The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has completed the first and second reviews of Sierra Leone’s Extended Credit Facility (ECF) arrangement, paving the way for the immediate disbursement of approximately US$79.8 million to support the country’s development priorities.

According to the IMF, the completion of the reviews reflects satisfactory performance under the programme and progress in implementing agreed policy reforms aimed at strengthening macroeconomic stability and fiscal discipline.

The disbursement is expected to bolster Sierra Leone’s financial buffers, support priority sectors, and help protect vulnerable populations. Recent economic indicators show easing inflation, relative stability of the leone, projected economic growth of 4.4 percent in 2025, and more sustainable borrowing costs.

The Government attributes the progress to coordinated fiscal and monetary measures implemented under the ECF programme. The Ministry of Finance, led by Minister Sheku Ahmed Fantamadi Bangura, has focused on revenue mobilisation, expenditure control, and fiscal consolidation, while the Bank of Sierra Leone, under Governor Dr. Ibrahim Stevens, has pursued policies aimed at maintaining monetary stability and anchoring inflation expectations.

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The completion of the two reviews also signals continued international confidence in Sierra Leone’s economic reform agenda and unlocks concessional financing as the country expands investment in key development priorities, including social services, infrastructure, and private sector growth.

Welcoming the IMF decision, Finance Minister Bangura reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to maintaining disciplined economic management and accelerating reforms aimed at achieving inclusive and sustainable growth.