The Commissioner for Macroeconomics at the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Dr Kalilou Sylla, has paid a courtesy visit to Sierra Leone’s Minister of Finance, Sheku Ahmed Fantamadi Bangura, ahead of the 2026 ECOWAS Mid-Year Summit.

Dr Sylla made the visit on Tuesday, 14 July, at Minister Bangura’s George Street office in Freetown, where discussions focused on regional economic development, infrastructure, digital payment systems and trade integration across West Africa.

Welcoming the ECOWAS delegation, Minister Bangura expressed appreciation for Dr Sylla’s visit and commended the regional body’s engagement with Sierra Leone.

Dr Sylla, in response, thanked the Minister for the hospitality extended to him and his delegation, while praising the Government and people of Sierra Leone for their support in hosting the upcoming summit.

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“We can’t come to Sierra Leone without seeing the Minister of Finance,” Dr Sylla said.

The two officials also reviewed key outcomes from the 13th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Convergence Council, held earlier this year in Monrovia, Liberia, particularly issues relating to macroeconomic convergence and progress towards the implementation of the ECOWAS Single Currency (ECO) Roadmap.

During the Mid-Year Summit, Minister Bangura is expected to present the report of the 67th Meeting of the Committee of Governors of Central Banks of ECOWAS Member States, including its recommendations, to the Council of Heads of State and Government.

Those present at the meeting included Deputy Minister of Finance II Madam Jenneh Jabati, Bank Governor Dr Ibrahim Stevens, Financial Secretary Matthew Dingie, Chief Economist Alimamy Bangura, ECOWAS Director of Macroeconomic Stability and Multilateral Surveillance Iliysu Bobbo, and Technical Adviser to the Minister of Finance Franklyn Bendu.