The Ministry of Finance, through its Public Debt Management Division, has commenced its annual Debt Sustainability Analysis (DSA) Workshop, aimed at reviewing Sierra Leone’s debt profile and strengthening strategies for sustainable debt management.

The week-long workshop, held at the Leisure Lodge in Aberdeen, brings together participants from the Ministry of Finance, the National Revenue Authority (NRA), Statistics Sierra Leone (Stats SL), the Bank of Sierra Leone (BSL), civil society organisations, and economics students from the University of Sierra Leone.

The sessions focus on public debt analysis, debt management frameworks, and the broader impact of debt on the economy and society.

In his opening remarks, Director of the Public Debt Management Division, Mathew Sandy, expressed gratitude to participants and emphasised the importance of the workshop in shaping government policy.

He noted that Sierra Leone has maintained single-digit inflation over the past two years, thanks to reduced borrowing appetite and greater engagement with private sector actors. These measures, he explained, have helped lower interest rates and consolidate public debt at moderate levels.

Director Sandy revealed that the current debt stock stands at NLe74.4 billion, with domestic debt at NLe23.9 billion (45.6%) and external debt at NLe40.48 billion (54.4%). He described the increase from NLe69.8 billion to NLe74.4 billion as a “mild rise,” estimating the debt-to-GDP ratio at 42.4%.

He urged citizens and businesses to remain transparent in paying taxes, stressing that revenue mobilisation is vital for development and loan repayment.

Deputy Director Santigie Charles Conteh addressed the country’s debt distress status, currently classified as medium. He explained that, according to World Bank analysis, Sierra Leone is expected to move to a moderate risk of debt distress within six months. Conteh reassured participants that the nation’s debt remains sustainable, with the government fully capable of meeting its obligations without incurring penalties.

The workshop underscores the government’s commitment to strengthening debt management capacity and fostering collaboration among stakeholders. By involving civil society and academia, the Ministry of Finance aims to broaden understanding of debt dynamics and ensure transparency in Sierra Leone’s economic governance.

Credit – MOF Communications

Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Wednesday, 15th July 2026 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)