President Julius Maada Bio on Monday received a courtesy visit from the newly appointed Executive Director of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Dr Elsiddig Mohamed Rahma, at State House, Freetown. Dr Rahma was accompanied by the Bank’s outgoing Country Manager, Dr Halima Yusuf Hashi.
Minister of Finance, Sheku Ahmed Fantamadi Bangura, briefed the President on Dr Rahma’s role, representing Sierra Leone, Ghana, Liberia, The Gambia, and Sudan on the AfDB Board.
He highlighted Dr Rahma’s expertise as a seasoned economist who will champion Sierra Leone’s interests, particularly in managing the country’s strong-performing AfDB portfolio across agriculture, infrastructure, and gender empowerment.
Dr Rahma conveyed greetings from the AfDB President and congratulated President Bio on Sierra Leone’s economic growth, fiscal discipline, and stable performance.
He outlined the Bank’s new investment focus, allocating 54% to infrastructure, 23% to agriculture, and 23% to multi-sectoral support under the country’s Medium-Term National Development Plan.
President Bio welcomed Dr Rahma and expressed gratitude to the AfDB President for continued partnership.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to national development, emphasizing that infrastructure remains key to unlocking agricultural potential and promoting inclusive growth.
The President also commended Dr Halima Yusuf Hashi for her dedicated service and strong collaboration with government, wishing her continued success and reaffirming Sierra Leone’s enduring friendship.
