Dr. Zarau Kibwe, Executive Director at the World Bank representing 22 African countries, visited Sierra Leone for two days from December 11 to December 12, 2025. During the visit, Dr. Kibwe met with key officials including Sheku Fantamadi Bangura, Minister of Finance and World Bank Governor for Sierra Leone; the Governor and senior management of the Bank of Sierra Leone; the Commissioner General of the National Revenue Authority (N.R.A); private sector representatives; and President Julius Maada Bio.
The visit concluded with a dinner at Led Hotel in Freetown. At this event, Minister Bangura expressed appreciation for Dr. Kibwe’s visit and noted that time constraints prevented visits to rural areas to observe bridges and agricultural projects funded by the World Bank.
Bangura stated: “The work the Bank is doing is visible, and the bridges are transformational, serving to unlock opportunities for agricultural produce to be transported to larger towns and cities, thereby improving trade, opening up the economy, and enhancing livelihoods for the Citizenry.” He also highlighted that the World Bank’s portfolio in Sierra Leone amounts to about a billion dollars over three to four years—almost equal to an annual national budget.
He assured continued government oversight on project implementation: “The government would remain committed to supervising the implementation of these projects and improving the capacities of personnel handling them for the betterment of the Country.” Bangura further said: “The government has been doing its own part in taking difficult reforms such as land reform issues, gender issues, mining sector issues, etc.”
Dr. Kibwe thanked local authorities for hosting him and outlined his objectives: strengthening partnership with Sierra Leone and assessing how World Bank support contributes to development efforts. He announced that Directors General from the World Bank plan a visit in March next year.
He acknowledged President Bio’s engagement with World Bank meetings in Washington DC: “Commended the efforts of the government of Sierra Leone and His Excellency Retired Julius Maada Bio for his resilience in attending the Bank’s meetings in Washington DC which distinct Sierra Leone with other countries that gives the leeway for Director General’s to visit the Country next year after so many years they visited.”
Dr. Kibwe also praised ongoing reforms across sectors discussed during meetings with various agencies including finance authorities and private sector leaders.
Bank Governor and Minister of Agriculture joined Minister Bangura in recognizing both Dr. Kibwe’s efforts and those by World Bank staff toward supporting development projects benefiting citizens.