The First Bank Group Chief Executive Officer, Olusegun Alebiosu, has concluded a successful three-day working visit to Sierra Leone, marked by a series of high-level engagements aimed at strengthening development partnerships, promoting private sector investment, and exploring innovative financing solutions for the country’s economic transformation agenda.
During the visit, the First Bank Group CEO held strategic meetings with President Julius Maada Bio, Finance Minister Sheku Ahmed Fantamadi Bangura, Speaker of Parliament Rt. Hon. Segepoh Solomon Thomas, business leaders, and executives of First Bank Sierra Leone.
A major highlight of the visit was a meeting with President Julius Maada Bio at State House, where discussions focused on mobilizing financing for critical infrastructure and industrial development projects across the country. Accompanying the delegation were senior engineering executives and international directors of First Bank Group, the leadership of First Bank Sierra Leone, and Finance Minister Sheku Ahmed Fantamadi Bangura.
The discussions explored investment opportunities in roads, electricity, water supply systems, bridges, and industrial infrastructure, all of which are considered essential to accelerating economic growth, expanding private sector participation, and improving the quality of life for citizens.
Speaking during the engagement, Finance Minister Sheku Ahmed Fantamadi Bangura reiterated the Government’s commitment to reducing dependence on traditional aid by embracing innovative financing models that combine public resources, private sector investment, and concessional funding.
He noted that Sierra Leone’s rich mineral resources and agricultural potential provide a strong foundation for developing sustainable financing arrangements capable of supporting the country’s long-term development objectives.
“Our focus is to build practical partnerships that will unlock investment, expand infrastructure, and accelerate economic growth. We are committed to ensuring that discussions translate into implementable projects that will benefit the people of Sierra Leone,” the Minister stated.
The First Bank Group CEO highlighted the institution’s extensive experience in financing major infrastructure projects across Africa and stressed that strategic investments in transportation, energy, water systems, and industrial facilities are critical to unlocking productivity and sustainable development.
He further explained that blended finance remains one of the most effective mechanisms for mobilizing large-scale capital and disclosed that the bank has the expertise to structure financing arrangements backed by future commodity revenues and mineral royalties to support transformational projects.
“Infrastructure development remains the backbone of economic progress. First Bank Group is committed to exploring financing solutions that will support Sierra Leone’s development aspirations while ensuring transparency, strong governance, and sustainable impact,” Alebiosu stated.
President Julius Maada Bio welcomed the initiative and linked the proposed investments to his Government’s Big Five priorities of agriculture, fisheries, mining, tourism, and manufacturing.
The President noted that inadequate infrastructure continues to be one of the greatest barriers to economic growth and industrial expansion and called for the swift development of concrete project pipelines and financing frameworks capable of delivering measurable results.
Another key engagement during the visit was a meeting with the Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Segepoh Solomon Thomas, where discussions centered on the critical role of the Legislature in supporting major investment initiatives and financing agreements that may require parliamentary approval.
The Speaker welcomed the delegation and reaffirmed Parliament’s commitment to supporting initiatives that promote economic growth, job creation, and national development. He emphasized the importance of legislative backing in creating a stable and predictable environment for investors while ensuring accountability and transparency in development projects.
As part of the visit, the delegation also paid a courtesy visit to Pee Cee & Sons, where discussions focused on private sector growth, industrialization, entrepreneurship, and investment opportunities within Sierra Leone.
Officials of Pee Cee & Sons highlighted the role of indigenous businesses in driving economic development and emphasized the need for stronger partnerships, increased access to financing, and policies that support local enterprise growth.
Beyond investment and financing discussions, the First Bank Group delegation demonstrated its commitment to social responsibility through the commissioning and handover of newly renovated solar-powered Science and Computer Laboratories at Albert Academy Secondary School in Freetown.
Implemented under the bank’s Leadership Acceleration Programme (LAP 3.0), the project is expected to strengthen science and ICT education while promoting environmental sustainability through renewable energy.
Bank executives noted that sustainable development requires not only investment in physical infrastructure but also investment in education, innovation, and youth empowerment.
The visit also underscored the important role of First Bank Sierra Leone in advancing the Group’s vision within the country. Managing Director of First Bank Sierra Leone, Udeme Udoh, described the engagements as productive and impactful, noting that they reflected the confidence First Bank Group has in Sierra Leone’s future and its commitment to supporting the country’s development aspirations through strategic partnerships and innovative financial solutions.
Board Chairman of First Bank Sierra Leone, Kobi Walker, described the visit as a significant milestone in strengthening collaboration between the bank, Government, and the private sector. He noted that the engagements demonstrated a shared commitment to attracting investment, supporting infrastructure development, creating jobs, and driving sustainable economic growth across the country.
Reflecting on the outcome of the visit, the First Bank Group CEO expressed appreciation for the warm reception accorded to the delegation and commended the Government of Sierra Leone for its commitment to fostering an enabling environment for investment.
“Over the past three days, we have engaged with Government, Parliament, private sector leaders, and educational institutions. We have witnessed tremendous potential and a shared commitment to development. First Bank Group remains ready to partner with Sierra Leone in unlocking opportunities that will drive economic growth, infrastructure development, and long-term prosperity,” he said.
The successful conclusion of the three-day visit is being viewed as a significant milestone in strengthening cooperation between First Bank Group and Sierra Leone, with expectations that the engagements will pave the way for strategic investments, innovative financing arrangements, and transformative development projects across the country.
