The Acting Vice President of the African Development Bank Group (AfDB) responsible for Country and Regional Operations, Dr Abdul B. Kamara, has held discussions with Sierra Leone’s Minister of Finance, Sheku Ahmed Fantamadi Bangura, on strengthening development cooperation and advancing key national priorities.
Dr Kamara paid a courtesy visit to Minister Bangura at his George Street office in Freetown on Monday, July 20, shortly after returning from the ECOWAS Mid-Year Summit, where he represented the President of the African Development Bank.
Minister Bangura congratulated Dr Kamara on his appointment to the senior AfDB position, expressing pride in seeing a Sierra Leonean occupy such an influential role within the continental development institution.
During the meeting, Dr Kamara highlighted the purpose of his visit, which was to review the Bank’s ongoing interventions in Sierra Leone, assess the country’s project portfolio, and identify opportunities for financing priority development programmes.
The two officials discussed AfDB-supported projects in critical sectors, including energy, agriculture, and infrastructure. They also explored areas such as budget support and innovative financing mechanisms to help address development challenges amid global economic and security uncertainties.
As part of his one-day mission, Dr Kamara also met with President Julius Maada Bio and visited the AfDB-supported Guma Valley facility in Regent, demonstrating the Bank’s commitment to supporting projects with direct impact on citizens’ lives.
Dr Kamara brings more than 30 years of experience in development finance, economic policy, and international development across Africa. He currently serves as Director General of the AfDB’s Nigeria Country Department, where he oversees an investment portfolio valued at approximately $6.4 billion.
His extensive career at the African Development Bank includes serving as Deputy Director General for East Africa, Country Manager for Ethiopia, Resident Representative for Sudan and South Sudan, and Manager of the Bank’s Research Division.
Beyond the AfDB, Dr Kamara has held senior positions within the United Nations, including Deputy Joint Special Representative for the UN Mission in Darfur. He has also contributed to international research and development initiatives focusing on areas such as water management, food policy, and livestock development.
The visit underscores the AfDB’s continued commitment to strengthening its partnership with Sierra Leone and supporting investments in strategic sectors that promote sustainable economic growth and national development.