The World Bank Group, an international development institution, has appointed Aissatou Diallo as Country Manager for Sierra Leone, putting her in charge of the institution’s engagement with the government as the West African nation works to strengthen growth, create jobs and attract private investment.

Diallo will lead the World Bank Group’s strategic dialogue with the Government of Sierra Leone and other stakeholders. She will also oversee implementation of the country program, with a focus on inclusive economic growth, human capital, resilience and opportunities for the private sector.

Diallo brings decades of experience

A Guinean and Swiss national, Diallo has nearly three decades of development finance experience, including more than two decades at the World Bank Group. She joined the institution in 2002 and has held operational and leadership roles covering country management, portfolio oversight, policy dialogue, fiduciary assurance and partnerships.

Her work has included assignments in Africa and other regions, including countries affected by fragility and conflict.

Before taking up her new role in Sierra Leone, she served as Resident Representative for Gabon from July 2025. She previously served as Resident Representative for Equatorial Guinea from October 2022 through June 30, 2025. Before joining the World Bank, Diallo worked as an internal auditor and tax accountant at Halco Mining Inc. from 1993 to 2000.

“I am deeply honored to serve as the World Bank Group’s Country Manager for Sierra Leone and look forward to deepening our engagement in the country,” Diallo said.

She said she has seen communities respond to development challenges with resilience and determination and plans to work with the government, development partners, civil society, businesses and citizens to create jobs, strengthen human capital and improve living standards.

World Bank manages $1.2 billion portfolio

Diallo will be based in Freetown and lead the World Bank Group’s strategic engagement under its Country Partnership Framework, overseeing a portfolio valued at nearly $1.2 billion in Sierra Leone.

The World Bank Group has supported Sierra Leone through investments and policy reforms in areas including agriculture, energy, water, social protection, governance, digital development and private-sector growth.

The broader World Bank Group consists of five organizations, including the International Finance Corporation (IFC), International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) and International Development Association (IDA). The World Bank Group provides financing, policy advice and other support in more than 100 countries, with a focus on reducing poverty, supporting economic growth and improving living standards.

Sierra Leone economy posts steady growth

In fiscal 2025, the group provided $118.5 billion in loans, grants, equity investments and guarantees to governments and private businesses in partner countries.

Her appointment comes as Sierra Leone’s economy shows signs of steady improvement. The World Bank estimates that real gross domestic product grew 4.5% in 2025, up from 4.4% in 2024.

Growth was supported by agriculture and services, particularly wholesale and retail trade, which helped offset weaker mining output. Private investment and household consumption also contributed to demand as inflation eased, while public consumption fell as the government pursued fiscal consolidation.