West

Sierra Leone

سيراليون

Mission
In scope · Country file in preparation
Country file
Published, with sources · Last reviewed 2026-10-07

From within

Beyond the numbers, Sierra Leone is a country whose capital is Freetown, whose official language is English and whose lingua franca is Krio.27

The country at a glance

Neighbours: Guinea · Liberia

Overview

The country at a glance

Population
8.8 million peopleExact value: 8,819,794World Bank · 2025 · Estimate33
GDP
7.46 US$ bnWorld Bank · 202533
GDP per capita
846 US$World Bank · 202533
GDP growth
4.6 %World Bank · 202533
Urban population
45.9 %World Bank · 2025 · Estimate33
Population under 15
37.7 %World Bank · 2025 · Estimate33

Country card

Official name
Republic of Sierra Leone
Capital
Freetown
Region
West
Location
Coastal
Neighbours
Guinea · Liberia
More essential facts — 20 entries
Population — 2021 census
7.54 million (mid-term census)Data year: 202127
GDP — 2025 estimate (Trade ministry figures)
~US$8.6 billionData year: 2025Estimate32
Growth 2025
4.8% (Ministry of Finance)Data year: 2025789
Capital
Freetown27
Area
About 71,740 km²27
Currency
The leone (SLE), redenominated in 2022Data year: 202227
Languages
English is the official language and Krio the lingua franca; Mende and Temne are also widely spoken27
Independence
27 April 1961Data year: 196127
Economic pillars — iron ore
Iron ore accounts for about 69% of mineral exportsData year: 202515
Economic pillars — other minerals
Rutile, diamonds, gold and bauxite15
Regional framework
ECOWAS · Mano River Union · Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (since 1972) · Islamic Development Bank · CommonwealthData year: 197227
Religion — Muslims
A Muslim majority of about 77% (2015 census)Data year: 201527
2026 milestones — fuel and inflation shock
A fuel-price and inflation shockData year: 2026789101112
2026 milestones — policy rate
The policy rate was raised to 17%Data year: 2026101112
2026 milestones — budget
A revised budget (July)Data year: 2026789
2026 milestones — ECOWAS summit
The ECOWAS summit in Lungi and the end of President Bio's chairmanship of the blocData year: 20262829
2026 milestones — cabinet reshuffle
A cabinet reshuffle (August)Data year: 20263456
Independence — 27 April
1961Data year: 196127
Languages of everyday communication
English · Krio, with Mende and Temne27
Time zone of the capital, Freetown
UTC+027

The axes in brief

  1. People, society and culture
  2. Institutions and national direction
  3. Economy and sectors
  4. Saudi Arabia and Sierra Leone
  5. Media and editorial perspectives

Geographic context and connectivity

The capital

Freetown is the capital. 27

Society

People, society and culture

Topics in this section: Why does Sierra Leone deserve to be understood? · Mineral wealth · Religious diversity1517181920272829

People & Society

Why does Sierra Leone deserve to be understood?

Because it is a mineral-exporting country with a Muslim majority, playing a regional diplomatic role, and bound to the Kingdom by a long development partnership. Analysis1517181920272829

Mineral wealth

Iron ore, rutile, diamonds, gold and bauxite; mineral exports of US$1.3 billion in 2025. 15

Religious diversity

About 77% of the population is Muslim (2015 census), and the country has been a member of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation since 1972. 27

And 2,626 pilgrims in 2026. 26

A diplomatic presence

The ECOWAS chair (2025–2026) and Security Council membership (2024–2025). 2829

And the «Feed Salone» agricultural programme. 78931

A long-standing development partner

The Saudi Fund for Development has been present since 1985. 17181920

And a Saudi diplomatic presence in Freetown, noted in April 2026. 2122232425

General context

A small market (GDP of about US$8.6 billion, a 2025 estimate according to the Trade ministry figures). Estimate32

High inflation in 2026. 101112

Heavy reliance on mineral exports, led by iron ore. Analysis15

And public debt of about US$3.2 billion. 789

And uncertainty ahead of the 2028 general elections. Analysis121314

What this means in practice

Saudi exports to Sierra Leone are led by plastics and meat; there have been Saudi Fund for Development loans since 1985; the strategic cooperation framework (2025; text and signatories not seen) covers agriculture, education and mining; and scholarships were cited in 2024. Analysis16171819202122232425

