The Directorate of Financial Management Systems and Technology within the Ministry of Finance, in conjunction with the Bank of Sierra Leone, through the Financial Inclusion II Project, with support from the World Bank and key stakeholders, successfully concluded a two-day workshop to validate the draft interoperability roadmap for Public Financial Management (PFM) systems.

The exercise was held at the Sierra Palms Hotel in Freetown on 28th and 29th October 2025. It brought together representatives from the Ministry of Finance, the Bank of Sierra Leone, the National Revenue Authority, NACRA, Civil Society Organisations, and other Ministries, Departments, and Agencies. Consultants from PCL International also attended.

Samuel E.B. Momoh, Principal Deputy Financial Secretary, Ministry of Finance, opened the event. He emphasised that interoperability is critical, given the Government of Sierra Leone’s investments exceeding USD 300 million in standalone PFM systems. These include Integrated Financial Management Systems (IFMIS), Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) systems, and the ITAX system at the National Revenue Authority.

He noted that while these systems have advanced certain operations, they often function in isolation. This leads to inefficiencies and duplication. Implementing interoperable systems would allow seamless data exchange. It would strengthen citizens’ trust, enhance donor confidence, and promote transparency that can attract foreign investment.

Dr Simeon M. Jonjo, Director of Financial Management Systems and Technology, highlighted that interoperability can improve efficiency in financial management and reporting, enhancing transparency and accountability, supporting informed decision-making, and streamlining processes to reduce costs.

Dr Jonjo further stated that Interoperable systems ensure the proper management and distribution of public funds while enabling institutions to maintain accountability and make data-driven decisions.

He also stated that this exercise is to validate input from stakeholders during the consultation process to develop the roadmap, noting that the objective is for different institutions within the PFM space to own and contribute meaningfully at this stage to ensure seamless implementation across the sector.

Director Jonjo calls for effective collaboration among PFM institutions to achieve this milestone in the sector.

Oluwole Austin Pratt, CEO of PCL International and consultant supporting the Government of Sierra Leone, added that achieving full interoperability requires the coordination of all financial systems through digital integration and automation.

He highlighted that many institutions have deployed different systems and applications that operate independently. Noting that this roadmap, developed through extensive stakeholder engagement, provides a comprehensive framework for enabling seamless data transfer and integration across the PFM ecosystem by setting clear guidelines on technical standards, interoperability infrastructure, data requirements, and policies, laying the foundation for digital transformation and financial inclusion.

The workshop concluded with all stakeholders reaffirming the significance of interoperability in strengthening public financial management and ensuring that Sierra Leone’s PFM systems are aligned with international best practices.

©MOF Communications