Minister of Finance Sheku Ahmed Fantamadi Bangura, on Thursday, 23rd February 2023, plays host to the German Ambassador to Sierra Leone, Jens Kraus-Masse, at his George Street office in Freetown.
In the meeting, the two gentlemen discussed several issues around the country’s economy, budget situation, revenue mobilisation, debt and relationship with other development and multilateral partners.
Minister of Finance Sheku Ahmed Fantamadi Bangura informed his guest of the current Extended Credit Facility (ECF) with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
He also spoke about short to medium-term revenue mobilisation measures, expenditure management and control during this challenging period.
Minister Bangura seeks the support of the German Ambassador on behalf of Sierra Leone to the European Union (EU) and other development partners.
He reiterates the Government’s commitment to prudent economic reforms, transparency and accountability in the use of public resources.
In his statement, the German Ambassador to Sierra Leone, Jens Kraus-Masse, thanked the Minister for his open and frank discussions, citing that the German Government does not provide direct budget support except through the EU.
He encourages the Minister to utilise their technical assistance with lots of experience in the mining sector.
Ambassador Jens Kraus-Masse stated that they are currently implementing programmes in Health, Youth Employment, Renewable Energy and Mining.
He called on the Government to explore the potential of climate financing by investing in the protection of the natural resource asset of the country.
In another meeting, the Minister of Finance met with Lawyers from Herbert Smith Freehills, a UK based Pro Bono legal firm with expertise in climate change-related litigation, green and sustainable finance, the development of ESG-related legislation, due diligence and the M&A process and ESG issues relating to funds and asset management.