Krio is the lingua franca. 27

Religion

About 77% are Muslim (2015 census). 27

Hajj and the link with the Two Holy Mosques

2,626 pilgrims from Sierra Leone took part in the 2026 Hajj, with growing coordination with the Saudi authorities after 2024. 26

Methodological note

Religious shares are from the 2015 census; the population figure is from the 2021 mid-term census. 27

Institutions

Institutions and national direction

Leadership

Section facts and information — 11 entries
President of the Republic
H.E. Dr Julius Maada Bio12
In office since
April 2018; second term since 2023Data year: 201812
Vice-President
Dr Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh3456
Chief Minister
Dr David Moinina Sengeh3456
Finance
Karefa Kargbo (August 2026; parliamentary approval not confirmed)Data year: 20263456
Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation
Mohamed Rahman Swarray (August 2026; parliamentary approval not confirmed)Data year: 20263456
Mines and Mineral Resources
Julius Mattai3456
Trade and Industry
Alpha Ibrahim Sesay3456
Governor of the Bank of Sierra Leone
Dr Ibrahim Stevens3456
Investment and export promotion agency
The Sierra Leone Investment and Export Promotion Agency (SLIEPA) — general reference, to be confirmed before any contact31
Islamic finance — membership
A member of the Islamic Development Bank27

Topics in this section: Leadership and national direction · Key milestones · Note123456

Leadership and national direction

President Julius Maada Bio has led the country since 2018. 12

The electoral commission declared him winner of a second term in the 24 June 2023 election with 56.17% of the vote, while the opposition APC rejected the results; an «Agreement for National Unity» in October 2023 set up a tripartite committee on the electoral process. The next general elections are due in 2028. 12

Key milestones

November 2023: armed attacks on barracks and prisons, described by the Government as a failed coup attempt. 12

2024–2025: non-permanent membership of the UN Security Council. 2829

June 2025 – July 2026: chair of ECOWAS. 2829

And hosting of the 69th ordinary summit in Lungi. 2829

August 2026: a reshuffle covering Finance, Foreign Affairs and Labour, and the appointment of the two former ministers as advisers to the President. 3456

Note

Parliamentary approval of the August 2026 nominees (Finance, Foreign Affairs and Labour) is not confirmed. Political facts are presented as reported in their sources, without evaluation. 3456

The investment environment: the rules as they stand

Investment and export promotion agency: SLIEPA (general reference, to be confirmed before contact). 31

The National Revenue Authority (NRA) for taxes. 31

Corporate tax

30% according to public sources (to be confirmed with the National Revenue Authority). 31

Goods and services tax

15% according to public sources (to be confirmed). 31

The National Minerals Agency (NMA). 31

The continental free trade area; the Mano River Union. 2731

Islamic finance

A member of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB). 27

With the Kingdom

Saudi Fund loans since 1985. 17181920

A strategic cooperation framework (2025). 2122232425

A Saudi diplomatic presence in Freetown (2026). 2122232425

An advantage and a constraint

Mineral resources, the English language and a reform programme with the IMF; against this, a small market, the 2026 oil-price shock and high inflation in 2026. Analysis789101112131432

Bilateral agreements

We did not verify the text of the strategic cooperation framework (2025). Analysis2122232425

Institutions

Official bodies with their roles and official websites. Listing a body here does not make it a partner of the initiative.

Government and institutions 6

+3 more

  • Ministry of Mines and Mineral Resources

    Mines and mineral resources.

    3456

  • Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security

    Agriculture and food security.

    3456

  • Ministry of Health

    The hospital project.

    Official website17181920

Investment and finance 2

  • Investment and Export Promotion Agency (SLIEPA)

    Investment and export promotion (general reference, to be confirmed before contact).

    31

  • Bank of Sierra Leone (BSL)

    Monetary policy.

    101112

Sectors and regulation 6

  • Independent Media Commission (IMC)

    Regulation of the media sector.

    30

  • Chief Minister

    Chief Minister: Dr David Moinina Sengeh.

    3456

  • National Revenue Authority (NRA)

    Taxes.

    31

+3 more

  • National Minerals Agency (NMA)

    Minerals.

    31

  • Saudi diplomatic presence in Freetown

    The Saudi ambassador presented his credentials in April 2026.

    2122232425

  • Saudi Fund for Development

    Concessional development loans to Sierra Leone.

