Dr. Elsiddig Mohamed Rahma, Executive Director of the African Development Bank (AfDB), visited Sierra Leone’s Minister of Finance, Sheku Ahmed Fantamadi Bangura, on February 9, 2026, in Freetown. The visit is part of Dr. Rahma’s two-day working trip to Sierra Leone.
Dr. Rahma explained that his visit aims to “strengthen dialogue with member states, foster collaboration, and deepen the understanding of Sierra Leone’s development priorities.” He added that since taking up his position as Executive Director for Sierra Leone, Ghana, Liberia, The Gambia, and Sudan, he has been visiting these countries to “understand their development landscapes, gain insight into economic performance, and strengthen collaboration between the Bank and institutions.”
Minister Bangura congratulated Dr. Rahma on his new role and acknowledged the AfDB as a key partner for Sierra Leone’s government and citizens. He outlined the government’s ongoing commitments to programs and reforms with the AfDB as well as other partners like the World Bank and IMF.
The Minister also reported recent improvements in inflation rates, fiscal deficit management, interest rates, and domestic revenue mobilization. He emphasized government priorities known as the Big Five Game Changers and discussed ways for the AfDB to align its project portfolio with these national goals.
Deputy Minister of Finance I, Kadiatu Allie, thanked Dr. Rahma for his visit and expressed appreciation for the longstanding partnership between Sierra Leone and the AfDB. She highlighted ongoing project interventions across various sectors.
During his stay in Sierra Leone, Dr. Rahma is scheduled to meet with additional ministries, departments, and agencies.