By Allan John
Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio on Monday received the newly appointed Executive Director of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Elsiddig Mohamed Rahma, as the Bank reaffirmed its support for the country’s development agenda.
Rahma, who represents Sierra Leone, Ghana, Liberia, The Gambia and Sudan on the AfDB Board, paid a courtesy visit to the president at State House in Freetown, accompanied by the Bank’s outgoing Country Manager, Halima Yusuf Hashi.
Finance Minister Sheku Ahmed Fantamadi Bangura, who briefed the meeting, said Rahma would oversee Sierra Leone’s AfDB portfolio, which includes projects in agriculture, infrastructure and gender empowerment.
Rahma conveyed greetings from the AfDB president and praised Sierra Leone’s recent economic performance, citing stable growth and improved fiscal discipline. He said the Bank remained committed to supporting the government’s Medium-Term National Development Plan.
Under its current strategy, the AfDB plans to allocate 54% of its investments to infrastructure, 23% to agriculture, and 23% to multi-sectoral support, Rahma said.
President Bio welcomed the AfDB delegation and described the Bank as a key development partner. He said infrastructure development was central to unlocking agricultural productivity and driving inclusive growth.
The president also commended Hashi for her service as country manager, thanking her for strengthening cooperation between the Bank and the government.