    17181920

Media and statistics 1

  • Sierra Leone Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC)

    State broadcaster.

    30

Economy

Economy and sectors

Topics in this section: The brief · Iron ore leads exports · Energy and the economy7891011121517181920282932

The brief

A small economy whose exports are dominated by minerals, led by iron ore; inflation fell to single digits in 2025, then an oil-price shock followed in 2026, with a regional role and a long-standing Saudi development partnership. Analysis7891011121517181920282932

Iron ore leads exports

Mineral exports reached US$1.3 billion in 2025 (+16%), of which iron ore accounts for about 69%, from the Tonkolili and Marampa mines. 15

Energy and the economy

After inflation fell to single digits in 2025, it rose back to 14.89% in July 2026; the central bank raised its policy rate to 17% and, after the oil-price shock, the budget was revised. 789101112

The IMF anchor

A staff-level agreement (May 2026) on the third review of the Extended Credit Facility programme, and a new Resilience and Sustainability Facility of about US$211.5 million (amount per the Ministry of Finance). 1314

A regional role

President Bio chaired ECOWAS from June 2025 until the Lungi summit on 19 July 2026, and Sierra Leone was a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council in 2024–2025. 2829

An extended Saudi partnership

Six loans from the Saudi Fund for Development totalling more than SAR 218 million since 1985 (the US$50 million hospital loan is stated separately). 17181920

And a US$50 million hospital loan — whether it is included in the SAR 218 million total is not confirmed. 17181920

And a Saudi diplomatic presence in Freetown, noted when the Saudi ambassador presented his credentials in April 2026. 2122232425

What to watch
  • The path of inflation and fuel prices.
  • IMF reviews.
  • Iron ore production and exports.
  • Implementation of the Saudi hospital project.
  • The performance of the new economic team after August 2026.
  • Preparation for the 2028 elections.

Analysis12789131417181920

Balanced reading

Mineral resources, a Muslim majority and membership of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation; set against a small market, high inflation in 2026, heavy reliance on minerals, mainly iron ore, and uncertainty ahead of the 2028 elections. Analysis1213141527

The economy at a glance

Real GDP growth was 4.3% in 2024 and 4.5% in 2025 according to the Ministry of Trade (the Ministry of Finance gives 4.8% for 2025); the 2026 forecast was revised to 4.0% after the oil-price shock. Analysis789131432

Minerals make up most export receipts. 15

The economy in 2026

An oil-price shock (US$138 per barrel in April 2026, after the closure of the Strait of Hormuz in February 2026); the Government revised its budget and introduced fuel subsidies. 789

Exports led by minerals

Minerals made up 76.8% of export receipts in 2024, and mineral exports reached US$1.3 billion in 2025, led by iron ore. 15

The fiscal deficit

Down from 5.1% of GDP in 2024 to 4.3% in 2025, according to the Ministry of Trade. Estimate32

With a target of 2.8% in the revised 2026 budget. Target789

A domestic primary surplus of 1.3% of GDP in 2025. 1314

Risks: global instability, climate shocks, reform fatigue and uncertainty ahead of the elections. 1314

Revenue

Managed by the National Revenue Authority (NRA). 31

What to follow

Completion of the third review, the effect of fuel subsidies on the deficit, and spending ahead of the 2028 elections. Analysis127891314

Iron ore

The leading driver of mineral exports, from the Tonkolili and Marampa mines. 15

Mineral exports 2025

Iron ore is about 69% of mineral exports in 2025 (approximate share). 15

Mineral exports of US$1.3 billion in 2025, up 16%. 15

Diamonds, rutile and gold

Other minerals: rutile, bauxite, gold and diamonds. 15

Data gap

We did not verify export values for each mineral separately for 2025. Analysis15

The Koidu mine shut down indefinitely in May 2025. 15

Institutions

The Ministry of Mines and Mineral Resources and the National Minerals Agency (NMA). 345631

Money and the central bank

Inflation fell to single digits in 2025 and the policy rate was cut to 18.75% in September 2025; inflation then rose again in 2026. 101112

The Bank of Sierra Leone raised its monetary policy rate to 17.0% in June 2026. 101112

The policy rate was raised by 25bp. 101112

In July, housing and utilities inflation reached 83.72% and transport 37.04%, while food inflation was 5.74%. 101112

