AYV News, August 7, 2026
President Dr. Julius Maada Bio has received the Chairman and Group Chief Executive Officer of Oakwood Green Africa Limited and Representative of the Majority Shareholders of Bloom Bank Africa, Mr. Gabriel Edgal, and his delegation at State House, where both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening public-private partnerships, promoting entrepreneurship, and expanding support for women- and youth-led enterprises.
Introducing the delegation, the Minister of Finance, Mr. Sheku Ahmed Fantamadi Bangura, thanked President Bio for receiving the team, noting that the visit was intended to express appreciation for the Government’s continued efforts to create an enabling business environment and to reaffirm Bloom Bank’s long-term commitment to Sierra Leone.
Speaking on behalf of the Bank, Mr. Gabriel Edgalcongratulated President Bio on his leadership as Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government and his role on the United Nations Security Council, describing Sierra Leone’s growing international profile as a reflection of the President’s stewardship.
He noted that Bloom Bank Africa, which operates in four African countries, aligns its investments with the Government’s Big Five Game Changers agenda and remains committed to supporting small and medium-sized enterprises through capacity development, access to finance, and investment facilitation.
Mr. Edgal further announced plans to partner with the Government and international institutions to implement a national SME capacity-building programme aimed at strengthening entrepreneurship, improving business competitiveness, and creating greater opportunities for women- and youth-owned businesses.
Welcoming the delegation, President Bio thanked Bloom Bank Africa for its confidence in Sierra Leone and reaffirmed his Government’s commitment to fostering a business-friendly environment that encourages investment and private sector growth.
“We are very eager to engage and support the private sector through effective collaboration,” President Bio said, stressing that sustainable economic transformation depends on strong partnerships between Government and private enterprise.
The President underscored the importance of expanding economic opportunities for women and young people and commended the Bank’s focus on financial literacy and SME development. He also encouraged Bloom Bank and other financial institutions to increase investment in agriculture, emphasising that the successful implementation of the Feed Salone initiative requires stronger private sector participation.
President Bio observed that his administration is pursuing reforms to strengthen the banking sector and improve access to finance, particularly for start-ups and emerging entrepreneurs. He reaffirmed his Government’s commitment to building a structured financial system capable of driving inclusive economic growth and unlocking the productive potential of Sierra Leone’s youthful population.
The meeting concluded with both sides reaffirming their commitment to deepening collaboration in support of entrepreneurship, financial inclusion, private sector development, and sustainable economic growth, with a particular focus on empowering women and youth-led businesses across Sierra Leone.
