Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh has reaffirmed Sierra Leone’s strong commitment to the West African Monetary Zone (WAMZ) and the broader ECOWAS single currency initiative, emphasizing the country’s dedication to regional economic integration.
Speaking at the 53rd Meeting of the Convergence Council of Ministers and Central Bank Governors in Freetown, Dr. Jalloh welcomed delegates on behalf of President Julius Maada Bio, encouraging them to explore the city’s rich history while deliberating on strategies to strengthen financial cooperation.
“Despite the setbacks we have faced, our resolve remains strong to advance the WAMZ single currency project and deepen regional integration,” he stated.
Dr. Jalloh highlighted the challenges that have delayed the launch of the ECOWAS common currency, including the Ebola outbreak, the COVID-19 pandemic, and global economic disruptions caused by the Russia-Ukraine crisis.
However, he commended the efforts of regional institutions such as the West African Monetary Agency (WAMA) and the West African Monetary Institute (WAMI) for keeping the vision alive. He also outlined Sierra Leone’s ongoing economic reforms, particularly in food security and infrastructure development, to boost domestic production and enhance trade links with Guinea and Liberia.
“Our commitment is not just in words but in action, as we continue implementing economic policies that support integration and stability,” he added.
With the 2027 deadline for the ECOWAS Monetary Union approaching, Dr. Jalloh urged member states to remain resilient and collaborate effectively to realize the shared goal of a unified West African economy.