The currency

The leone (SLE), redenominated in 2022. 27

Analytical note

The IMF projected inflation of about 11.6% at the end of 2026. Forecast1314

Bank of Sierra Leone facility rates

Standing lending facility 21.0% and standing deposit facility 11.5% (June 2026). 101112

About one billion leones was allocated to it in the 2026 budget. Announced789

Announced government project

«Feed Salone» is an agricultural programme with an allocation in the 2026 budget. Announced789

Roads

The Kenema–Pendembu road was cited among recent projects in the Saudi Fund for Development context (November 2023). 17181920

Language

English is the official language and Krio the lingua franca. 27

Context

General elections are due in 2028, and pre-election uncertainty is among the risks cited. Analysis121314

Sectors and areas for cooperation

Established sectors

  • Iron ore mining

    About 69% of mineral exports (2025): Tonkolili and Marampa.15

  • Rutile and bauxite

    Rutile and bauxite are listed among the country's minerals other than iron ore.15

  • Diamonds and gold

    Diamonds and gold are listed among the country's minerals; the Koidu diamond mine shut down indefinitely (May 2025).15

Analysis2

Applies to everything in this group: Announced.

  • «Feed Salone»

    A government agricultural programme; about one billion leones in the 2026 budget.789

  • Saudi Fund hospital

    A US$50 million loan; ratified by Parliament (stated separately; whether it is part of the SAR 218 million total is not confirmed).17181920

Areas worth studying7

Applies to everything in this group: Area worth studying, not a ready-made opportunity.

  • Halal food and meat

    A Muslim-majority market with existing Saudi meat exports.16

  • Plastics and packaging

    The largest Saudi export to Sierra Leone.16

  • Rice and agro-processing

    A government agricultural programme, and a Saudi–Sierra Leonean framework that covers agriculture.7891314212223242531

  • Minerals trade and services

    The largest item the Kingdom imports from Sierra Leone, and a cooperation framework that covers mining.15162122232425

  • Health and development finance

    An existing Saudi loan for a hospital.17181920

  • Education, scholarships and training

    A declared Saudi interest in education.2122232425

  • Construction materials and building

    Existing Saudi exports of salt and stone.16

2025 growth: Ministry of Finance (July 2026) 4.8% against 4.5% from the Minister of Trade (May 2026). Both figures are shown and the Ministry of Finance figure is used as the headline.

2026 growth: the budget (December 2025) 4.4–4.5% and the Minister of Trade (May 2026) 4.7%, against 4.0% after the revision (July 2026, Ministry of Finance, Bank of Sierra Leone and IMF). The revised 4.0% is used and the earlier targets are shown.

2026 domestic revenue: the Ministry of Finance statement gives NLe17.9 billion (10.8% of GDP) against NLe22.2 billion in the BudgIT analysis; the revised figure is NLe21.5 billion. The revised figure is used and definitions differ between sources.

With Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia and Sierra Leone

Topics in this section: The Saudi angle · The Saudi link — agriculture · Saudi–Sierra Leone relations16171819202122232425

This section documents announced facts from their official sources, with dates and status, without assessment.

The Saudi angle

Saudi imports of «ores, slag and ash» reached SAR 24.8 million in 2025, the largest item the Kingdom imports from Sierra Leone. 16

The Saudi link — agriculture

At the 2023 Riyadh summit the two sides agreed to develop a joint framework that includes agriculture, and the strategic cooperation framework (2025) covered agriculture and research. 2122232425

Saudi–Sierra Leone relations

Saudi Fund for Development loans since 1985, and cooperation covering education, agriculture and mining under the strategic cooperation framework (2025; text and signatories not seen), with a Saudi diplomatic presence in Freetown. Analysis171819202122232425

Reading

Trade runs in both directions, with minerals leading on the Saudi import side. Analysis16

The developmental dimension

Six Saudi Fund loans since 1985, and a US$50 million hospital loan stated separately (whether it is part of the SAR 218 million total is not confirmed). 17181920

The Islamic dimension

A Muslim majority, membership of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation and the Islamic Development Bank, and pilgrims in the 2026 Hajj. 2627

The knowledge dimension

Scholarships (100) and support to Fourah Bay College, cited by the Head of Mission on National Day (September 2024). 2122232425

