By Mariama Bundu
The Executive Director of the African Development Bank (AfDB) for Sierra Leone and four other countries, Dr Elsiddig Mohamed Rahma, has paid a courtesy call on the Minister of Finance, Sheku Ahmed Fantamadi Bangura, in Freetown.
The meeting took place on Monday, 9 February 2026, at the Minister’s office on George Street, as part of Dr Rahma’s two-day working visit to Sierra Leone.
Dr Rahma told the Minister that the visit was aimed at strengthening dialogue with member states, fostering collaboration, and deepening the African Development Bank’s understanding of Sierra Leone’s development priorities. He said he has been visiting countries within his constituency since assuming office to assess their development landscapes, review economic performance, and enhance cooperation between the Bank and national institutions.
Dr Rahma is the AfDB Executive Director representing Sierra Leone, Ghana, Liberia, The Gambia, and Sudan.
Minister Bangura congratulated Dr Rahma on his appointment and described the African Development Bank as a critical development partner to the government and people of Sierra Leone. He outlined the government’s ongoing commitments to programmes and reforms with the AfDB and other development partners, including the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund.
The Minister also briefed the Executive Director on recent economic developments, citing improvements in inflation, fiscal deficit, interest rates, and domestic revenue mobilisation. He highlighted the government’s development agenda, including the Big Five Game Changers, and discussed how AfDB projects could be aligned with these priorities.
Deputy Minister of Finance I, Kadiatu Allie, thanked Dr Rahma for the visit and expressed appreciation for the Bank’s longstanding partnership with Sierra Leone, noting its support across several development sectors.
During his visit, Dr Rahma is expected to hold meetings with other Ministries, Departments, and Agencies of government.
