By Kadijatu Bangura | D.S. Reporter
Freetown
The World Bank has reaffirmed its commitment to deepening support for Sierra Leone’s development priorities, with a focus on measurable results, fiscal discipline and improved service delivery during a high-level visit to the country on Tuesday, September 9, 2026.
World Bank Vice President for West and Central Africa, Ousmane Diagana, made the pledge while in Freetown. He was accompanied by the Bank’s new Country Manager for Sierra Leone, Issatou Diallo.
During a courtesy call on Minister of Finance Karefa A. F. Kargbo, both sides discussed ways to accelerate the impact of World Bank-supported programmes and strengthen cooperation across key sectors.
Minister Kargbo welcomed the delegation and described the visit as timely. He highlighted the importance of the Bank’s extensive portfolio in Sierra Leone and its role in driving national development.
Diagana congratulated Kargbo on his appointment and stressed the need to align disbursements with tangible development outcomes. He said the Bank remains committed to supporting Sierra Leone in areas of fiscal management, domestic revenue mobilisation, cash-flow control, social cohesion and access to public services across Ministries, Departments and Agencies.
The Finance Minister assured the Bank of Government’s commitment to meeting agreed timelines, noting that Sierra Leone currently has access to a financing envelope of approximately US$600 million. He called for frank dialogue, clear benchmarks and stronger coordination to sustain access to future funding.
A major point of discussion was the Development Policy Operation, a budget support facility tied to policy and institutional reforms. Kargbo said Government is working to meet all DPO requirements and expects outstanding processes to be completed by the end of October.
In closing, the Minister reaffirmed that the World Bank remains a trusted partner that understands Sierra Leone’s challenges and aspirations, and urged that Government must also deliver on its commitments.
“Partnership must translate into results for our people,” Kargbo said.
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