Freetown, May 21, 2026:The Ministry of Planning and Economic Development (MoPED) has inaugurated the Public Investment Management–Technical Investment Committee (TIC) with a two-day meeting at the Country Lodge Hotel, Hill Station. The committee is tasked with reviewing and appraising projects for selection and budgeting, as well as streamlining Sierra Leone’s public investment portfolio.
Delivering the keynote, Minister Kenyeh Barlay emphasized that Sierra Leone has made significant progress in governance and public sector reforms, but warned that challenges remain, including diminishing fiscal space, debt distress, and limited local resources.
She stressed that MoPED is aligning programs with the Medium Term National Development Plan and collaborating with the World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF) to enforce technical guidelines for new projects.
“It is no longer business as usual. MoPED is the gatekeeper to ensure efficiency and transparency in project implementation,” she declared.
Reform Priorities
- Efficiency and Transparency: Eliminating wasteful spending and stalled projects.
- Budget Credibility: Restoring confidence in fiscal management.
- Community Impact: Ensuring projects deliver poverty reduction and national development.
Stakeholder Contributions
- Development Secretary Ambrose James highlighted that the process began in 2024 and is focusing on three critical sectors: water, electricity, and roads. He underscored the need to rationalize and streamline projects for maximum impact.
- Finance Secretary Matthew Dingie acknowledged challenges in capital project implementation, including cost overruns and delays. He urged stakeholders to provide empirical evidence and proper analysis to ensure projects are economically viable. He also noted opportunities for private sector investment in transport and infrastructure.
Meeting Highlights
Presentations included:
- Medium Term National Development Plan: Progress and Challenges by Dr. Sheka Bangura (MoPED)
- Public Investment Program in the Macro Fiscal Framework by Alimamy Bangura (Ministry of Finance)
- PIM Regulatory Instrument and National Planning Alignment by Dr. Sheka Bangura
This inaugural meeting marks a significant step in strengthening Sierra Leone’s public investment management framework, ensuring that projects are not only funded but also deliver measurable results in infrastructure, poverty reduction, and economic growth.