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Economic development

Accelerating Sustainable Growth in Sierra Leone: African Development Bank's 2025-2030 Country Strategy

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The African Development Bank has launched its 2025-2030 Country Strategy for Sierra Leone, building on the success of its previous strategy. The new strategy aims to accelerate sustainable growth, job creation, and private sector development through agro-industrial development and improved infrastructure. Despite challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Bank's previous strategy delivered significant results, including a 65% increase in access to potable water supply, the construction of a 1360 km high-voltage line, and the development of the 465-kilometer Trans-West African Highway. The Bank's Director General for West Africa, Lamin Barrow, highlighted the crucial role of the Bank's support in driving Sierra Leone's economic progress, with growth averaging 3.9% during the strategy period.

Key Takeaways:

  • The 2025-2030 country strategy focuses on enhancing quality infrastructure to spur private sector growth and fostering inclusive growth through agro-industrial value chains.
  • The strategy aligns with Sierra Leone's 2024-2030 National Development Plan, aiming to transform agriculture, improve food security, invest in infrastructure, create youth jobs, and build human capital.
  • The Bank's previous strategy achieved significant results, including:

+ A 65% increase in access to potable water supply from 59% in 2015 to 65% in 2022.

+ The construction of a 1360 km high-voltage line to connect the national networks of the Mano River Union countries.

+ The development of the 465-kilometer Trans-West African Highway, reducing travel times and enhancing regional trade.

+ Growth averaging 3.9% during the strategy period, peaking at 5.7% in 2021 to 2023.

  • The new strategy will allocate resources from the African Development Fund and Transition Support Facility to fund projects targeting fewer, high-impact interventions and targeted training for project implementation teams.

Statistics:

  • The Bank's portfolio in Sierra Leone comprised of 12 operations amounting to $265.85 million by the end of April 2025.
  • The 2025-2030 strategy will focus on fewer, high-impact projects, investing in infrastructure, and creating youth jobs.
  • Sierra Leone's economic outlook is strong, with growth projected at:

+ 4.7% in 2025

+ 4.9% in 2026

  • Underpinned by expansion in mining activities and stable macroeconomic conditions.

Sources:

  • African Development Bank Group

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