The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has completed a review mission assessing Sierra Leone’s progress under the Extended Credit Facility (ECF) Program. The review took place on February 26, 2026, at the Ministry of Finance Conference Hall in Freetown and included representatives from the IMF, the Ministry of Finance, the Bank of Sierra Leone, the National Revenue Authority, and other government stakeholders.
Christian Saborowski, Mission Chief for Sierra Leone, outlined that the mission focused on several areas: “to assess progress on the structural benchmarks, implementation of Memorandum of Economic and Financial Policies (MEFP) Commitments, follow up actions on Governance and Corruption Diagnostics (GCD), Public Financial Management(PFM) Reforms including improvements in expenditure controls and budget transparency, domestic revenue mobilization with measures to broaden the tax base and enhance compliance, Public debt management, and steps to strengthen debt recording etc.”
Minister of Finance Sheku Ahmed Fantamadi Bangura expressed appreciation for IMF support. He said that efforts have been made to reduce inflationary pressure through monetary policy coordination with the Bank of Sierra Leone. He also noted advances in governance and transparency regarding public financial management.
Bangura stated that recommendations from recent Governance and Corruption Diagnostics are being addressed. These include improving asset declaration processes and strengthening legal frameworks to increase accountability and limit fiscal risks.
Mr Bangura reaffirmed commitment to meeting outstanding benchmarks: “reaffirmed commitment to meeting the remaining benchmarks in sustaining macroeconomic stability and continued technical support and policy coordination to maintain reform progress.”
Financial Secretary Matthew Dingie praised both IMF staff and local officials for their work so far. He called on all sectors involved in governance to collaborate further as reforms continue.
Findings from this mission will be used to prepare a formal review report ahead of the IMF’s spring meeting scheduled for April 2026.
In December 2025, following completion of earlier reviews under this program by its Executive Board, Sierra Leone received an immediate disbursement of $79.8 million from the IMF.