank officials commended Sierra Leone’s reform trajectory. The institution’s Chief Economist praised the government’s focus on targeted interventions rather than broad subsidies, describing it as a more sustainable approach to economic management.
Vice President Diagana reaffirmed the World Bank’s support, emphasizing that continued economic stability is vital for strengthening democratic governance. He assured that Sierra Leone’s requests would receive favorable consideration as the country navigates global economic uncertainties.
The meeting underscores growing confidence among international partners in Sierra Leone’s economic direction, while highlighting the need for sustained support amid evolving global challenges.
