IMF Director Praises Sierra Leone’s Economic Progress
New York, United States, 21 September 2026 – Kristalina Georgieva, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), has praised President Julius Maada Bio for Sierra Leone’s notable strides in macroeconomic stability. Her comments came during a meeting with the President at the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York.
Georgieva highlighted the country’s substantial progress in its collaboration with the IMF, despite facing global economic challenges. “This is a difficult time for governments everywhere, particularly due to rising energy costs,” she noted.
She reiterated the IMF’s dedication to assisting Sierra Leone in improving its investment climate and urged better communication about the country’s achievements and reforms.
At the meeting, President Bio introduced Karefa A.F. Kargbo, the new Minister of Finance and Sierra Leone’s Governor to the IMF. The President reaffirmed the government’s commitment to prudent economic policies aimed at fostering sustainable growth and job creation.
“The IMF has been a reliable partner in these efforts, and your support has been invaluable throughout my presidency,” Bio told Georgieva. He expressed gratitude for her role in facilitating the IMF’s approval of the third review of Sierra Leone’s Extended Credit Facility programme and its Resilience and Sustainability Facility.
Bio also updated Georgieva on the implementation of various structural benchmarks and the introduction of new measures by the Ministry of Finance to enhance domestic revenue growth.
He addressed the impact of the ongoing Middle Eastern crisis on Sierra Leone’s economy and reported progress in stabilising it over the past two years, with inflation reaching its lowest point in decades by the end of 2025. However, he warned that disruptions to oil supplies had led to rising domestic fuel prices and reinvigorated inflationary pressures.
The meeting highlighted the ongoing partnership between Sierra Leone and the IMF as the government continues its economic reforms and efforts to promote inclusive growth.
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