The African Development Bank (AfDB) has concluded a 10-day Policy-Based Operation Appraisal Mission in Sierra Leone, marking renewed cooperation on budget support after a three-year suspension.
The mission concluded with a meeting on Thursday, July 16, with Financial Secretary Matthew Dingie, where officials reviewed progress on key reforms, prior actions, and requirements needed for consideration by the AfDB Board.
Dingie expressed appreciation to the AfDB for its continued support, noting that the renewed engagement would contribute to Sierra Leone’s fiscal management and development priorities.
Chief Economist Alimamy Bangura said the mission was a follow-up assessment of progress made on agreed reforms and triggers under the 2026 and 2027 programmes. He added that discussions with Ministries, Departments, and Agencies were thorough and aimed at 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.
The measures include strengthening fiscal efficiency, transparency, and accountability; advancing inclusive and sustainable reforms in the mining and transport sectors; submitting the Public Financial Management Strategy; implementing audit recommendations; approving and launching the MAPS II implementation plan; introducing the Sierra Leone Critical Minerals Strategy; and securing Cabinet approval for the National Transport Sector Policy, which covers urban mobility, traffic management, and e-mobility.
Kamara said the required actions are already at an advanced stage and are expected to be completed before the scheduled disbursement.
For the 2027 programme, the agreed reform targets include drafting amendments to the Public Debt Management Act of 2011, deploying the GoAML system at 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 confidence that the 2026 Cabinet-level policy actions would be completed without delay, noting that legislative reforms usually require more time due to the approval process.
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 other officials.
The conclusion of the mission reinforces the renewed partnership between Sierra Leone and the AfDB, with the support expected to strengthen fiscal reforms, governance, and sustainable economic development.
