New ADfB Executive Director Strengthens Economic Ties With Ministry of Finance

Executive Director of the African Development Bank to Sierra Leone, Rufus N. Darkortey, on his first official visit to Sierra Leone, has shared his vision with the Minister of Finance, Sheku Ahmed Fantamadi Bangura in a courtesy meeting on Tuesday 28th February 2023 at his George Street office.

Rufus Darkortey is a Liberian national who serves as the Executive Director for five African countries, the Gambia, Ghana, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Sudan, is on a three-day working visit in Sierra Leone.

He congratulated the Minister of Finance on his appointment, counting on his experience in the sector during this challenging economic period.

Mr. Rufus further stated that he is in Sierra Leone to engage in plans for his constituent countries and Sierra Leone, in particular, to share his vision and access portfolio performance.

He stated that areas of interest have to be domestic revenue mobilization through strengthening tax-administration systems, private sector development, agriculture, and other programs on gender, youth, and African legal facilities.

Minister of Finance Sheku Bangura thanked him for his visit and stated that though the economic situation is tight but his administration is committed to deepening reforms.

He updated him on his engagement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

The Minister commits to both revenue mobilization and expenditure reforms in the short and medium term.

He applauds the Executive Director for his vision and notes that the President wants to redirect economic development through agriculture.

Also, as part of the Minister of Finance’s continuous engagement with development partners, bilateral and multilateral partners, he met with the Economic Counsellor and Head of the Regional Economic Service from the French Embassy, DaniielGallisaires.

They discussed the current economic situation in the region and Sierra Leone. They also discussed government fiscal position, budget deficit, debt, and revenue generation.

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Minister Bangura provided an overview of the current economic outlook and outlined government commitments to deepening engagements and reforms.