Section facts and information — 16 entries
With the Kingdom — Saudi Fund for Development
The Saudi Fund for Development, since 1985Data year: 198517181920
With the Kingdom — hospital loan
A US$50 million hospital loan (stated separately; whether it is part of the SAR 218 million total is not confirmed)17181920
With the Kingdom — Saudi ambassador
A Saudi ambassador presented his credentials in Freetown in April 2026Data year: 20262122232425
With the Kingdom — trade in 2025
Saudi exports SAR 41.7 million · imports SAR 31.5 million (2025)Data year: 202516
Hajj 2026
2,626 pilgrims from Sierra LeoneData year: 202626
Saudi imports of «ores, slag and ash» from Sierra Leone — 2025
SAR 24.8 millionData year: 202516
Saudi meat exports to Sierra Leone — 2025
SAR 7.6 millionData year: 202516
Saudi exports to Sierra Leone — 2025
SAR 41.7 million (plastics and meat)Data year: 202516
Saudi imports from Sierra Leone — 2025
SAR 31.5 million (mineral ores)Data year: 202516
Saudi exports to Sierra Leone — plastics — 2025
SAR 18.3 millionData year: 202516
Saudi exports to Sierra Leone — salt and stone — 2025
SAR 5.4 millionData year: 202516
Saudi imports from Sierra Leone — wood and charcoal — 2025
SAR 3.6 millionData year: 202516
Saudi imports from Sierra Leone — aluminium — 2025
SAR 2.8 millionData year: 202516
Growth of Saudi imports from Sierra Leone — 2025
171.5%Data year: 202516
Saudi exports — July 2026
SAR 1.9 million (one month)Data year: 202616
Direct Saudi investment
No published data on direct Saudi investment16

Milestones

  1. 2026

    2026-04

    Ambassador Saud bin Mushabbab Al-Musa'ed presents his credentials in Freetown, noting the establishment of a Saudi diplomatic presence there. · Unspecified 2122232425

  2. 2025

    2025-04

    A strategic cooperation framework covering agriculture, education, technology, research, mining and petroleum engineering. · Unspecified 2122232425

  3. 2024

    2024-09

    On National Day, the Saudi Head of Mission cites 100 scholarships and support to Fourah Bay College. · Unspecified 2122232425

Earlier record (2)

  1. 2023

    2023-05

    Reported agreement on a Saudi Fund soft loan of US$50 million for a 150-bed hospital (stated separately; whether it is part of the SAR 218 million total is not confirmed). · Announced 17181920

  2. 1985

    1985

    The Saudi Fund for Development: six concessional loans for five projects totalling more than SAR 218 million since 1985 (the US$50 million hospital loan is stated separately). · Unspecified 17181920

Records without a date

  • President Bio receives the envoy of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb; Sierra Leone declares its support for «Expo 2030» and for the 2034 World Cup bid. · Unspecified 2122232425

  • On the sidelines of the Saudi–Africa Summit in Riyadh, the President meets the Minister of Education, the Governor of the Public Investment Fund and the CEO of the Saudi Fund for Development. · Unspecified 2122232425

  • Parliament ratified the US$50 million hospital loan (stated separately; whether it is part of the SAR 218 million total is not confirmed). · Unspecified 17181920

What we do not know yet

  • The text of the cooperation framework (2025) and its signatories.
  • The final site of the hospital (Lungi or Kerry Town).
  • Any direct Saudi investment.

Media

Media and editorial perspectives

Topics in this section: The media landscape · Public broadcasting · Private broadcasting30

The media landscape

A media scene that includes the state broadcaster (SLBC), private television and radio, newspapers and online outlets. Analysis30

Public broadcasting

The Sierra Leone Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC), the state broadcaster. 30

Private broadcasting

Private television and radio, among them AYV and Radio Democracy. 30

The press

Newspapers, among them Awoko, Concord Times and Premier News. 30

Digital media

Online media, among them the Sierra Leone Telegraph. 30

Regulation

The Independent Media Commission (IMC). 30

Context

In 2020 Sierra Leone repealed the criminal and seditious libel provisions of the Public Order Act. 30

Sources

Sources and updates

Sources cited on this page, numbered as they appear next to each item.

Last reviewed: 2026-10-07

This dossier does not constitute legal, financial, investment or security advice. Political facts are presented as reported in their sources, without evaluation. Last fact check: 6 October 2026.

