Washington D.C. — Sierra Leone’s Finance Minister, Sheku Fantamadi Bangura, has projected renewed confidence in the country’s economic outlook, citing sharp declines in inflation and steady progress in key reforms.
Speaking at the Civic Day Series in the United States, Minister Bangura told Sierra Leoneans in the diaspora that the economy is “in good shape,” crediting the turnaround to consistent policy discipline and stronger ties with global development partners.
Official figures show inflation, which peaked at 54% in 2023, has fallen to just 5.8% in August 2025, according to Statistics Sierra Leone’s Consumer Price Index.
“This turnaround is no accident,” Bangura stressed, pointing to stable exchange rates, tighter monetary policies, and increased competition in the market as driving forces.
The minister recalled that inflation had already dropped to 13.8% by December 2024, paving the way for this year’s gains. He noted that lower prices for essential goods such as rice, fuel, and flour have begun to ease pressure on households nationwide.
Bangura further highlighted the importance of exchange rate stability, which he said has remained steady for more than two years.
“Predictability in the currency market is vital for both businesses and consumers,” he said, adding that the consistency is helping attract investment and support trade growth.
On international relations, he reassured the audience that Sierra Leone continues to enjoy strong partnerships with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), World Bank, European Union, and other agencies.
The address was warmly received by Sierra Leoneans abroad, many of whom expressed renewed interest in contributing to the country’s development through investment and skills transfer.