Sierra leone: Sierra Leone hosted the 13th AFRITAC West2 Steering Committee session from June 18-19, 2026, advancing regional institutional reforms. The gathering included government officials, development partners, and regional heads from Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria, Gambia, along with other member states.
According to Sierra Leone News Agency, the opening ceremony featured an address from Minister Kenyeh Barlay of Planning and Economic Development, who expressed gratitude toward IMF AFRITAC West2 for its role in capacity development, promoting economic growth, and resilience across West Africa. The Minister noted that the centre, member states, and regional stakeholders are united in their objective to strengthen public institutions’ capacity for reform policies. These reforms cover areas such as revenue administration, public financial management, monetary and exchange rate policies, financial sector supervision, and statistics.
Minister Barlay further highlighted a centre-supported capital investment project database and public investment management guidelines that guide ministry planning. There is also an emphasis on aligning budget processes with development planning, focusing on gender and capital budgeting considerations.
The improvement in revenue administration has been attributed to tools and standard operating procedures that enhance tax delivery systems. These enhancements include ITAS, upgrades to the taxpayer register, strengthening of customs intelligence and investigation capacity, implementation of SOE Health Check tools, SOE fiscal risk management, and International Financial Reporting Standards as centre interventions.
The two-day deliberations featured a presentation on the Sub-Saharan Africa Regional Economic Outlook, AFRITAC West2’s achievements for FY2026 (May 2025-April 2026), and the FY2027 Work Plan, Budget, and Financing Gap Phase III. Panel discussions were held on topics such as Public Financial Management, Monetary Policy and Banking Supervision, Statistics, Leadership, Governance, and the integration of IMF Capacity Development with Fund-supported programmes.
An experience-sharing session on Sierra Leone’s PFM reforms highlighted achievements, ongoing reforms, challenges, lessons learned, and future priorities. Acting National Budget Director Dr. Ilara Mahdi presented on institutional arrangements, legal and regulatory frameworks, and PFM Strategy implementation.
The Ministry of Finance delegation was led by the Minister of Planning and Economic Development, who also chaired the Steering Committee. Senior government participants included the Principal Deputy Financial Secretary, Chief Economist (Panellist), Deputy Financial Secretary, Deputy Governor, Deputy Statistician General, Commissioner General (NRA), and other senior officials.