The Minister of Finance, Sheku Ahmed Fantamadi Bangura, has assured a team from the World Bank of the government’s commitment to advancing Public Financial Management (PFM) reforms. The assurance was given during a meeting on January 26, 2026, as part of the World Bank’s scoping mission for the proposed Strengthening Accountability and Local Oversight for the New Generation Public Financial Management Project.
The project aims to improve financial oversight, accountability, and efficiency in public sector operations. During their visit from January 26 to January 30, 2026, the World Bank team is scheduled to consult with various Ministries, Departments and Agencies, as well as civil society groups. The consultations will focus on strengthening accountability in PFM, improving local oversight mechanisms, determining project activities and scope, identifying draft results indicators, agreeing on preparation and implementation arrangements, and beginning discussions on fiduciary, technical, environmental and social standards.
World Bank Country Manager Abdu Muwonge introduced the team to Minister Bangura and emphasized the need for strategic guidance. “They need the guidance of the minister at a strategic level to reposition the project to get value for money,” Muwonge said. He highlighted that prioritizing elements within the project would help sustain gains made in PFM reforms.
Minister Bangura expressed gratitude for the World Bank’s support over recent years. “The reforms in this new project must complement progress in systems around Procurement. and the EGP, Revenue Mobilisation efforts, Local Councils reforms, enhance budget credibility, addressing audit recommendations, amongst others,” he stated.
Raymond Muhala, Public Sector Specialist and mission lead for the World Bank team, outlined critical aspects of their consultations. Deputy Minister of Finance I Kaddiatu Allie encouraged the mission to build on current achievements by identifying effective practices and areas needing improvement in decentralization and revenue mobilization at district levels.
Discussions also involved contributions from other directors covering topics such as public procurement processes; internal and external audits; public investment management; PFM interoperability; and additional future reform initiatives.
Following these consultations throughout the week-long mission, another meeting with Minister Bangura is planned for January 30 to conclude discussions.