The African Development Bank has successfully concluded its 2020-2024 Country Strategy for Sierra Leone, delivering transformative infrastructure and economic progress despite challenges faced, including the COVID-19 pandemic. Building on these achievements, the Bank unveils its 2025-2030 strategy, designed to accelerate sustainable growth and job creation through private sector and agro-industrial development.
By the end of April 2025, the Banks portfolio in Sierra Leone comprised of 12 operations amounting to $265.85 million. Notable successes during the implementation of the 2020-2024 strategy include the construction of a 1360 km high-voltage line to connect the national networks of the Mano River Union countries: Côte d’Ivoire, Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea Electricity Networks through the Côte d’Ivoire, Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea Electricity (CLSG) Interconnexion Project. Access to potable water supply also rose to 65% in 2022 from 59% in 2015. The 465-kilometer Trans-West African Highway, connecting Sierra Leone to Guinea and Liberia, has reduced travel times and enhanced regional trade.
“Sierra Leone has demonstrated remarkable resilience with growth averaging 3.9% during the strategy period, peaking at 5.7% in 2021 to 2023. The Bank’s support, notably in the development of road, water supply, and energy sector infrastructure, has been crucial in driving this progress”, said Lamin Barrow, the Bank’s Director General for West Africa.
The new 2025-2030 strategy focuses on two priorities: enhancing quality infrastructure to spur private sector growth and fostering inclusive growth through agro-industrial value chains. Aligned with Sierra Leone’s 2024-2030 National Development Plan, it aims to transform agriculture, improve food security, invest in infrastructure, create youth jobs, and build human capital. The strategy will leverage lessons from the previous period, emphasizing fewer, high-impact projects and targeted training for project implementation teams to ensure efficiency.
Sierra Leone’s economic outlook is strong, with growth projected at 4.7% in 2025 and 4.9% in 2026, underpinned by expansion in mining activities and stable macroeconomic conditions. The 2025-2030 strategy will be funded through the African Development Fund and Transition Support Facility resources, tailored to Sierra Leone’s financing needs as a country.
Source African Development Bank Group
