Africa-Press – Sierra-Leone. President Julius Maada Bio addressed the Sierra Leonean Parliament on Thursday, August 7, 2025, marking the State Opening of the Third Session of the Sixth Parliament of the Second Republic.
In his address, President Bio highlighted significant progress across various sectors, attributing successes to his administration’s “Big Five Game Changers” and emphasizing a commitment to national unity and self-reliance.
Economic Resilience and Fiscal Discipline
President Bio reported that Sierra Leone’s economy has shown resilience despite global challenges like rising energy prices and supply chain disruptions. In 2024, the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew by 4%, driven by mining, agriculture, construction, light manufacturing, and tourism. Inflation significantly dropped from 54.5% to 9.38% by April 2025, and the Leone depreciated by only 5.7% against the US dollar, signaling the effectiveness of fiscal and monetary reforms. Domestic revenue reached NLe 14.6 billion, the fiscal deficit narrowed to 4.8% of GDP, and public debt decreased to 39.5% of GDP due to disciplined repayment and exchange rate stability.
The President stressed the importance of self-funded development, urging citizens and businesses to pay their taxes to avoid illicit financial flows. He noted the approval of the IMF’s $243 million Extended Credit Facility in November 2024 as a “vote of confidence” in the nation’s reforms. Efforts are underway to diversify the economy by investing in agriculture, tourism, and value-added mining, alongside strengthening the private sector to create jobs and boost exports.
“Feed Salone” Initiative Boosts Food Security
A cornerstone of the President’s agenda, the “Feed Salone” initiative, aims to achieve national food security. Last year, rice production increased by 8%, leading to a 13% reduction in imports and saving $15 million in foreign exchange. The price of rice has also decreased by over 20%. Three new rice mills have been opened to reduce waste and boost local processing. Significantly, the World Food Programme now purchases 30% of its rice from Sierra Leonean farmers. Other successes include a 21% decrease in egg imports, competitive pricing for local onions, and the first-time export of vegetable oil.
Over $800 million has been pledged, with $205 million already committed to livestock, cassava, and rural roads. A $10 million credit facility for modern equipment and the nation’s first crop insurance scheme have also been launched. The government has digitally mapped soils and biometrically registered 300,000 farmers, with 420 kilometers of feeder roads and new bridges under construction to link farmers to markets.
Advancements in Fisheries Sector
The fisheries sector, contributing 12% to Sierra Leone’s GDP and supporting over a million people, saw earnings exceeding $5 million in 2024. A new Quota Management System is expected to more than double revenues while protecting fish stocks. The government has digitized fisheries data, launched an Aquaculture and Inland Fisheries Policy, and introduced a closed fishing season to aid stock recovery. Industrial fish production is projected to reach 150,000 metric tonnes. A partnership with Egypt aims to foster joint ventures in commercial fishing and shrimp farming, building a modern “Blue Economy”.
Human Capital Development: Education and Healthcare
The President underscored education as a fundamental right, not a privilege. Since 2018, school enrollment, retention, and completion rates have increased. Over 1,500 classrooms have been built, and water and sanitation facilities in schools upgraded. More than 20,000 teachers have been trained, including 14,500 in early-grade literacy and numeracy. The government continues to cover examination fees for NPSE, BECE, and WASSCE. Girls’ enrollment and performance have significantly improved, supported by initiatives like free sanitary pads, school feeding, and support for child mothers.
In higher and technical education, reforms are aligning skills with job market demands. The “WokDonCam Project” is revitalizing technical institutes, and a $3.5 million partnership with Japan and UNIDO has established a Centre of Excellence for Automotive Training. The Recognition of Prior Learning Programme certifies informal workers, and digital connectivity has been expanded, connecting nine universities to affordable internet. New laws, including the revised Tertiary Education Commission Act and the National Council for Technical and Vocational Education Act, have been passed to strengthen governance and quality. The digitised Sierra Leone Student Loan Scheme has supported over 1,000 postgraduates and will soon extend to undergraduates.
