AYV News, April 23, 2026
The Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) has commended the Government of Sierra Leone for its progress toward the implementation of the MCC Compact, as Finance Minister Sheku Ahmed FantamadiBangura reaffirmed President Julius Maada Bio’s commitment to the programme.
At a high-level meeting with government officials in Washington, D.C., the Acting Managing Director of the Department of Compact Operations, Carrie Monahan, expressed satisfaction with key milestones achieved so far. She highlighted the establishment of the Millennium Challenge Authority–Sierra Leone and ongoing discussions surrounding a critical mineral agreement as important steps forward.
Madam Monahan, however, urged the Government to meet its financial obligations to facilitate the signing of the Entry into Force agreement, a crucial stage in activating the Compact.
Responding, Minister Bangura thanked the MCC for its continued engagement and support, reiterating the Government’s strong commitment to the successful implementation of the Compact.
He disclosed that the Government is undertaking key reforms in the energy sector, including the establishment of a Collection Account and measures to encourage private sector participation in electricity distribution. These efforts, he said, are aimed at improving both the financial sustainability and operational efficiency of the sector.
The Finance Minister further revealed that Cabinet has approved Sierra Leone’s proposed membership in the Africa Trade and Investment Development Insurance (ATIDI), a move expected to boost investor confidence by providing insurance against trade and investment risks.
Also speaking at the meeting, the Director of the Department of Policy and Evaluation at MCC, NaureenHaque, praised Sierra Leone’s performance on the MCC scorecard. She encouraged the Government to sustain reforms, particularly in areas related to economic freedom, electoral processes, and national cohesion.
Minister Bangura assured stakeholders that the Government remains committed to inclusive engagement in advancing electoral reforms and implementing the national unity agreement.
In her closing remarks, Madam Monahan described Sierra Leone as a “real success story” of the MCC, commending the depth of collaboration between the Corporation and the Government.
The Finance Minister was accompanied by the Minister of Energy, Cyril Grant; Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to the United States, Amara Sowa; Financial Secretary, Matthew Dingie; Governor of the Bank of Sierra Leone, Dr. Ibrahim Stevens; Chief Economist at the Ministry of Finance, Alimamy Bangura; and Technical Adviser to the Minister of Finance, Dr. Franklin Sisabu Bendu.
