A high-level delegation from the World Bank has reaffirmed its strong commitment to Sierra Leone’s development agenda following a courtesy visit to President Julius Maada Bio at State House in Freetown on Friday, April 24, 2026.
The delegation, led by Executive Director, Dr. Zarau Kibwe, comprised six Executive Directors and three Alternate Executive Directors representing a constituency of 67 countries. The visit forms part of an assessment mission aimed at evaluating the impact of World Bank-supported programs in Sierra Leone while strengthening ongoing collaboration across key sectors of the economy.
Speaking during the engagement, Minister of Finance, Ahmed Sheku Fantamadi Bangura, explained that the visit is part of a broader three-day mission involving consultations with Government institutions, private sector actors, Civil Society Organizations and the media. He noted that the courtesy call underscores the World Bank’s sustained interest in deepening its partnership with Sierra Leone, particularly at a time when global economic pressures continue to affect developing economies.
Dr. Zarau Kibwe commended President Bio’s leadership and reform-oriented governance, stating that Sierra Leone has made notable progress in stabilizing its macroeconomic framework. According to her, those efforts have strengthened the country’s standing within the Bank’s constituency and positioned it for enhanced support. She emphasized that the delegation’s visit is not only to review ongoing projects but also to identify priority areas where additional assistance can accelerate national development.
On behalf of the delegation, Zainab Ahmed described Sierra Leone as a strategic partner, reaffirming the institution’s readiness to continue supporting Government initiatives. She highlighted education, energy and women’s empowerment as central pillars of cooperation, noting that sustained investment in those sectors is critical to inclusive growth and long-term resilience.
Other Executive Directors, including Matteo Bugamelli, Velavan Gnanendran, Arnaud Buissé and Jiandi Ye, commended Sierra Leone’s national development plan for its alignment with global priorities. They pointed to progress in sectors such as education, energy, mining and digital transformation as evidence of the Government’s commitment to sustainable development.
In his response, President Bio warmly welcomed the delegation and expressed appreciation for the World Bank’s longstanding support to Sierra Leone. He acknowledged the institution’s contributions to key sectors, including agriculture, infrastructure and human capital development, describing the partnership as vital to the country’s progress.
“The World Bank’s support has been instrumental in our development journey, especially in agriculture, infrastructure and human capital,” President Bio stated.
The President reiterated his Government’s commitment to advancing digital transformation, strengthening infrastructure and expanding flagship initiatives in agriculture and the blue economy. He emphasized that continued collaboration with the World Bank will be essential in achieving those priorities and driving sustainable economic growth.
President Bio also praised the Bank’s timely interventions during global crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic, noting that such support helped cushion the country’s economy during difficult periods. He reaffirmed Sierra Leone’s focus on building a skilled and competitive workforce through quality education and capacity development, positioning the nation for future opportunities in an increasingly digital and interconnected world.
The visit marks another significant step in reinforcing the partnership between Sierra Leone and the World Bank, with both sides expressing optimism about deepening cooperation to deliver tangible development outcomes for the people.
