Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia 08.05.2017 - The Government of Sierra Leone has asked for the the support of Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) in agricultural development, road construction and Post-Ebola recovery plan.

The President of Sierra Leone, Dr. Earmest Bai Koroma disclosed this when he received the President of IsDB, Dr. Bandar Hajjar at the Royal Guest House in Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

President Koroma expressed his appreciation to IsDB for its support during the Ebola crisis, as well as its intervention in various sectors of development like agriculture and roads construction.

“Everyone in Sierra Leone knows about IsDB projects. With your support, Ebola is now history. But we are still grappling with its effect. One of the major reasons why I am here is to seek support due to the diffciulty we are facing. We are now realising the economic effect of Ebola. We need the support of mulilateral institutions like IsDB to address our challenges,” said President Koroma.

The President of Sierra Leone further seeks the support of IsDB in the contruction of the ring road project, and pilgrims that are currently facing some difficulties.

In his remarks, IsDB President, Dr. Bandar Hajjar assured the President of Sierra Leone of IsDB commitment to the country. He pledged to collaborate with the country in completing all ongoing projects.

“IsDB is ready to support Sierra Leone in promoting economic diversification through accelerated investment in infrastructure, promoting food security and connecting domestic value chains to global value chains. The IsDB Group is ready to extend support in tackling the binding constraints to growth, and leverage the power of the private sector to restore growth and build a competitive economy,” Dr. Hajjar stated.

Currently, there are 11 active projects in Sierra Leone worth US $145 million. IsDB has executed projects worth $300 million since Sierra Leone joined the Bank in 1982. US $6 million was dedicated to the fight against Ebola from Fael Khair programme in addition to US $300,000 humanitarian assistance in September 2014.