By Sallieu S, Kanu
Freetown, June 2, 2026: Sierra Leone’s Minister of Finance, Hon. Sheku Ahmed Fantamadi Bangura, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to pursuing innovative and sustainable financing solutions to accelerate infrastructure development, industrial transformation, and long-term economic growth.
The Minister made the statement during a high-level engagement at State House with a delegation from First Bank Group, led by Group Chief Executive Officer Olusegun Alebiosu, to explore strategic financing opportunities aligned with Sierra Leone’s national development priorities.
Discussions centered on mobilizing large-scale investments for transformative infrastructure projects, including roads, energy expansion, water systems, bridges, and industrial infrastructure — critical foundations for boosting productivity, attracting investment, and creating jobs.
Mr. Alebiosu highlighted First Bank Group’s strong track record in infrastructure financing across Africa and expressed the institution’s interest in supporting projects capable of unlocking Sierra Leone’s economic potential.
Hon. Bangura emphasized the need for African economies to move beyond traditional financing models and embrace innovative approaches that leverage partnerships between government, private investors, and development institutions. “The future of development financing requires creativity. We must move beyond dependency on conventional aid and build structures that combine public resources, private sector capital, and concessional financing to deliver bankable projects that improve people’s lives,” he said.
He further underscored that Sierra Leone’s vast mineral resources, expanding agricultural opportunities, youthful population, and strategic location provide a strong platform for attracting sustainable investment when matched with the right financing instruments.
The Minister stressed that the government’s immediate focus is ensuring that discussions translate into practical outcomes. “Our priority is to move technical engagements quickly into concrete financing structures and implementable agreements that can unlock the infrastructure investments required to support national development,” he stated.
The engagement reflects Sierra Leone’s broader strategy of strengthening partnerships with credible financial institutions to bridge infrastructure financing gaps, stimulate private-sector growth, and support the country’s transition toward a more resilient and productive economy.
Photo Credit: State House Media and Communications Unit