In healthcare, domestic spending increased by 2%, and the Sierra Leone Social Health Insurance Scheme is reducing out-of-pocket costs. The National Public Health Agency and real-time disease surveillance systems have improved outbreak detection and response. Health worker recruitment increased by 15%, bringing the total to over 14,000, and medical school enrollment doubled. Key investments include the 166-bed Julius Maada Bio Paediatric Centre, modernized hospitals, ambulances in all districts, and oxygen plants. Maternal and newborn deaths have fallen by 70%, and immunization coverage has improved nationwide. Off-grid solar power now supports rural health centers. The country also successfully contained its first Mpox case in January
Youth Empowerment and Social Welfare
The Youth Employment Scheme, launched two years ago, aims to create half a million jobs in five years across various sectors. Thousands of young people are receiving technical training, with over 250 young women joining digital literacy and business programs. The World Bank-funded PSSNYE project will provide seed funding to 8,000 young entrepreneurs. President Bio urged youth to resist drug abuse and embrace available opportunities.
In social welfare, two landmark laws, the Social Work Regulatory Act and the Social Protection Act, have been enacted. The National Social Safety Net has registered 84,000 elderly-headed households, with cash transfers to over 11,000 citizens aged 75 and above. NASSIT is expanding social security to informal workers. Rehabilitation centers have helped over 400 former drug users, and programs are addressing substance abuse among persons with disabilities. A $1 million India-UN grant is establishing skills centers and a disability village.
Infrastructure and Technology Development
Investments in technology and infrastructure are seen as crucial for Sierra Leone’s modernization. The “Salone Innovates Digital Government Summit 2025” showcased local innovations in AI, cybersecurity, and coding. Government services are becoming more accessible through digitization, including payroll and attendance systems. Over $100 million from China EXIM Bank and the World Bank is funding fiber-optic expansion and digital skills programs.
In the energy sector, Sierra Leone signed a $480 million MCC Compact to expand transmission infrastructure and support sector reforms, which was recently approved to continue by the US Government. The country also joined the Mission 300 Initiative, aiming to raise renewable energy to 52% by 2030 with a target of $2.4 billion in investment. Projects underway include the 108.5 MW NANT gas-to-energy plant, a Floating LNG hub, and solar projects. The goal is to generate over 1,000 MW of power by 2030.
Significant investments are also being made in roads, bridges, and transport. Public-private partnerships are financing major projects like the Koblo-Gulama (Mabang) Bridge and the Moyamba–Gbangbatoke Junction Road. The Road Maintenance Fund supported 1,403 km of roads in 2024, and NLe 39.7 million has been allocated to local councils for maintenance this year. Fifty new “Waka Fine” buses now serve 25,000 passengers daily, and a modern Public Transit Terminal has opened in Lumley. A national policy for electric buses is under development with South Korea. New RFID vehicle licenses, biometric driver’s licenses, and digital number plates have been introduced to curb fraud and improve traffic security.
Public Service Reform and Accountability
President Bio emphasized that good governance requires an efficient, fair, and accountable public service. The Civil Service Code was updated for the first time since 2011, introducing performance appraisals and digitizing HR processes. A new Public Service Policy and Bill will soon be presented to Parliament, and a revised Constitution will dedicate a chapter to the public service, embedding integrity and merit.
The Anti-Corruption Commission recovered nearly NLe 35 million in 2024 and achieved 90% compliance with its online asset declaration system. Sierra Leone ranks among the top 10 most improved countries on the Mo Ibrahim Governance Index and 7th in Africa for anti-corruption. A 5th Generation Anti-Corruption Strategy, a tech-driven plan, has been launched.
Digitalization of payment and audit systems is also underway. The Integrated Financial Management Information System (IFMIS) is live in 20 MDAs, making payments faster and more transparent. Gratuity payments to retirees are now automated. Audit Service Sierra Leone has expanded its coverage to 88% of public spending and conducts performance audits.
