World Bank Engages the Ministry of Mines as Country Partnership Framework Discussion Continues.

The World Bank and Ministry of Mines and Mineral Resources on Tuesday deepened consultations on new Country Partnership Framework, placing mining reform, youth employment and investment at center of long-term development planning.

The meeting in Freetown brought together officials from the World Bank, the Ministry of Mines and Mineral Resources, and the National Mineral Agency to define priority areas for cooperation, with particular attention on support for the mining sector and job creation for young people.

World Bank Country Manager Abdu Muwonge said the framework is being developed through consultations with government institutions and other stakeholders to ensure it reflects Sierra Leone's national priorities. He said the strategy rests on three pillars: stronger foundational infrastructure, improved policy and regulatory systems, and expanded private-sector investment.

He said youth employment, gender inclusion, skills development and human capital will remain central to the Bank's support, underscoring broader efforts to widen opportunity and build resilience across the economy.

Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources Hon. Julius D. Mattai outlined key pressures facing the mining sector and pointed to measures being pursued by the ministry and the National Mineral Agency to strengthen governance, tighten regulation and attract responsible investment.

Mattai also stressed the need for stronger participation by Sierra Leonean investors, saying greater local involvement will be important alongside foreign capital in shaping more inclusive growth in the sector.

Energy remained one of the most pressing concerns raised during the discussions, with Mattai noting that reliable and affordable electricity will be critical to advancing mineral beneficiation, value addition and downstream processing.

Muwonge, in response, pointed to renewable energy, especially solar power, as a practical option that could help ease those constraints while supporting Sierra Leone's broader development goals.

The meeting ended with both sides reaffirming commitment to continued engagement as consultations on the Country Partnership Framework move forward, with a focus on strengthening foundations for sustainable growth.