Three years after his appointment by President Dr Julius Maada Bio, Financial Secretary Matthew Dingie has emerged as a central figure in Sierra Leone’s economic management, steering the Ministry of Finance through turbulent times with discipline, resilience, and vision.
When Dingie assumed office in July 2023, inflation stood at a staggering 54%. Within a year, his leadership helped bring it down to 35% by May 2024, while stabilising the exchange rate and laying the groundwork for recovery. Today, inflation continues on a downward trajectory, fiscal discipline has been maintained, and the economy has shown signs of resilience with projected growth averaging 4% annually.
Successful negotiations with global financial institutions have marked Dingie’s tenure. In November 2023, Sierra Leone concluded the 8th and final review of the IMF’s Extended Credit Facility (ECF), unlocking $22 million in direct budget support. In December 2023, the World Bank disbursed $65 million after the Ministry met all Development Policy Operation (DPO) triggers.
By mid-2024, Sierra Leone had met all prior actions for a successor IMF programme, paving the way for board approval in October 2024 and eligibility for the IMF’s Resilient Sustainability Trust in February 2025. Together, these programmes promise disbursements of over $480 million across 36 months.
In a statement released Thursday, 18th June 2026, the IMF Executive Board confirmed the completion of the third review of Sierra Leone’s Extended Credit Facility (ECF) arrangement, unlocking an immediate disbursement of approximately US$31.7 million. This latest tranche brings total disbursements under the program to about US$158.6 million.
At the same time, the Board approved a new Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF) arrangement worth roughly US$211.5 million, aimed at strengthening Sierra Leone’s capacity to withstand climate-related shocks and improve long term economic stability.
Working closely with Minister of Finance Sheku Ahmed Fantamadi Bangura, Dingie has ensured that Sierra Leone not only secures new financing but also sustains long term partnerships. Dingie has consistently credited his success to teamwork and the unwavering support of colleagues at the Ministry of Finance.
From stabilising inflation and exchange rates to securing billions in external financing, Matthew Dingie’s three years as Financial Secretary have been defined by steadfast leadership and tangible progress. His stewardship has positioned Sierra Leone on a strong economic footing, with renewed confidence in the country’s fiscal and monetary management.
Credit – MOF Communications
Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Monday, 13th July 2026 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)
