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Sierra Leone
Sierra Leone is a country with significant economic potential but continues to face important development and macroeconomic challenges. In 2025, the country recorded a real GDP growth rate of 4.37%, reflecting solid economic expansion supported by activity in key sectors of the economy. Inflation declined significantly to 7.60%, indicating improved macroeconomic conditions and reduced price pressures compared with previous years. With a population of 8.81 million, Sierra Leone’s GDP reached 7.70 billion USD in 2025, highlighting the relatively small size of the economy despite its growth potential. Beyond the economic indicators, Sierra Leone continues to face substantial human development challenges. The Human Development Index stands at 0.467, reflecting limited progress in areas such as education, healthcare, and living standards, and placing the country among the lower-ranked countries in terms of human development. Employment among individuals aged 15 and above stands at 53.37%, a moderate level that reflects participation in economic activity. However, job quality remains a major concern, as a large share of employment is concentrated in informal, low-productivity, and vulnerable occupations, limiting income growth and broader economic inclusion.
GDP nominal
USD 7.70 billion (2025)
Inflation
7.60% (2025)
Real GDP growth
4.37% (2025)
Employment as a % of population 15+
53.37% (2025)
Population
8.81 million (2025)
Human development index
0.467 (2023)
Investment indicators
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…
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Renewable energy
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…
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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…
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Tourism
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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