By Kadijatu Bangura, Reporter, D.S
Professor Ouattara Wautabouna, Executive Director for the Africa West Constituency of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), has concluded a five-day working visit to Sierra Leone, where he engaged with key economic management officials regarding the country’s current Extended Credit Facility (ECF) arrangement with the IMF.
Arriving in Freetown on February 13, 2025, Professor Wautabouna participated in the Convergence Meeting of West Africa Monetary Zone Ministers and Central Bank Governors on February 14 at the Radisson Blu Hotel. He also paid a courtesy visit to Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, accompanied by Honourable Sheku Ahmed Fantamadi Bangura. This visit marked the Professor’s first official engagement since assuming his role in November 2024.
During his meeting with Vice President Jalloh, Professor Wautabouna expressed gratitude for Sierra Leone’s support during his election and reaffirmed his commitment to promoting the country’s interests at the IMF. He explained that the purpose of his visit was to gain insights into Sierra Leone’s position under the current ECF arrangement and to assist the government in completing its first review under the program.
The Minister of Finance briefed Professor Wautabouna on the improving inflation rate, stable exchange rates, and ongoing challenges in domestic revenue generation and debt management. The IMF Executive Director assured the government of his continued support and encouraged strong commitment from Sierra Leone’s leadership to meet the program’s agreed benchmarks.
The West Africa Constituency of the IMF, which includes 14 countries such as Sierra Leone, Côte d’Ivoire, and Nigeria, will continue to support Sierra Leone’s economic efforts under the IMF’s guidance. Vice President Jalloh acknowledged the IMF’s support and emphasized Sierra Leone’s commitment to the ECF arrangement, highlighting the government’s ongoing efforts to improve domestic revenue mobilization.
He also addressed the challenges the country faces in expanding infrastructure due to resource constraints, stressing the need for financial support from international institutions to overcome critical barriers to economic growth and development.
On February 17, Professor Wautabouna met with Sierra Leone’s Minister of Finance and the economic team, where discussions focused on the progress of the ECF program and the country’s economic outlook. The visit underscores the ongoing partnership between Sierra Leone and the IMF as the nation works to stabilize its economic challenges.
For more information, contact Daily Scope Newspaper at dailyscopemedia@gmail.com.
