AfDB Launches $500 Million Plan to Accelerate Inclusive Growth in Sierra Leone
The African Development Bank (AfDB) has approved a new five-year Country Strategy Paper (CSP) for Sierra Leone, committing around $500 million (approximately £395 million) to drive sustainable growth, strengthen resilience, and promote inclusive development between 2025 and 2030.
Centred on two key priorities — sustainable infrastructure development and agricultural transformation — the strategy seeks to close infrastructure gaps, boost private sector competitiveness, and reduce the country’s vulnerability to climate change.
With a total projected investment of $2.1 billion, including contributions from development partners, the plan aligns with Sierra Leone’s National Development Plan (2021–2025) and Vision 2030, which aim to transition the nation towards middle-income status.
Under the new framework, flagship infrastructure projects will expand renewable energy generation, increase electricity access from 41% in 2024 to 60% by 2030, and upgrade climate-resilient roads. Additionally, 1.2 million more citizens are expected to gain access to safe drinking water through improvements in water and sanitation systems.
In the agricultural sector, the Bank’s support will focus on strengthening agro-industrial value chains, cutting the current 70% food import dependency on staples such as rice, and creating over 500,000 jobs, especially for women and young people through small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
Sierra Leone’s economy has maintained steady growth, with real GDP expanding by an average of 6.7% between 2020 and 2024, largely driven by agriculture and services. Building on this momentum, the new strategy will deepen the impact of the AfDB’s ongoing portfolio of 10 projects worth $150 million, which have already improved road connectivity and energy access across the country.
“This strategy marks a decisive step towards a resilient and inclusive Sierra Leone. Through investments in sustainable infrastructure and agriculture, we are empowering communities, generating jobs, and accelerating the country’s transformation,” said Halima Hashi, the Bank’s Country Manager for Sierra Leone.
The CSP also reinforces gender equality and digital innovation. The Affirmative Finance Action for Women in Africa (AFAWA) initiative will channel funding and capacity-building to women-led agribusinesses, while digital platforms will improve supply chain management and market access.
Aligned with the African Union’s Agenda 2063, the AfCFTA, and the Bank’s Ten-Year Strategy, the plan integrates climate resilience and environmental safeguards, including renewable energy investments and climate-smart agriculture to counter the growing risks of floods and droughts.
Implementation will be carried out in close partnership with government institutions, the private sector, and civil society to ensure maximum impact and accountability. The approach also supports Sierra Leone’s 2022 Environmental Protection Act, reinforcing the nation’s commitment to green and inclusive growth.
