President Dr Julius Maada Bio has met with Gabriel Edgal, Chairman and Group CEO of Oakwood Green Africa Limited and a representative of the majority shareholders of Bloom Bank Africa, to discuss renewed commitments to deepen public-private collaboration and support small and medium-sized businesses across Sierra Leone.
Finance Minister Sheku Ahmed Fantamadi Bangura led the delegation on a visit to appreciate the government for its efforts in creating a conducive business environment and reaffirm Bloom Bank Africa’s long-term commitment to the country. Bloom Bank, which operates in four African countries, said it would align its investment strategy with the government’s Big Five Game Changers agenda and increase support for entrepreneurship, in particular for businesses run by women and young people.
Mr Edgal congratulated President Bio for his regional and international roles including his chairmanship of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, and Sierra Leone’s seat on the United Nations Security Council, citing the country’s rising global profile as proof of his leadership. Bloom Bank will work with the government and multilateral institutions to develop a national SME capacity building program to improve entrepreneurship, improve business competitiveness and increase opportunities for women and youth-owned businesses,” he said.
President Bio thanked the delegation for their confidence in Sierra Leone and reiterated his administration’s commitment to creating a business-friendly environment that stimulates investment and private sector growth. “We are looking forward to engaging and supporting the private sector through effective collaboration,” he said. He noted that strong partnerships between government and private enterprise are key to long-term economic transformation.
The Head of State has commended Bloom Bank’s emphasis on financial literacy and SME development, and urged the bank and other financial institutions to boost investment in agriculture. He said the success of the Feed Salone program, a priority of his administration aimed at boosting agricultural productivity and food security, will depend heavily on greater private sector participation and financing.
President Bio also said his government is working on reforms to strengthen the banking sector and increase access to finance, especially for start-ups and emerging entrepreneurs. “The administration remains committed to establishing a structured and resilient financial system that can propel inclusive economic growth and unlock the possibilities of Sierra Leone’s young population,” he said.
At the end of the meeting, both sides agreed to strengthen collaboration on entrepreneurship, financial inclusion, private sector development and long-term economic growth. Special emphasis will be given to programs and interventions that empower women and youth-led businesses, build capacity through training and technical assistance and improve access to credit and investment facilitation across the country.
The Minister of Finance, Bangura, who represented the government on the visit, thanked the delegation for their participation and stressed the government’s readiness to partner on projects that have a tangible impact on small businesses and communities across the country. The visit continues a trend of engagement between the State House and private investors to translate policy reforms into real economic opportunities for Sierra Leoneans.
