A delegation of Executive Directors from the World Bank Group has concluded a three-day working visit to Sierra Leone, culminating in a field trip to Manowa Bridge and Jojoima Hospital in Kailahun District.
The delegation comprised seven Executive Directors and three Alternate Directors representing 67 countries and holding 39% of the Board’s voting power. This marks one of the largest Executive Director missions to Sierra Leone.
During a courtesy visit to the Ministry of Finance, the delegation’s spokesperson, Madam Zainab Ahmed representing Angola, Nigeria, and South Africa explained that the purpose of the visit was to assess the impact of the Bank’s interventions in Sierra Leone. She emphasized the importance of understanding how these initiatives respond to the country’s development priorities, particularly in sectors such as agriculture and energy, while also identifying opportunities and challenges.
Minister of Finance, Sheku Ahmed Fantamadi Bangura, welcomed the delegation and expressed appreciation for the World Bank’s financial and advisory support. He highlighted key government priorities outlined in the National Development Plan, including human capital development through free quality education, the Feed Salone programme for food security, and investments in energy, infrastructure, and tourism.
Minister Bangura commended the World Bank for expanding Sierra Leone’s development portfolio to approximately one billion dollars and for mobilizing additional development partners. He noted the Bank’s contributions across sectors such as energy, health, agriculture, and mining.
He also pointed out that since 2018, Sierra Leone’s economy has faced four major external shocks that have disrupted macroeconomic stability and affected indicators such as inflation, exchange rates, and debt levels. Despite these challenges, he reaffirmed the government’s commitment to implementing bold reforms to strengthen economic resilience amid global uncertainties.
The engagement continued with sector ministers and key stakeholders including representatives from agriculture, energy, education, communications and technology, water resources, health, planning and economic development, the central bank, and the National Commission for Social Action who discussed progress, challenges, and future opportunities related to World Bank-supported projects.
The delegation also conducted site visits to several key projects funded by the World Bank. These included a $30 million onion farming project supported by the International Finance Corporation in Mathen, Lokomasama Chiefdom, Port Loko District; the $52 million RESPITE energy project in Newton, Waterloo; the $30 million Manowa Bridge construction under the Smallholder Commercialization and Agribusiness Development Project (SCADeP); and the $257 million Jojoima Health Centre project in Kailahun District.
Madam Zainab Ahmed praised the government for progress made in implementing development projects aligned with the World Bank’s core priorities, including universal health care, Mission 300, Agric Connect, and water and sanitation initiatives.
Host Executive Director Zarah Kibwe, who represents Sierra Leone and 21 other countries, noted that the field visits demonstrated the tangible impact of development financing. He commended both government officials and technical experts for their commitment and professionalism.
The delegation also met with President Julius Maada Bio and attended the commissioning of the Leicester Peak Tourist Site on Friday, April 24, 2026.
The visit concluded with a renewed commitment from the World Bank Group to continue supporting Sierra Leone’s development efforts across key sectors, including education, health, infrastructure, and economic growth.