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The Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) AFRITAC West 2, Ivohasina Fizara Razafimahefa, paid a courtesy visit to the Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Madam Kenyeh Barlay, ahead of the 13th AFRITAC West 2 Steering Committee Meeting scheduled for 18–19 June 2026 in Freetown.
The engagement focused on final preparations for the regional meeting, which will bring together senior government officials, central bank governors, heads of revenue and statistics institutions, development partners, and IMF representatives from the six member countries of AFRITAC West 2.
During the discussions, the Director commended the Government of Sierra Leone for its strong commitment and collaboration with AFRITAC West 2, noting that the country’s dedication to public sector reforms has contributed significantly to the successful implementation of technical assistance programmes.
He disclosed that more than 30 international delegates, including central bank governors, revenue authority commissioners, statistics officials, and IMF experts from Washington and the region, are expected to participate in the meeting. He further explained that the Steering Committee will review AFRITAC West 2’s achievements for Fiscal Year 2026, discuss priorities for Fiscal Year 2027, assess the regional economic outlook, and deliberate on strengthening public financial management, monetary policy, banking supervision, statistics, governance, and institutional capacity development.
Furthermore, the Director also highlighted ongoing efforts to mobilize resources for AFRITAC West 2’s next operational phase, stressing the importance of sustained support from member countries and development partners to ensure the continuity of technical assistance and capacity-building programmes across the region.
Minister Kenyeh Barlay welcomed the AFRITAC West 2 delegation and reaffirmed Sierra Leone’s commitment to supporting the Centre’s objectives. She expressed appreciation for the longstanding partnership between AFRITAC West 2 and the Government of Sierra Leone, particularly in strengthening economic governance, public financial management, planning systems, and institutional reforms.
Additionally, Minister Barlay noted that hosting the Steering Committee Meeting demonstrates Sierra Leone’s growing role in regional policy dialogue and knowledge-sharing. She assured the delegation of the Government’s readiness to ensure the successful hosting of the event and encouraged continued collaboration in advancing sustainable economic development and public sector effectiveness across member countries.
The two-day meeting, to be held at the Foreign Service Academy in Freetown, will feature presentations on the Sub-Saharan Africa Regional Economic Outlook, AFRITAC West 2’s Fiscal Year 2026 achievements and Fiscal Year 2027 workplan, financing requirements, and a series of high-level panel discussions on public financial management, monetary policy, statistics, leadership, governance, and the integration of IMF capacity development programmes. Optional field visits are scheduled for the second day of the event.
