President Julius Maada Bio confirmed today, March 18th, 2024, that he met with the newly appointed World Bank Country Director for Sierra Leone, Ghana, and Liberia, Mr. Robert Taliercio O’Brien, at the State Lodge in Freetown.

The meeting aimed to discuss key initiatives geared towards bolstering Sierra Leone’s macroeconomic stability and addressing poverty alleviation efforts in alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 1.

In his remarks, President Bio underscored the importance of enhancing the country’s macroeconomic fundamentals and intensifying poverty alleviation measures. These efforts are in accordance with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal 1, which aims to eradicate extreme poverty globally by 2030. Additionally, President Bio highlighted the significance of the World Bank’s continuous support for Sierra Leone’s Medium-Term National Development Plan (2024-2030), with a specific focus on the government’s “Big 5 Strategic Priorities” designed to foster sustainable socio-economic transformation.

Acknowledging the invaluable partnership between Sierra Leone and the World Bank, President Bio emphasized the collaborative efforts of various development partners in supporting the nation’s poverty reduction strategies, promoting economic growth, and enhancing the quality of life for its citizens. He expressed confidence in Mr. Robert Taliercio O’Brien’s capabilities, citing his wealth of knowledge and experience, and anticipated his contribution towards advancing shared sustainable development objectives.

Mr. Robert Taliercio O’Brien, the newly appointed World Bank Country Director, expressed his commitment to supporting Sierra Leone, Ghana, and Liberia in achieving their development goals. He affirmed the World Bank’s dedication to collaborating with governments and stakeholders in the region to implement effective strategies aimed at reducing poverty, fostering economic development, and improving livelihoods.

During the meeting, discussions also centered on leveraging innovative approaches and financing mechanisms to address the multifaceted challenges facing Sierra Leone and the broader region. Both President Bio and Mr. O’Brien explored opportunities for enhancing cooperation between the government and the World Bank to maximize the impact of development interventions and ensure their sustainability over the long term.

As Sierra Leone strives to overcome various socio-economic obstacles, including the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic and climate change-related vulnerabilities, the partnership between the government and the World Bank remains crucial. The collaboration between these entities is poised to drive inclusive growth, enhance resilience, and create opportunities for the country’s diverse population.

President Julius Maada Bio’s meeting with Mr. Robert Taliercio O’Brien, the newly appointed World Bank Country Director for Sierra Leone, Ghana, and Liberia, signifies a renewed commitment to advancing sustainable development objectives in the region. Through strategic collaboration and concerted efforts, Sierra Leone aims to accelerate progress towards achieving its development targets, ultimately improving the well-being of its citizens and fostering inclusive prosperity.