A high-level World Bank delegation led by Executive Director Dr Zarau Kibwe paid a courtesy call on President Dr Julius Maada Bio, reaffirming the organisation’s commitment to Sierra Leone’s development priorities and signalling renewed engagement amid ongoing global economic pressures.
The visiting team, which includes six Executive Directors and three Alternate Executive Directors representing 67 countries, is on a three-day assessment mission in Sierra Leone. The mission is intended to assess the impact of World Bank interventions to date and identify opportunities for deeper collaboration across sectors critical to the country’s growth agenda.
Introducing the delegation, Finance Minister Ahmed Sheku Fantamadi Bangura stated that the visit will include consultations with the government, the private sector, civil society, and the media, and that it reflects the World Bank’s intention to strengthen its partnership with Sierra Leone. “This engagement is part of a larger effort to assess our development progress and identify areas where the Bank can provide additional support,” the minister stated.
Dr Zarau Kibwe praised President Bio’s reform efforts, noting that Sierra Leone’s improving macroeconomic situation has strengthened the country’s position within the Bank’s constituency. The delegation explained that its mission on this visit is to assess progress and identify specific areas for technical and financial assistance.
Speaking on behalf of the group, Madam Zainab Ahmed described Sierra Leone as a key partner for the World Bank, emphasising the institution’s commitment to continuing to support the government’s development priorities. She identified education, energy, and women’s empowerment as key areas for future collaboration and support.
Other Executive Directors, including Mr Matteo Bugamelli (Italy), Mr Velavan Gnanendran (United Kingdom), Mr Arnaud Buissé (France), and Ms Jiandi Ye (China), praised Sierra Leone’s national development plan. They praised its alignment with global priorities such as education, energy, responsible mining, and digital transformation, and expressed an interest in supporting related initiatives.
President Bio welcomed the delegation and acknowledged the World Bank’s long-standing relationship with Sierra Leone. “The World Bank’s support has been instrumental in our development journey, especially in agriculture, infrastructure, and human capital,” he said, emphasising the importance of the Bank’s timely assistance during global crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
The President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to advancing digital transformation, improving the country’s infrastructure, and strengthening flagship programs like agriculture and the Blue Economy. He also emphasised the government’s commitment to developing a skilled, competitive workforce through investments in quality education and capacity development, stating that continued collaboration with the World Bank will be critical to achieving those goals.