Trade, Industry, and Petroleum Sectors
Sierra Leone is actively seeking new trade and investment agreements with international partners. It was the first African country to complete the AfCFTA Readiness Assessment. To stabilize living costs, a transparent pricing formula for essential goods like rice, flour, sugar, cement, and petroleum has been introduced. The manufacturing sector now contributes 22% to GDP, with growth in food processing, cement, and various other industries.
In the downstream petroleum sector, the National Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NPRA), strengthened by the 2025 NPRA Act, ensures a reliable fuel supply and fair competition. Petroleum imports grew by 56% in 2024, and storage capacity expanded by 86% to 250,000 metric tons. The pricing formula has been modernized with World Bank support.
Sierra Leone is also positioning itself as a frontier for oil and gas exploration in West Africa. An offshore study identified over 80 deepwater exploration leads with early estimates of 30 billion barrels of recoverable oil and gas. A $30 million 3D seismic survey, the first in over a decade, was completed. Sierra Leone is a signatory to the $25 billion Africa Atlantic Gas Pipeline Project, which aims to connect West African gas to European markets and spur regional industrial growth.
Mining and Environmental Protection
Mining remains a key sector, generating $1.12 billion in mineral exports in 2024. Reforms under the 2022 Mines and Minerals Development Act have enhanced transparency and community benefits. In 2024, $6.7 million was disbursed in Community Development Funds for schools, clinics, and water systems. Non-tax mining revenues increased by 34% to $28 million due to better oversight and increased production. The government is focused on local value addition and sustainable practices.
Climate change is a national priority, with efforts to embed climate action in all development planning, reforest degraded areas, protect biodiversity, and tackle illegal construction. The Gola Rainforest National Park and Tiwai Island Wildlife Sanctuary were designated as Sierra Leone’s first UNESCO World Heritage Sites in July, recognizing their global ecological importance.
National Cohesion and Foreign Relations
Sierra Leone remains one of Africa’s most peaceful nations, ranking 2nd in West Africa, 5th in Africa, and 57th globally on the 2025 Global Peace Index. The Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion has institutionalized peace by mediating disputes and strengthening early warning systems.President Bio addressed “persistent election denialism and reckless conspiracy theories,” stating that denying legitimate elections is an assault on stability. The Tripartite Committee on Electoral Systems and Management Bodies Review is conducting a historic review of over 80 reform proposals to enhance transparency and credibility. The government is committed to implementing these reforms. The President also called for renewed national dialogue on adopting proportional representation across the executive and public sector to reflect the nation’s diversity.
Civic engagement and public information are vital for democracy. The Ministry of Information and Civic Education launched the National Civic Education and Engagement Initiative, a platform for open communication. Sierra Leone has risen nine places on the Global Press Freedom Index and scores 91% on the MCC Freedom of Information indicator.
The President thanked the security and intelligence services for maintaining peace and stability. Community policing has reduced crime, and strategic investments have made the police more effective. New legislation will strengthen professionalism and accountability in policing. The Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) has adopted a new Tri-Service structure and a National Defence Policy aligning its mission with national development.
Sierra Leone’s standing on the global stage has risen, with the nation serving as a Non-Permanent Member of the UN Security Council and a Member of the African Union Peace and Security Council. During its UN Security Council Presidency last year, Sierra Leone convened 20 formal meetings and led debates on Africa’s representation. As Coordinator of the African Union Committee of Ten on UN Security Council Reform, Sierra Leone achieved a breakthrough with the US publicly supporting two permanent seats for Africa.
President Bio defended his overseas travels, stating they serve national interests by unlocking financing and strengthening partnerships. New diplomatic missions have been opened in Algeria, France, and Ireland.
On the occupation of Yenga, the President reiterated a commitment to a diplomatic solution while upholding sovereignty. In June 2025, President Bio assumed the role of Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, which gives Sierra Leone a leading voice in regional peace and economic integration.
Source: Sierraloaded
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