Washington, D.C. – At the Civic Day Series held in the United States, Minister of Finance Sheku Fantamadi Bangura delivered an optimistic outlook on Sierra Leone’s economic trajectory, citing a dramatic drop in inflation and strengthened ties with international development partners.
Addressing Sierra Leoneans in the diaspora, Minister Bangura affirmed that the economy is “in good shape,” backed by hard data and policy reforms. He noted that inflation, which soared to 54% in 2023, has now plummeted to 5.8% as of August 2025, a figure corroborated by Statistics Sierra Leone’s Consumer Price Index, which places the August rate at 5.85%.
“This turnaround is no accident,” Bangura said. “It’s the result of disciplined monetary policy, a stable exchange rate, and increased market competition.”
The minister highlighted that inflation had already been reduced to 13.8% by December 2024, setting the stage for further improvements. He pointed to falling prices in essential commodities such as rice, fuel, and flour, which have eased the cost of living for ordinary Sierra Leoneans.
Bangura also emphasized the importance of exchange rate stability, which has held firm for over two years. “Predictability in the currency market is vital for both businesses and consumers,” he said, noting that this consistency has helped attract investment and support trade.
On the international front, the minister reassured the audience that Sierra Leone’s partnerships with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), World Bank, European Union, and other development agencies remain strong and on course.
The presentation was met with enthusiasm from the diaspora community, many of whom expressed renewed interest in returning home to invest and contribute to Sierra Leone’s economic growth.