A document for external circulation. It does not represent legal, financial or investment advice, and it contains no confirmed commitments, partnerships or sponsorships.

Fast-changing information — the composition of the government, inflation and the exchange rate, taxes, fuel prices, entry requirements and flight schedules — should be reviewed in the week of the visit itself and before any signing.

The investment-environment table is an institutional summary and is no substitute for legal and tax advice. Legal and regulatory requirements must be verified at the time of decision, with the competent authorities and a licensed local adviser.

The names of bodies follow the latest that could be verified (2026) and may change after government reshuffles.

Name of the central bank governor: CIA World Leaders (December 2024) lists a different name; the name of Dr Ibrahim L. Stevens, according to the Bank of Sierra Leone and the press (2025–2026), is used.

2023 election results: the electoral commission declared President Bio the winner with 56.17%, the opposition APC rejected the results, and an Agreement for National Unity (October 2023) set up a tripartite committee on the electoral process. The parties' positions are presented attributed to their holders.

This file was prepared from the DEEP AFRICA evidence register, and each published item is matched to a register row. Main sources include DataSaudi data (General Authority for Statistics), the Saudi Fund for Development via SPA, Okaz and Ajel, the Presidency (State House), the Ministry of Finance, the Bank of Sierra Leone, the statistics agency, the Ministry of Health, the International Monetary Fund, and press and specialised sources such as Awoko, Premier News, Sierra Eye, Capmad and BudgIT. Last fact check: 6 October 2026.

Source register (33)
  1. 1

    Al Jazeera (27 Jun 2023); Africanews (28 Jun 2023); CDD West Africa

    Head of State & elections — 03 Leadership

    Official · Published 2023-06-27 · Accessed 2026-10-06

    Cited in: General context · What to watch · Balanced reading · What to follow · Context · The axes in brief: Institutional context · Institutional context · President of the Republic · In office since · Office of the President (State House)

  2. 2

    Al Jazeera (27 Jun 2023); Africanews (28 Jun 2023); CDD West Africa

    Head of State & elections — 03 Leadership

    Media · Published 2023-06-27 · Accessed 2026-10-06

    Cited in: General context · What to watch · Balanced reading · What to follow · Context · The axes in brief: Institutional context · Institutional context · President of the Republic · In office since · Office of the President (State House)

  3. 3

    Sierra Eye / Awoko (11–12 Aug 2026)

    Officials (latest) — 03 Leadership

    Official · Published 2026-08-12 · Accessed 2026-10-06

    Cited in: Institutions · The axes in brief: Institutional context · Institutional context · 2026 milestones — cabinet reshuffle · Vice-President · Chief Minister · Finance · Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation · Mines and Mineral Resources · Trade and Industry · Governor of the Bank of Sierra Leone · Ministry of Finance · Ministry of Trade and Industry · Ministry of Mines and Mineral Resources · Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security

  4. 4

    State House (27 Nov 2025)

    Officials (latest) — 03 Leadership

    Official · Published 2026-08-12 · Accessed 2026-10-06

    Cited in: Institutions · The axes in brief: Institutional context · Institutional context · 2026 milestones — cabinet reshuffle · Vice-President · Chief Minister · Finance · Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation · Mines and Mineral Resources · Trade and Industry · Governor of the Bank of Sierra Leone · Ministry of Finance · Ministry of Trade and Industry · Ministry of Mines and Mineral Resources · Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security

  5. 5

    Awoko (May 2026)

    Officials (latest) — 03 Leadership

    Official · Published 2026-08-12 · Accessed 2026-10-06

    Cited in: Institutions · The axes in brief: Institutional context · Institutional context · 2026 milestones — cabinet reshuffle · Vice-President · Chief Minister · Finance · Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation · Mines and Mineral Resources · Trade and Industry · Governor of the Bank of Sierra Leone · Ministry of Finance · Ministry of Trade and Industry · Ministry of Mines and Mineral Resources · Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security

  6. 6

    MoICE (Jul–Aug 2026)

    Officials (latest) — 03 Leadership

    Official · Published 2026-08-12 · Accessed 2026-10-06

    Cited in: Institutions · The axes in brief: Institutional context · Institutional context · 2026 milestones — cabinet reshuffle · Vice-President · Chief Minister · Finance · Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation · Mines and Mineral Resources · Trade and Industry · Governor of the Bank of Sierra Leone · Ministry of Finance · Ministry of Trade and Industry · Ministry of Mines and Mineral Resources · Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security

