Sierra Leone’s Minister of Finance, Sheku Ahmed Fantamadi Bangura, has been named African Government Minister of the Year 2025 at the 15th edition of the African Leadership Magazine Persons of the Year Awards held in Accra, Ghana, on February 27, 2026.
The annual awards ceremony recognises influential African leaders whose work and leadership have significantly contributed to the continent’s development. Bangura secured the honour after receiving 31.42 percent of the total votes in a poll that attracted participants from across Africa and beyond.
The organisers said the recognition reflects widespread appreciation of the minister’s efforts in strengthening economic governance, implementing fiscal and institutional reforms, and promoting financial stability and sustainable development in Sierra Leone.
Speaking after receiving the award, Bangura described his role as one he holds “dearly to my heart” and expressed gratitude to President Julius Maada Bio for the opportunity to serve the country.
He commended the president’s leadership, noting that his support and decisive actions have enabled the government to implement key economic policies and reforms.
Bangura also outlined several initiatives undertaken by the Ministry of Finance that contributed to his nomination.
According to him, the government has pursued sound economic policies aimed at improving the living conditions of citizens while maintaining macroeconomic stability.
He said these reforms are supported by international development partners including the International Monetary Fund, World Bank, African Development Bank, Islamic Development Bank, Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa, and the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development.
The finance minister highlighted the IMF’s Extended Credit Facility (ECF) programme, which is expected to provide about US$253 million to Sierra Leone between 2024 and 2027.
He added that the arrangement has also opened the door for negotiations under the Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF), which could bring an additional US$207 million to US$415 million to help strengthen macroeconomic management and address climate-related risks.
Bangura noted that despite global economic challenges, Sierra Leone’s economy has remained relatively stable due to fiscal discipline and the implementation of structural reforms across key sectors.
He said key macroeconomic indicators, including inflation, currency stability, and borrowing costs, are gradually improving, creating a foundation for sustainable growth and poverty reduction.
The minister also pointed to Sierra Leone’s growing role on the international stage under President Bio’s leadership. The country recently served as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for the 2024–2025 term, during which it focused on issues such as African peace and security, institutional reform, youth and women’s participation in peacebuilding, cybersecurity, and conflict-driven hunger.
Bangura further noted that President Bio currently serves as Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), positioning him to work with regional leaders to address socio-economic and political challenges across the sub-region.
He concluded by thanking the African Leadership Magazine for recognising the government’s efforts to stabilise Sierra Leone’s economy in 2024 and 2025, pledging that the administration would continue working to improve the lives of citizens.
Bangura also expressed appreciation to the government and people of Ghana for their hospitality, describing the country as his “second home” after spending six years working in Accra at the West African Monetary Institute.
The minister extended gratitude to staff at the Ministry of Finance, the Bank of Sierra Leone, and the National Revenue Authority for their contributions to implementing the government’s macroeconomic policies. He also thanked his family for their support throughout his public service career.
