By Alimatu Jalloh
A high-level delegation from the Exim Bank of China, currently in Sierra Leone for a five-day working visit, held strategic discussions with the Minister of Finance, Ahmed Sheku Fantamadi Bangura, at his George Street office in Freetown on Friday, July 11th, 2025.
🇨🇳 The delegation featured Country Officers Wang Hongjie and Li Wantong of the Sovereign Business Department. Their mission: to evaluate Sierra Leone’s current economic and debt landscape, review fiscal and monetary policies, and assess ongoing Bank-financed development projects, with an eye toward future financing and collaborative opportunities.
 Mr. Hongjie highlighted the delegation’s intent to support Sierra Leone’s growth priorities. The discussions centered on loan model resources, mining sector revenue, and recent macroeconomic trends.
Minister Bangura expressed appreciation for the Bank’s expanding role, especially in the country’s digital economy. He revealed a promising Joint Venture with a Chinese firm aiming to harness Sierra Leone’s mineral wealth through critical infrastructure investments — spanning energy, transportation, and rail — to amplify mineral value and national output.
The meeting concluded with mutual exploration of strategic models for future investment. The delegation will continue its engagement with other Ministries, Departments, and Agencies implementing Exim Bank-funded projects.
A partnership in motion, this visit signals deepening financial cooperation and infrastructural ambition between China and Sierra Leone.