Sierra Leone's President Julius Maada Bio participated in the Economic Development Assembly held in Abidjan, Ivory Coast. The two-day event brought together heads of state, leaders from public and private sectors, and civil society representatives to promote financial investments aimed at eradicating extreme poverty across Africa.
During a high-level discussion with African heads of state, President Bio emphasized the impact of the World Bank’s International Development Association (IDA) funding on various sectors in Sierra Leone. He highlighted its contributions to agriculture, energy, education, and transportation.
President Bio noted that IDA resources have supported the Free Quality Education Programme, leading to an increase in primary school enrollment by one million students. He also discussed the positive effects of IDA funding in agriculture through the Small Holder Commercialization and Agribusiness Development Project. This project finances rural bridge construction, feeder road rehabilitation, and provides assistance for local businesses.
In addition, he pointed out IDA funding's role in improving transportation through the Integrated Resilience Urban Mobility Project. This initiative is enhancing urban public transport systems and creating marketplaces for small traders in Freetown.
The assembly presented a compelling investment case for G20 nations to increase their contributions to the World Bank’s International Development Association. The goal is to reach a replenishment target of $120 billion by December 2024.
Earlier this year, President Bio was appointed as one of the Champions for IDA21 during the IDA Heads of State Summit in Nairobi.
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