Development Initiatives in Africa | Insights from a recent visit to Sierra Leone
Recently, some of our team members visited Sierra Leone, a small West African nation of about 8 million people. Emerging from a decade-long civil war that ended in 2002, and the Ebola outbreak in 2014, the country continues to grapple with deep-rooted development issues. With a per capita GDP of just USD 600 and over half the population living on less than USD 1.90 per day (the international poverty line) , Sierra Leone ranks 184th on the Human Development Index (HDI 2022), with a value of 0.458. This highlights the urgent need for sustainable development solutions.
The situation is further complicated by the fact that around 75% of the population is under the age of 35. With this significant youthful demographic profile, it is pertinent for Sierra Leone to implement reforms that can address the socio-economic well-being of its citizens and drive the country forward.
During the visit, we focused on examining the Higher Education and TVET ecosystems, both of which require major structural transformation. However, equal attention is needed in other sectors, including healthcare reforms, the use of technology to strengthen public service delivery, promoting inclusivity, environmental sustainability, and boosting economic growth through diversification and increased private sector participation.
Sierra Leone’s GDP for 2024 is estimated at USD 7.4 billion, with agriculture and mining as the primary economic sectors. The country remains heavily reliant on grants and donor funding, with significant involvement from multilateral agencies such as the World Bank and UN Agencies. These organizations are focused on transformative initiatives in areas like infrastructure, health, and education to tackle the nation's development challenges.
The country has set an ambitious goal to become a middle-income nation by 2035. The current government, which recently secured a second term, is focusing on five “Big Game Changers” as part of its strategy to achieve long-term development objectives. These include
On the Human Capital Development front, Sierra Leone has implemented an education sector plan that emphasizes free quality education (FQE) from primary to secondary school, with a particular focus on the inclusion of girls and marginalized groups. The plan aims to achieve several key objectives, including: 1) Improved Access, 2) Curriculum Development, 3) Teacher Training, and 4) Infrastructure Investment.
However, similar challenges persist in the Higher Education and TVET sectors. The system is constrained by inadequate infrastructure and facilities to accommodate the increasing number of students. Key areas that require urgent attention include classroom facilities, industry involvement, curriculum enhancement, and faculty development. These aspects are critical for addressing the gaps and strengthening the education system to better serve the growing population and to meet the evolving needs of the labour market.
There is a heavy dependence on Freetown, Sierra Leone’s capital, and its surrounding areas, as a significant portion of the population resides here. The city is also home to prominent academic institutions and business houses. However, with approximately 62% of the population living in rural areas, technology will be a crucial driver in implementing reforms to upskill people and create relevant employment opportunities. Ensuring a skilled workforce across the country—beyond just Freetown and the prominent diamond mining district of Kono—will encourage industries and businesses to establish operations nationwide, promoting equitable growth and development.
To make this happen, reliable internet connectivity and addressing power shortages are critical challenges that must be overcome. Additionally, as technology adoption grows, data security and protection must be prioritized to prevent potential cybersecurity risks associated with increased digital usage. Addressing these issues will be key to leveraging technology for sustainable development and inclusive growth.
The road ahead looks promising, as demonstrated by the resilience and determination of the people we met during the visit — from government officials and regulatory agencies to academic institutions and students. A notable feature of the country’s transformation is the presence of young, highly educated ministers across various departments, leading the charge for change. Their commitment and clear vision for driving transformative progress were evident throughout the interactions.
The future looks bright for Africa, and Sierra Leone is no exception. With a youthful population (not only in Sierra Leone but across the continent), this demographic will play a pivotal role in accelerating growth and competing globally, provided we effectively address the key input factors that can unlock their potential.
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