February 12, 2016
IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, and the Bank of Sierra Leone (BSL) are partnering to promote improved performance in Sierra Leone’s banking sector by helping financial institutions adapt best practices in corporate governance.
Under the partnership, IFC will provide training and skills development programs for Sierra Leone’s banking sector, which participated in a one-day workshop on corporate governance hosted by IFC and the Bank of Sierra Leone. Chairpersons, bank directors, and other participants explored practical ways how the industry can increase corporate governance standards to improve economic performance in the country.
Corporate governance refers to the structures and processes by which companies are directed and controlled. It makes companies more accountable and transparent to investors and gives them the tools to respond to stakeholder concerns.
Momodu Kargbo, Governor of the Bank of Sierra Leone said, “The Bank of Sierra Leone is determined to maintain the momentum of the sector-wide improvement that it has embarked on. We are working with IFC through series of trainings and activities to strengthen global best practices in corporate governance and promote improved performance in the banking sector.”
The workshop followed up on previous training sessions carried out in 2014 to facilitate a better understanding of the roles and responsibilities of directors of banking institutions in implementing corporate governance in Sierra Leone.
Frances Gadzekpo, Senior Operations Officer responsible for IFC’s Advisory Service programs in Sierra Leone, said, “IFC is committed to helping companies improve their performance by encouraging them to adopt good corporate governance practices so they can contribute to sustainable economic development. We are working with the Bank of Sierra Leone to boost performance and help grow Sierra Leone’s economy.”
IFC’s Conflict Affected States in Africa Initiative (CASA) is supporting the implementation of the IFC Africa Corporate Governance program in Sierra Leone. CASA helps fragile and conflict affected states attract investment, improve their business environments, and grow their economies. CASA is active in nine countries in sub-Saharan Africa and is supported by donor partners Ireland, the Netherlands, and Norway.
IFC works with the private sector in developing countries to build sustainable businesses by putting in place corporate governance practices that allow businesses to mitigate risk, safeguard against mismanagement, and attract the investment and capital that will fuel their growth.
The Africa Corporate Governance Program is funded by SECO, Switzerland and IFC is the implementing partner for the program.
CREDIT: World Bank Country Office, SL