The Country Focus Report 2025 for Sierra Leone projects economic growth of 4.4% in 2025 and 4.8% in 2026, primarily driven by the services, mining, and agriculture sectors. The report reviews Sierra Leone’s economic performance in 2024 and provides an outlook for the coming years amidst global challenges.
The theme of this year’s report is “Making Sierra Leone’s Capital Work Better for Its Development.” It analyzes recent economic developments, including growth and key macroeconomic indicators, while considering global trade tensions and geopolitical impacts. The report also assesses options for enhancing domestic capital mobilization and utilization.
Halima Hashi, the Country Manager of the African Development Bank in Sierra Leone, highlighted that real GDP growth slowed to 3.9% in 2024 from 5.7% in 2023 due to inflationary pressures. Growth was supported by prudent macroeconomic policies which helped reduce these pressures. She projected an acceleration to 4.4% growth in 2025 and further to 4.8% in 2026, driven by ongoing reforms.
Hashi encouraged the government to maintain reform momentum for economic diversification amid global headwinds. She affirmed the African Development Bank’s commitment to partnering with Sierra Leone for economic diversification and job creation.
Deputy Minister of Finance II, Bockarie Kalokoh, noted positive domestic economic trends with a projected growth rate increase from 4% in 2024 to 4.4% in 2025 due to strong sector performances. Inflation has eased from April’s rate of 9.38% to May’s rate of 7.55%. The exchange rate between the Leone and US Dollar has remained stable since mid-2023, and the fiscal deficit narrowed from 5.3% of GDP in 2023 to 4.8% in 2024.
Kalokoh welcomed recommendations for mitigation measures such as accelerating the Feed Salone program and strengthening climate action capacity while emphasizing improved capital mobilization and governance.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to working with development partners, the private sector, and external bodies to enhance capital efficiency for Sierra Leone’s development.