BY: Precious Miracle Kargbo Snr
The World Bank Group has appointed Aissatou Diallo as its Country Manager for Sierra Leone, assigning her responsibility for overseeing the Bank’s strategic engagement with the Government and other key stakeholders, as well as managing a country portfolio valued at nearly $1.2 billion.
Based in Freetown, Diallo will lead the World Bank Group’s operations in Sierra Leone at a time when the country is pursuing reforms in agriculture, energy, water, digital development, social protection and governance to promote inclusive economic growth.
“I am deeply honored to serve as the World Bank Group’s Country Manager for Sierra Leone and look forward to deepening our engagement in the country,” Diallo said.
She added that her experience working with communities facing development challenges had demonstrated their resilience and determination to improve their livelihoods.
“I look forward to working closely with the Government, development partners, civil society, the private sector, and citizens across the country to advance opportunities that create jobs, strengthen human capital, build resilience, and improve lives for all Sierra Leoneans,” she said.
The World Bank Group has maintained a long-standing partnership with Sierra Leone, supporting projects and policy reforms aimed at improving access to basic services and encouraging private-sector investment.
Under the current Country Partnership Framework, the Bank’s priority areas include human capital development, climate resilience, and support for youth- and women-led enterprises.
Diallo, a Guinean national, brings nearly three decades of development finance experience to her new position. She joined the World Bank Group in 2002 and has held various operational and leadership positions across Africa, with experience in fragile and conflict-affected settings, portfolio management and policy dialogue.
Before her appointment to Sierra Leone, Diallo served as Resident Representative for Gabon for nearly four years. She also served as Resident Representative for Equatorial Guinea from October 2022 to June 30, 2025.
In her new capacity, Diallo will coordinate the work of the International Development Association (IDA), International Finance Corporation (IFC) and Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA) to align financing, technical assistance and private-sector guarantees with Sierra Leone’s development priorities.
Her responsibilities will include supporting efforts to expand energy access, improve agricultural productivity, strengthen health systems and create employment opportunities.
The World Bank said Diallo’s extensive experience in country leadership and partnership-building would be critical as Sierra Leone addresses fiscal pressures and works to achieve its development objectives.
Her appointment is expected to strengthen the World Bank Group’s engagement with Sierra Leone and help translate the country’s nearly $1.2 billion portfolio into tangible development outcomes, including improved infrastructure, health and education services, agricultural productivity and digital connectivity.