  7. 7

    Ministry of Finance budget statements via Premier News (1 Dec 2025

    Budget 2026 & mid-year revision — 08 Public finance

    Official · Published 2026-07-31 · Accessed 2026-10-06

    Cited in: A diplomatic presence · General context · The axes in brief: Economy & Investment · The brief · Energy and the economy · What to watch · The economy at a glance · The economy in 2026 · The fiscal deficit · What to follow · Bank of Sierra Leone facility rates · Announced government project · Institutional context · Growth 2025 · 2026 milestones — fuel and inflation shock · 2026 milestones — budget · Expected growth 2026 — budget target · Expected growth 2026 — after revision · Public debt · Oil price shock — April 2026 · Deficit — revised 2026 budget · Spending (original) — 2026 budget · Spending (revised) — 2026 budget · Domestic revenue (revised) — 2026 budget · Main allocations — «Feed Salone» · Ministry of Finance · «Feed Salone» · Rice and agro-processing

  8. 8

    31 Jul 2026)

    Budget 2026 & mid-year revision — 08 Public finance

    Media · Published 2026-07-31 · Accessed 2026-10-06

    Cited in: A diplomatic presence · General context · The axes in brief: Economy & Investment · The brief · Energy and the economy · What to watch · The economy at a glance · The economy in 2026 · The fiscal deficit · What to follow · Bank of Sierra Leone facility rates · Announced government project · Institutional context · Growth 2025 · 2026 milestones — fuel and inflation shock · 2026 milestones — budget · Expected growth 2026 — budget target · Expected growth 2026 — after revision · Public debt · Oil price shock — April 2026 · Deficit — revised 2026 budget · Spending (original) — 2026 budget · Spending (revised) — 2026 budget · Domestic revenue (revised) — 2026 budget · Main allocations — «Feed Salone» · Ministry of Finance · «Feed Salone» · Rice and agro-processing

  9. 9

    BudgIT 2026 Budget Analysis

    Budget 2026 & mid-year revision — 08 Public finance

    Media · Published 2026-07-31 · Accessed 2026-10-06

    Cited in: A diplomatic presence · General context · The axes in brief: Economy & Investment · The brief · Energy and the economy · What to watch · The economy at a glance · The economy in 2026 · The fiscal deficit · What to follow · Bank of Sierra Leone facility rates · Announced government project · Institutional context · Growth 2025 · 2026 milestones — fuel and inflation shock · 2026 milestones — budget · Expected growth 2026 — budget target · Expected growth 2026 — after revision · Public debt · Oil price shock — April 2026 · Deficit — revised 2026 budget · Spending (original) — 2026 budget · Spending (revised) — 2026 budget · Domestic revenue (revised) — 2026 budget · Main allocations — «Feed Salone» · Ministry of Finance · «Feed Salone» · Rice and agro-processing

  10. 10

    Bank of Sierra Leone MPC via Awoko (18 Jun 2026

    Bank of Sierra Leone & inflation — 12 Money

    Official · Published 2026-08-31 · Accessed 2026-10-06

    Cited in: General context · The axes in brief: Economy & Investment · The brief · Energy and the economy · Money and the central bank · Bank of Sierra Leone facility rates · Institutional context · 2026 milestones — fuel and inflation shock · 2026 milestones — policy rate · Inflation — July 2026 · Annual inflation — August 2025 · Annual inflation — February 2026 · Annual inflation — April 2026 · Annual inflation — June 2026 · Bank of Sierra Leone monetary policy rate — June 2026 · Bank of Sierra Leone facility rates — June 2026 · Bank of Sierra Leone (BSL)

  11. 11

    29 Sep 2025)

    Bank of Sierra Leone & inflation — 12 Money

    Media · Published 2026-08-31 · Accessed 2026-10-06

    Cited in: General context · The axes in brief: Economy & Investment · The brief · Energy and the economy · Money and the central bank · Bank of Sierra Leone facility rates · Institutional context · 2026 milestones — fuel and inflation shock · 2026 milestones — policy rate · Inflation — July 2026 · Annual inflation — August 2025 · Annual inflation — February 2026 · Annual inflation — April 2026 · Annual inflation — June 2026 · Bank of Sierra Leone monetary policy rate — June 2026 · Bank of Sierra Leone facility rates — June 2026 · Bank of Sierra Leone (BSL)

