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Sierra Leone
Sierra Leone is a country with significant economic potential but facing substantial macroeconomic challenges. In 2024, the country recorded relatively strong real GDP growth of 4.43%. Despite this expansion, Sierra Leone continues to grapple with high inflation, which reached 28.43% in 2024, undermining macroeconomic stability. With a population of 8.64 million, Sierra Leone’s GDP stood at USD 7.79 billion in 2024. Beyond the economic indicators, Sierra Leone shows weak results in human development: the Human Development Index is 0.467, reflecting limited progress and placing the country well below regional frontrunners. Employment outcomes are moderate, with 53.79% of people aged 15 and above employed in 2023, although job quality and informality remain key concerns for the labour market.
GDP nominal
USD 7.79 billion (2024)
Inflation
28.43% (2024)
Real GDP growth
4.43% (2024)
Employment as a % of population 15+
53.79% (2023)
Population
8.64 million (2024)
Human development index
0.467 (2023)
Investment indicators
Foreign direct investment, net inflows (% of GDP)
General government investment (gross fixed capital formation) as a % of GDP
Private investment (gross fixed capital formation) as a % of GDP
Latest news
PRESS RELEASE • 22 January 2026
ECOWAS holds thematic dialogue on digital transformation to strengthen regional integration
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Investment landscape
Key sectors
Agriculture
Sierra Leone’s agribusiness sector is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by modernization efforts, crop diversification, and a national commitment to food security. Agriculture remains the backbone of the economy contributing over 50% of GDP, employing 65% of the workforce, and sustaining millions of rural households. With abundant natural endowments, including 5.4 million hectares of arable land, only 15% currently under cultivation, and high annual rainfall of 3,800 mm, Sierra…
Learn moreEnergy
Sierra Leone’s energy sector is undergoing a profound transformation, driven by expanding renewable capacity, diversification of energy sources, and a strong national commitment to increasing electricity access. Although energy production currently covers only 15% of the population’s electricity needs, the sector holds strategic importance for economic development and industrialization. With abundant natural resources including high solar irradiation averaging 1460 kWh/m²/year, viable wind…
Learn moreMarine Fisheries
Sierra Leone’s fisheries sector is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by modernization efforts, diversification across value chains, and an increasing commitment to sustainable marine resource management. While fisheries have long been a cornerstone of food security and export earnings, the sector’s strategic relevance continues to grow contributing over 10% of GDP and supplying nearly 80% of the animal protein consumed domestically. With rich marine biodiversity and an…
Learn moreTourism
Sierra Leone’s tourism sector is experiencing a strong resurgence, driven by infrastructure improvements, diversification of tourism products, and a renewed commitment to positioning the country as a premier West African destination. Although tourism is still emerging compared to other sectors, it remains strategically significant, contributing around 5% of GDP and supporting a wide range of economic activities from hospitality to transport services. With internationally renowned beaches,…
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