The Directorate of Financial Management Systems and Technology (DFMST) within the Ministry of Finance, in collaboration with the Bank of Sierra Leone, through the Financial Inclusion II Project, and with support from the World Bank and key stakeholders, has successfully concluded a two-day workshop to validate the draft interoperability roadmap for Public Financial Management (PFM) systems.
The validation exercise took place at the Sierra Palms Hotel in Freetown on October 28th and 29th, 2025. It brought together representatives from the Ministry of Finance, the Bank of Sierra Leone, the National Revenue Authority (NRA), NACRA, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), and various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs). Consultants from PCL International also participated.
The event was officially opened by Samuel E.B. Momoh, Principal Deputy Financial Secretary at the Ministry of Finance. In his remarks, he emphasized the importance of interoperability, especially considering the Government of Sierra Leone’s investments exceeding USD 300 million in standalone PFM systems. These systems include the Integrated Financial Management Systems (IFMIS), Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) systems, and the ITAX system at the National Revenue Authority.
Mr. Momoh acknowledged that while these systems have advanced several operations, they often function in isolation, leading to inefficiencies and duplication. He stated that the implementation of interoperable systems would facilitate seamless data exchange, strengthen citizens’ trust, enhance donor confidence, and promote transparency, ultimately attracting foreign investment.
Dr. Simeon M. Jonjo, Director of Financial Management Systems and Technology, highlighted how interoperability could improve efficiency in financial management and reporting. He explained that interoperable systems would enhance transparency, accountability, and informed decision-making, while streamlining processes to reduce costs.
Dr. Jonjo further stated that interoperable systems are crucial for the proper management and distribution of public funds, allowing institutions to maintain accountability and make data-driven decisions. He also noted that the workshop was an opportunity to validate inputs from stakeholders during the consultation process for developing the roadmap. The goal, he explained, is for different institutions within the PFM space to take ownership and contribute meaningfully to ensure seamless implementation across the sector.
He called for effective collaboration among PFM institutions to achieve this important milestone in the sector.
Oluwole Austin Pratt, CEO of PCL International, a consulting firm supporting the Government of Sierra Leone, noted that achieving full interoperability requires the coordination of all financial systems through digital integration and automation. He pointed out that many institutions have deployed various systems and applications that currently operate independently. He further emphasized that the roadmap, developed through extensive stakeholder engagement, provides a comprehensive framework to enable seamless data transfer and integration across the PFM ecosystem. This framework includes clear guidelines on technical standards, interoperability infrastructure, data requirements, and policies, laying the foundation for digital transformation and financial inclusion.
