World Bank, Mines Ministry Consult on New Country Partnership Framework, Focus on Energy, Local Investment and Governance

FREETOWN, Aug. 2026 – The World Bank on Tuesday held a consultation meeting with Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Mines and Mineral Resources and the National Mineral Agency officials to inform the development of the institution’s upcoming Country Partnership Framework (CPF) for Sierra Leone. The meeting was held at the Ministry’s conference room in Freetown and brought together World Bank representatives and senior ministry officials to discuss priorities for cooperation to strengthen the mining sector and support sustainable economic growth.
“The CPF is being developed through extensive engagement with government institutions and other stakeholders to ensure the document reflects Sierra Leone’s national development priorities and the practical needs of the sector,” said World Bank Country Manager Abdu Muwonge. The new framework, he said, will be built around three core pillars: improving foundational infrastructure, strengthening policy and regulatory structures and promoting private sector investment. Muwonge said the Bank’s support will also be guided by cross-cutting priorities such as youth employment, gender equality, social inclusion, skills development and human capital.
Ministers of Mines & Mineral Resources Hon. Julius D. Mattai welcomed the Bank’s continued engagement and used the opportunity to highlight the Ministry’s ongoing reform agenda. He talked of continuing efforts to improve governance and to strengthen the regulatory institutions, including measures to increase transparency and to enhance the capacity of the National Mineral Agency. Such reforms are crucial to attract responsible investment and to ensure that the country’s mineral wealth contributes to inclusive development,” the minister said.
One of the major issues raised during the consultations was the need to increase the participation of Sierra Leonean investors in the mining industry. “Growing domestic ownership and participation is key to ensuring that the sector’s contribution to national development is maximised and that more benefits are retained locally in addition to foreign investment,” said Minister Mattai.
One of the most pressing challenges discussed was energy constraints. Hon. Mattai noted that reliable and affordable electricity is a pre-condition for the government’s ambition to promote mineral beneficiation, value addition and downstream processing of Sierra Leone’s critical minerals. “Progress on energy is therefore central to moving the sector up the value chain,” he said.
Addressing those concerns, Mr. Muwonge pointed to the role renewable energy – especially solar power – can play in supporting mining operations and advancing Sierra Leone’s sustainable development goals. He emphasised the necessity of strategic investments in off-grid and grid-connected renewable solutions to address power bottlenecks for mining and processing activities.
The meeting concluded with both sides reaffirming their commitment to continued collaboration as the World Bank finalises its Country Partnership Framework, with a shared aim of unlocking greater economic opportunities and ensuring the sustainable development of Sierra Leone’s mining sector.