African Development Bank Commits $500 Million to Boost Inclusive Growth and Economic Resilience in Sierra Leone

The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) has approved a new Country Strategy Paper (CSP) for Sierra Leone for 2025–2030, pledging around $500 million to support sustainable economic growth, enhance resilience to fragility, and drive inclusive development.

The five-year strategy focuses on two main priorities: developing sustainable infrastructure to strengthen private sector competitiveness and advancing agricultural value-chain development to create jobs and improve food security. These focus areas aim to address Sierra Leone’s core challenges, including infrastructure deficits, limited industrialisation, and vulnerability to climate change.

With total financing estimated at $2.1 billion, including contributions from development partners, the CSP aligns with the government’s National Development Plan (2021–2025) and Vision 2030, which seek to transition Sierra Leone toward middle-income status.

Flagship infrastructure projects will expand renewable energy generation, increase electricity access from 41% in 2024 to 60% by 2030, and upgrade climate-resilient road networks. Water and sanitation improvements are expected to give 1.2 million people access to safe drinking water.

The agricultural agenda will focus on reducing food import dependency, currently at 70% for staple crops like rice—while creating over 500,000 jobs, particularly for women and youth, through support for small and medium-sized enterprises.

“This strategy represents a bold step toward building a resilient and inclusive economy in Sierra Leone. By investing in sustainable infrastructure and agriculture, we are empowering communities, creating jobs, and supporting Sierra Leone's vision for transformative growth,” said Halima Hashi, Country Manager, Sierra Leone.

The programme will leverage initiatives such as the Affirmative Finance Action for Women in Africa (AFAWA) to provide tailored financing and training for women-led agribusinesses, alongside digital solutions to improve agricultural supply chains and market access.

The CSP is closely aligned with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the Bank’s Ten-Year Strategy, supporting Sierra Leone’s commitments under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) by improving trade infrastructure and boosting agricultural exports.

Cross-cutting themes include climate change mitigation, gender equality, and youth empowerment, with investments in renewable energy and climate-smart agriculture aimed at reducing Sierra Leone’s carbon footprint and improving resilience to floods and droughts.

Implementation begins immediately, in partnership with government, private sector, and civil society stakeholders, ensuring environmental and social compliance under the Environmental Protection Act of 2022. The strategy will be monitored to measure progress toward inclusive, sustainable growth and long-term national development outcomes.