In a powerful display of African unity and a commitment to self-reliance in development finance, Sierra Leone, alongside The Gambia, Ghana, Liberia, and Sudan, collectively pledged an unprecedented $16 million to the upcoming replenishment cycle of the African Development Fund (ADF). This significant announcement was made during a high-level constituency meeting held on the fringes of the African Development Bank Group’s 2025 Annual Meetings in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, which concluded on May 30, 2025. This collective contribution marks a remarkable 220% increase from the previous cycle’s $5 million pledge, signaling a robust shift towards homegrown solutions for the continent’s development challenges. Sierra Leone’s Minister of Finance, Sheku Bangura, who skillfully chaired the constituency’s governors and whose term as Minister began in January 2023, lauded the joint commitment as a testament to Africa’s increasing resolve to steer its own developmental trajectory. Bangura reflected on the journey, stating, “Three years ago, the road looked steep. But together, we turned challenges into stepping stones, building resilience, amplifying our voice, and unlocking greater financing flows for our countries.” This meeting was particularly notable, as it represented the first instance where all five nations within the constituency have contributed to the ADF. Sierra Leone led by pledging $3 million, with Ghana contributing $5 million, Liberia $3 million, Sudan $3 million, and The Gambia $2 million.
Rufus Darkortey, the outgoing Executive Director representing the constituency, underscored the profound message conveyed by these contributions: “Africa is not just a recipient, but a partner in shaping its own future.” The meeting also served as a moment to acknowledge the exemplary leadership of both Minister Bangura and Executive Director Darkortey, who are concluding their respective terms, with Darkortey’s tenure as Executive Director for the constituency ending on August 1, 2025. The gathering extended a warm welcome to new governors, including Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson of Ghana and Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan of Liberia, with Ngafuan set to officially assume leadership of Constituency 15 on August 1, 2025. Sierra Leone’s dedication to African development extends beyond financial pledges, as evidenced by ongoing projects such as the construction of the country office and the ambitious Lungi Bridge project. The African Development Bank continues to play a pivotal role, also supporting critical crisis response and food security initiatives in Sudan. Liberia’s Coastal Highway Phase I is currently under consideration for approval in 2025, highlighting the tangible impact of these partnerships.
Looking ahead, Minister Bangura strongly encouraged member countries to cultivate an environment conducive to investment by becoming agile reformers and credible investment destinations. He emphasized a clear message from the Bank and its development partners: “future resources will hinge on performance, selectivity, and reduced reliance on grants.” The constituency’s forward-thinking strategy includes a transition from ADF to African Development Bank financing, actively attracting private capital, and innovating ways to transform remittance flows into impactful development instruments.
Darkortey further stressed the imperative of domestic resource mobilization and robust private-sector development, as fundamental drivers for sustainable growth. In a concluding remark that resonated with the spirit of cooperation, Bangura affirmed, “As we navigate these challenges, our unity and resolve will determine our success.”