World Bank Team Concludes Successful Implementation Support Mission to Boost Sierra Leone’s Economic Diversification
The World Bank Implementation Support Team conducted a mission in Sierra Leone from the 4th to 12th November, 2024, to review progress on the implementation of the Sierra Leone Economic Diversification Project (SLEDP). The mission focused on assessing the project’s achievements, identifying challenges, and setting priorities for the way forward.
Led by Alari Mahdi, Task Team Leader, and Louise Twining-Ward, Co-Task Team Leader, the mission engaged in in-depth reviews of project components, annual work plans, procurement progress, results framework and key priorities for future implementation. The Project Coordinating Unit (PCU), represented by Project Coordinator, Mary Jalloh and her team, collaborated closely with the World Bank team throughout the mission.
Opening Session of the Mission at the Conference Room of the SLEDP PCU
Key highlights of the mission include technical discussions on the diversification agenda, fiduciary management, and environmental safeguards. Visits to tourism sites were crucial in evaluating the project advancements. Meetings with government officials, including representatives from the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Tourism, and Ministry of Trade and Industry, coupled with the World Bank Country Office, provided an opportunity to discuss the project’s current status and seek strategic guidance for future actions. Additionally, interactions with tertiary institutions, SMEs, and BDS providers created a better understanding of the project’s impact on local communities and businesses, highlighting its role in fostering sustainable economic development.
The mission reaffirmed progress on several project fronts while identifying areas requiring strengthened focus, including timely procurement, accelerated construction timeline, enhanced safeguards compliance, and improved private sector engagement.
The mission reached a consensus on actions to fast-track implementation in the remaining phases of the project. This collaborative effort reinforces the shared commitment of the Government of Sierra Leone, the World Bank, and stakeholders to foster economic diversification and sustainable development.
SLEDP TTL, Alari Madhi, Engaging Stakeholders during Tourism Site Visitation
World Bank’s Economist, Rami Gala (L) and SLEDP Co-TTL, Louise Twining-Ward (R) at the Tourism Ministry.
The Mission Monitoring Progress on the Bureh Beach Construction Project
Mission Debriefing following Tourism Site Monitoring 
The Mission Monitoring Progress on the Construction of the Leicester Peak Viewing Deck
Commencement of the Foundation of the Tacugama Innovation Center
Staff of ICS, the Consulting Engineering Firm of the SLEDP Tourism Projects, Giving Update on Progress of the Construction Projects
