Freetown, 14th July 2026- Three years after his appointment by President Dr Julius Maada Bio, Financial Secretary Matthew Dingie has cemented his role as a pivotal figure in Sierra Leone’s economic management, guiding the Ministry of Finance through turbulence with discipline, resilience, and vision.
When Dingie assumed office in July 2023, inflation was spiralling at 54 percent. Within a year, his leadership helped bring it down to 35 percent by May 2024, while stabilising the exchange rate and laying the groundwork for recovery. Today, inflation continues its downward trajectory, fiscal discipline has been maintained, and the economy shows resilience with projected growth averaging 4 percent annually.
His tenure has been defined by successful negotiations with global financial institutions. In November 2023, Sierra Leone concluded the eighth and final review of the IMF’s Extended Credit Facility (ECF), unlocking $22 million in direct budget support. A month later, the World Bank disbursed $65 million after the Ministry met all Development Policy Operation (DPO) triggers.
By mid-2024, Sierra Leone had cleared all prior actions for a successor IMF programme, paving the way for board approval in October 2024 and eligibility for the IMF’s Resilient Sustainability Trust in February 2025. Together, these programmes promise disbursements of more than $480 million over three years.
That trajectory was reaffirmed on Thursday, 18 June 2026, when the IMF Executive Board announced the completion of the third review of Sierra Leone’s ECF arrangement, unlocking an immediate disbursement of US$31.7 million. This latest tranche brings total disbursements under the programme to about US$158.6 million. At the same time, the Board approved a new Resilience and Sustainability Facility worth US$211.5 million, designed to strengthen Sierra Leone’s capacity to withstand climate-related shocks and bolster long-term stability.
Working closely with Minister of Finance Sheku Ahmed Fantamadi Bangura, Dingie has ensured that Sierra Leone not only secures new financing but also sustains long-term partnerships. He has consistently credited his success to teamwork and the unwavering support of colleagues at the Ministry of Finance.
From stabilising inflation and exchange rates to securing billions in external financing, Matthew Dingie’s three years as Financial Secretary have been marked by steadfast leadership and tangible progress. His stewardship has positioned Sierra Leone on stronger economic footing, restoring confidence in the country’s fiscal and monetary management.
