Sierra Leone’s economy closed the year 2025 on a relatively stable note, with inflation declining to 4.3 percent in December, according to the Minister of Finance, Sheku Fantamadi Bangura. The Minister said the figure reflects steady progress in key macroeconomic fundamentals and signals that the country’s economy is moving in the right direction despite persistent global and domestic challenges.
Mr. Bangura made this disclosure on Thursday, January 29, 2026, while appearing before the Parliamentary Committee on Finance, chaired by Honourable Kekura Vandy. The session brought together senior officials from the Ministry of Finance, the National Revenue Authority (NRA), the National Social Security and Insurance Trust (NASSIT), the Bank of Sierra Leone, the Financial Intelligence Authority, and other key public financial institutions.
Addressing lawmakers, the Finance Minister explained that economic performance must be assessed within the full context of the fiscal year, noting that when the 2025 national budget was presented to Parliament, the year had not yet ended.
“When the budget was read, the economic year was still ongoing,” The Minister told the committee. “Now that the year has ended, we can confidently say that the fundamentals of the economy are heading in the right direction.”
He said inflation, which had been a major concern for households and businesses, fell significantly and closed the year at 4.3 percent in December 2025—lower than the figure projected during the budget presentation. He described the development as a major achievement in restoring macroeconomic stability.
The Minister also highlighted the relative stability of the exchange rate throughout 2025, stating that the Leone depreciated by only 0.8 percent over the entire year. According to him, this level of stability is a strong indicator of improved confidence in the economy and effective coordination between fiscal and monetary authorities.
Interest rates, he added, were maintained at sustainable levels, averaging around 16 percent, which helped to balance inflation control with the need to support private sector activity and economic growth.
He emphasized that the implementation of the 2025 budget strictly followed the parameters approved by Parliament, including adjustments made through the supplementary budget. He assured lawmakers that overall fiscal performance remained within acceptable limits and aligned with both national targets and international benchmarks.
“All the key parameters were maintained within limits,” he said. “Our overall figures met international standards and the benchmarks set by Parliament.”
The Finance Minister credited the close coordination between the Ministry of Finance and the Bank of Sierra Leone for the improved economic outcomes, particularly in managing inflation, exchange rate stability, and fiscal discipline.
Looking ahead, Mr. Bangura said the country’s economic performance remains closely tied to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme, which serves as a key anchor for macroeconomic stability and international confidence. He disclosed that an IMF mission is expected in Sierra Leone around the third week of February 2026 to assess the country’s performance against agreed benchmarks.
The outcome of the IMF review, he noted, will determine continued access to financial support not only from the IMF but also from major development partners including the World Bank, the European Union, and the African Development Bank.
“In our own initial assessment, we believe we are on course,” Mr. Bangura said. “We are comfortable that we have met the required conditions, and we expect the IMF team to come and confirm these achievements.”
The Finance Minister concluded by reaffirming government’s commitment to maintaining fiscal discipline, strengthening public financial management, and sustaining economic reforms aimed at improving living standards for Sierra Leoneans.
