AYV News, August 6, 2026
The World Bank has begun consultations with Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Mines and Mineral Resources as part of the development of a new Country Partnership Framework (CPF), a strategic roadmap that will guide the Bank’s development support to Sierra Leone over the coming years.
The consultation meeting brought together officials from the World Bank, the Ministry of Mines and Mineral Resources, and the National Mineral Agency (NMA) to discuss priority areas for collaboration aimed at strengthening the mining sector and promoting sustainable economic growth.
Speaking during the meeting, World Bank Country Manager, Abdu Muwonge, said the new Country Partnership Framework is being developed through extensive consultations with government institutions and other stakeholders to ensure that it aligns with Sierra Leone’s national development priorities.
He explained that the framework will focus on three key pillars: improving foundational infrastructure, strengthening policy and regulatory systems, and promoting private sector investment. He added that cross-cutting priorities such as youth employment, gender equality, social inclusion, skills development, and human capital will remain central to the World Bank’s support programme.
The Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources, Hon. Julius D. Mattai, welcomed the World Bank’s continued engagement and outlined the Government’s ongoing reform agenda aimed at transforming the mining sector into a stronger driver of inclusive economic growth.
He said the Ministry, working alongside the National Mineral Agency, is implementing measures to strengthen governance, improve regulation, and attract responsible investment into Sierra Leone’s mining industry.
Minister Mattai also stressed the importance of increasing the participation of Sierra Leonean investors in the sector, noting that broader local ownership is essential for maximising the mining industry’s contribution to national development.
He identified reliable and affordable electricity as one of the sector’s biggest challenges, explaining that improved energy access is critical to achieving the Government’s objectives of mineral beneficiation, value addition, and downstream processing of Sierra Leone’s critical mineral resources.
Responding to the concerns, Mr. Muwonge highlighted renewable energy, particularly solar power, as a practical solution to support mining operations while advancing Sierra Leone’s sustainable development goals.
The meeting concluded with both the World Bank and the Government reaffirming their commitment to continued collaboration as the Country Partnership Framework is finalised, with the shared objective of unlocking greater economic opportunities, attracting investment, and ensuring the sustainable development of Sierra Leone’s mining sector.
