The International Finance Corporation (IFC) Regional Director for Central Africa, Liberia, Nigeria and Sierra Leone, Dahlia Khalifa, has concluded her first official visit to Sierra Leone from March 6 to 8 to highlight the central role of the private sector in supporting economic recovery, reducing fragility, and creating opportunity in the country.
During her visit, Mrs. Khalifa held talks with H.E. Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, Minister of Finance Mr. Sheku Bangura, Central Bank Governor Kelfala Kallon, as well as private sector players and Development Partners.
IFC’s continued commitment towards the development of key pipeline projects in energy and agribusiness was at the top of Mrs. Khalifa’s agenda.
On the occasion of international women’s day celebrations, Mrs. Khalifa took part in an event hosted by IFC, honoring the influential role of women in shaping the development of the private and public sectors in Sierra Leone.
Discussions highlighted pathways to raise awareness of the value of gender equality in business leadership, leveraging networks of women leaders, and raising the profile of positive female role models in Sierra Leone.
IFC’s strategy in Sierra Leone focuses on agribusiness, energy, and mining to help Sierra Leone overcome fragility and achieve its full potential.
IFC continues to pursue leads in these sectors and currently has in its country portfolio, investment and advisory support in agribusiness, energy and financial sector.
Dahlia Khalifa was appointed IFC’s Regional Director for Central Africa, Liberia, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone on November 16, 2022. In her new role, Khalifa will drive IFC’s strategy to create a more resilient and sustainable private sector to support development and job creation in the region.
Khalifa will lead IFC’s investment and advisory teams in Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Liberia, Nigeria, Sao Tome and Principe, and Sierra Leone. While these countries face challenges such as rising inflation and the effects of climate change, a young, vibrant, and entrepreneurial population presents opportunities for a more dynamic private sector.
IFC is a member of the World Bank Group which is the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in emerging markets. They work in more than 100 countries, using our capital, expertise, and influence to create markets and opportunities in developing countries.
In fiscal year 2022, IFC committed a record $32.8 billion to private companies and financial institutions in developing countries, leveraging the power of the private sector to end extreme poverty and boost shared prosperity as economies grapple with the impacts of global compounding crises.