Africa-Press – Sierra-Leone. Sierra Leone’s economy is projected to grow by 4.3 percent in 2025, gradually increasing to 4.6 percent by 2027, according to the latest World Bank Sierra Leone Economic Update launched today in Freetown.
The report, titled “Enabling the Private Sector for Growth and Job Creation,” attributes this outlook to expected improvements in agriculture, expansion in mining, and a steady services sector.
However, it highlights a significant challenge: the country needs to create at least 75,000 new jobs each year to maintain its current employment levels for a growing workforce.
“Unlocking the potential of the private sector remains critical to diversifying Sierra Leone’s economy and creating more meaningful jobs,” said Abdu Muwonge, World Bank Group Country Manager for Sierra Leone.
The report identifies major constraints on growth and employment, including a lack of vibrant private sector activity, limited access to finance, and inadequate infrastructure such as land, electricity, and skills.
To address these issues, the World Bank provides key policy recommendations. These include strengthening fiscal management to restore credibility, boosting private sector competitiveness by simplifying regulations, and improving access to finance for businesses. The report also emphasizes the need to enhance infrastructure and streamline regulations to attract foreign direct investment.
On macroeconomic stability, the report notes that inflationary pressures have eased, reaching 5.4 percent in September 2025. The cost of government borrowing has also declined sharply. Despite this progress, Sierra Leone’s debt remains at a high risk of distress, and foreign reserves have weakened due to high external debt servicing costs.
“Without decisive reforms, the country risks falling short of its development objectives,” said Michael Saffa, World Bank Senior Country Economist and the report’s lead author.
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