The Commissioner for Macroeconomics at the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Dr. Kalilou Sylla, on Tuesday paid a courtesy visit to Sierra Leone’s Minister of Finance, Sheku Ahmed Fantamadi Bangura, at his office on George Street in Freetown. Dr. Sylla is in Sierra Leone to participate in the 2026 ECOWAS Mid-Year Summit.
Finance Minister and the Commissioner for Macroeconomics committed to strengthening regional trade integration.
Minister Bangura warmly welcomed Dr. Sylla and his delegation, expressing appreciation for the visit despite the Commissioner’s busy schedule.
In response, Dr. Sylla thanked the Minister for the warm reception and commended the Government and people of Sierra Leone for their commitment and support in hosting the 2026 ECOWAS Mid-Year Summit.
“We couldn’t come to Sierra Leone without paying a visit to the Minister of Finance,” Dr. Sylla said.
During their meeting, the two leaders discussed key issues affecting the region, including economic development, regional stability, critical infrastructure, digital payment systems, and trade integration across West Africa.
They also reviewed the outcomes of the 13th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Convergence Council, held earlier this year in Monrovia, Liberia. Their discussions focused on advancing macroeconomic convergence among ECOWAS member states and implementing the ECOWAS Single Currency (ECO) Roadmap.
Minister Bangura is expected to present the report of the 67th Meeting of the Committee of Governors of Central Banks of ECOWAS Member States, along with its recommendations, to the Council of Heads of State and Government during the ECOWAS Mid-Year Summit.
Also present at the meeting were the Deputy Minister of Finance II, Madam Jenneh Jabati; Governor of the Bank of Sierra Leone, 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.
The courtesy visit underscored the strong partnership between Sierra Leone and ECOWAS and reaffirmed their shared commitment to strengthening regional economic integration, financial stability, and sustainable development across West Africa.