The Country Director of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) for Sierra Leone, Madam Pascaline Barankeba, has called on the implementation team of the Rural Finance and Community Improvement Programme Phase II (RFCIP II) to begin planning deliberately for its long-term sustainability.
Speaking during the opening of a 10-day IFAD Implementation Support Mission in Bo, Madam Barankeba noted:
“It is time for the programme to focus on the future. It is no longer a baby. It is high time you started thinking about where you are heading next.”
She applauded high-performing Rural Financial Institutions (RFIs) and emphasized the importance of diagnosing and solving the issues facing distressed institutions.
Reinforcing Sustainability and Ownership
In response, RFCIP II Programme Coordinator, Mr. Mohamed Tejan-Kella, thanked IFAD and the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (MAFS) for continued support. He reaffirmed that improving rural financial access is a key strategy in fighting poverty and supporting food security:
“We want this project to continue being one of the best in West and Central Africa. RFIs must now take full ownership of their responsibilities to make this happen.”
He noted that MAFS is strengthening public-private collaboration through the creation of an Agribusiness Directorate to support the ‘Feed Salone’ initiative.
Strong Institutional Backing
Nelson Salia-Konneh, Managing Director of Apex Bank Sierra Leone Ltd, praised the mission’s effectiveness:
“This has been one of the most remarkable IFAD missions I’ve seen.”
The mission assessed progress since the last review, provided capacity support to the National Programme Coordination Unit (NPCU), and visited both high-performing and challenged RFIs across the Southern Region.
Wrap-Up Meetings and Government Engagement
From June 3 –12, 2025, the team held high-level wrap-up sessions with the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Ministry of Finance, and the Bank of Sierra Leone (BSL). At each meeting, Madam Barankeba reported progress, praised the dedication of RFI staff, and highlighted areas for improvement especially in loan recovery and capacity development.
Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Henry Musa Kpaka:
“We value this feedback and will act on the recommendations to strengthen the programme.”
Minister of Finance, Sheku Ahmed Fantamadi Bangura:
“The government should own these entities and use them as a bridge to reach both agriculture and SME sectors.”
Governor of BSL:
IFAD held its first-ever exclusive wrap-up with the Central Bank recognizing its key role in financial oversight and reform.
