The African Development Bank (AfDB) has wrapped up a 10-day Policy-Based Operation Appraisal Mission with the Government of Sierra Leone, signalling a renewed partnership on budget support after a three-year suspension.
At a closing meeting with Financial Secretary Matthew Dingie on Thursday, July 16, the mission team reviewed reform progress, prior actions, and triggers required for board consideration. Dingie expressed gratitude to the AfDB for its continued support, noting that the new engagement is vital for Sierra Leone’s fiscal and development agenda.
Chief Economist Alimamy Bangura welcomed the resumption of direct budget support, stressing that the mission was a follow-up to assess prior actions and triggers for the 2026 and 2027 programs.
He explained that discussions with Ministries, Departments, and Agencies had been thorough, ensuring readiness for implementation.
Senior Governance Officer Andara Kamara outlined the reform measures required for the 2026 disbursement of $11.5 million, expected between September and November. These include promoting fiscal efficiency, transparency, and accountability; advancing inclusive and sustainable mining and transport sector reforms; submitting the Public Financial Management Strategy; operationalising audit recommendations; approving and launching the MAPS II implementation plan; introducing the Sierra Leone Critical Minerals Strategy; and securing Cabinet approval of the National Transport Sector Policy, which integrates urban mobility, traffic management, and e-mobility.
Kamara noted that these actions are already at an advanced stage and should be completed before the disbursement date.
For 2027, the triggers agreed upon include drafting amendments to the Public Debt Management Act of 2011, deploying the GoAML system in the Financial Intelligence Unit, securing Cabinet approval of the revised Public Procurement Act of 2016, and approving the draft Beneficial Ownership Disclosure Regulation.
Financial Secretary Dingie expressed optimism that the 2026 cabinet-level policy actions could be completed without delay, contrasting them with legislative reforms that typically require more time.
The AfDB mission was led by Senior Governance Officer Andara Kamara and included Ibrahim Bangura, Principal Governance Officer; Prosper Charle, Senior Country Economist; Philip Doghle, Regional Financial Management Coordinator; Kombo Koroma, Financial Management Specialist; Douglas Tsise, Procurement Specialist; Alex Yeanay, Senior Fragility Expert; Betty Wangozi, Chief Gender Specialist; and several others.
The conclusion of this mission underscores a renewed commitment to fiscal reforms, governance, and sustainable development in Sierra Leone, with AfDB’s support expected to bolster economic stability and growth.
Credit – MOF Communications
Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Monday, 20th July 2026 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)
