By Hassan Osman Kargbo
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of UBA Sierra Leone, Mohamed Alhajie Samoura, has called for stronger mobilisation of private capital as a key driver of sustainable development in Sierra Leone. He made the statement while participating in the Sierra Leone Policy Conference 2025 held at the New Brookfields Hotel in Freetown.
Mr Samoura, who also serves as President of the Sierra Leone Association of Commercial Banks, spoke on Tuesday 10 December 2025 as a panelist and discussant during Session Seven of the conference. The session focused on unlocking private capital for sustainable development, with emphasis on pathways to investment readiness and ecosystem development.
In his contribution, Mr Samoura underscored the importance of private sector financing in complementing public resources to meet the country’s development needs. He noted that government funding alone is insufficient to address infrastructure gaps, expand productive sectors, and support inclusive economic growth.
He highlighted the critical role of commercial banks in strengthening investment readiness by providing access to finance, supporting enterprise growth, and promoting financial inclusion. According to him, banks serve as a bridge between available capital and viable investment opportunities, particularly for small and medium sized enterprises.
Mr Samoura also emphasized the need for a stable and predictable policy environment to attract private investment. He said clear regulations, strong institutions, and consistent economic policies are essential in building investor confidence and reducing risks associated with long term investments.
He further called for improved collaboration between the public and private sectors, stressing that sustainable development requires coordinated efforts among government, financial institutions, and development partners. He explained that partnerships can help unlock innovative financing solutions and expand the pool of private capital available for national development projects.
Participants at the session noted that enhancing investment readiness involves addressing structural challenges such as limited access to credit, weak infrastructure, and gaps in technical capacity. Mr Samoura acknowledged these challenges and encouraged continued reforms aimed at strengthening the financial sector and improving the overall business environment.
His presentation was well received by fellow panelists and conference participants, many of whom agreed that commercial banks have a strategic role to play in mobilising domestic and international capital. Discussions also highlighted the importance of aligning financial products with national development priorities.
The session concluded with renewed calls for stronger cooperation between government, financial institutions, and development partners to unlock private capital and accelerate sustainable development. Stakeholders agreed that effective collaboration and sound policy implementation will be crucial in translating investment potential into tangible economic outcomes.
The Sierra Leone Policy Conference 2025 continues to serve as a platform for dialogue on policy options and strategies aimed at driving economic transformation and long term growth.
