By Josephine Sesay
Minister of Finance, Sheku Ahmed Fantamadi Bangura
Sierra Leone has secured more than US$243 million in new financial support from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) following the successful completion of the third review of its Extended Credit Facility (ECF) programme, Finance Minister Sheku Ahmed Fantamadi Bangura has announced.
The financing package includes US$31.72 million under the ECF arrangement to support ongoing macroeconomic reforms and US$211.45 million under the IMF’s Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF), aimed at strengthening climate resilience and promoting sustainable development initiatives.
The announcement comes as the government continues its efforts to stabilise the economy, improve fiscal discipline and enhance long-term growth prospects amid global economic uncertainty.
Minister Bangura attributed the achievement to sustained policy reforms and improved economic management.
“Through sustained reforms, Sierra Leone has made significant strides in stabilising the exchange rate, easing inflationary pressures, reducing borrowing costs and strengthening the confidence of development partners,” he said.
He noted that these reforms are not only contributing to macroeconomic stability, but are also advancing key national development priorities, including the Feed Salone initiative, human capital development, infrastructure expansion and inclusive economic growth.
The RSF component of the funding is expected to support climate-related interventions aimed at enhancing resilience, promoting environmental sustainability and improving the country’s capacity to respond to external shocks.
Economic observers say the IMF’s approval reflects growing confidence in Sierra Leone’s reform trajectory, particularly at a time when many developing economies continue to face fiscal constraints, rising debt vulnerabilities and climate-related risks.
Minister Bangura described the agreement as a strong endorsement of the country’s economic direction.
“This milestone is more than just funding; it represents a vote of confidence in Sierra Leone’s reform agenda, economic credibility and long-term development vision,” he said.
The latest disbursement is expected to provide additional fiscal space for government programs while reinforcing ongoing efforts to maintain economic stability and accelerate development outcomes.
Authorities say attention will now shift to sustaining reform momentum and ensuring effective implementation, so that the benefits translate into improved livelihoods for citizens across the country.
Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Wenesday, 24th June 2026 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)