  12. 12

    Stats SL via Premier News (31 Aug 2026)

    Bank of Sierra Leone & inflation — 12 Money

    Media · Published 2026-08-31 · Accessed 2026-10-06

    Cited in: General context · The axes in brief: Economy & Investment · The brief · Energy and the economy · Money and the central bank · Bank of Sierra Leone facility rates · Institutional context · 2026 milestones — fuel and inflation shock · 2026 milestones — policy rate · Inflation — July 2026 · Annual inflation — August 2025 · Annual inflation — February 2026 · Annual inflation — April 2026 · Annual inflation — June 2026 · Bank of Sierra Leone monetary policy rate — June 2026 · Bank of Sierra Leone facility rates — June 2026 · Bank of Sierra Leone (BSL)

  13. 13

    IMF statement via Sierra Eye (May 2026)

    IMF programme — 08 Public finance

    International · Published 2026-05 · Accessed 2026-10-06

    Cited in: General context · The IMF anchor · What to watch · Balanced reading · The economy at a glance · The fiscal deficit · What to follow · Analytical note · Context · Institutional context · Expected growth 2026 — after revision · Domestic primary surplus — 2025 · Extended Credit Facility — third review · Resilience and Sustainability Facility · End-2026 projection — IMF · Rice and agro-processing

  14. 14

    MoF (Jul 2026)

    IMF programme — 08 Public finance

    Media · Published 2026-05 · Accessed 2026-10-06

    Cited in: General context · The IMF anchor · What to watch · Balanced reading · The economy at a glance · The fiscal deficit · What to follow · Analytical note · Context · Institutional context · Expected growth 2026 — after revision · Domestic primary surplus — 2025 · Extended Credit Facility — third review · Resilience and Sustainability Facility · End-2026 projection — IMF · Rice and agro-processing

  15. 15

    Rio Times (7 Sep 2026) citing official data

    Mineral exports — 10 Mining

    Media · Published 2026-09-07 · Accessed 2026-10-06

    Cited in: The axes in brief: People & Society · Why does Sierra Leone deserve to be understood? · Mineral wealth · General context · The axes in brief: Economy & Investment · The brief · Iron ore leads exports · Balanced reading · The economy at a glance · Exports led by minerals · Iron ore · Mineral exports 2025 · Diamonds, rutile and gold · Data gap · Economic pillars — iron ore · Economic pillars — other minerals · Mineral exports — 2024 · Mineral exports — 2025 · Minerals' share of export receipts — 2024 · Iron ore share of mineral exports — 2025 · Iron ore mining · Rutile and bauxite · Diamonds and gold · Minerals trade and services

  16. 16

    DataSaudi (GASTAT)

    Trade (DataSaudi) — 18 Saudi relations

    Official · Published 2026 · Accessed 2026-10-06

    Cited in: What this means in practice · The axes in brief: Relations with Saudi Arabia · The Saudi angle · Reading · With the Kingdom — trade in 2025 · Saudi imports of «ores, slag and ash» from Sierra Leone — 2025 · Saudi meat exports to Sierra Leone — 2025 · Saudi exports to Sierra Leone — 2025 · Saudi imports from Sierra Leone — 2025 · Saudi exports to Sierra Leone — plastics — 2025 · Saudi exports to Sierra Leone — salt and stone — 2025 · Saudi imports from Sierra Leone — wood and charcoal — 2025 · Saudi imports from Sierra Leone — aluminium — 2025 · Growth of Saudi imports from Sierra Leone — 2025 · Saudi exports — July 2026 · Direct Saudi investment · Halal food and meat · Plastics and packaging · Minerals trade and services · Construction materials and building

  17. 17

    SPA via Sabq (10 May 2025)

    Saudi Fund for Development — 18 Saudi relations

    Official · Published 2025-05-10 · Accessed 2026-10-06

    Cited in: The axes in brief: People & Society · Why does Sierra Leone deserve to be understood? · A long-standing development partner · What this means in practice · The axes in brief: Economy & Investment · The brief · An extended Saudi partnership · What to watch · Roads · The axes in brief: Relations with Saudi Arabia · Saudi–Sierra Leone relations · The developmental dimension · Institutional context · With the Kingdom — Saudi Fund for Development · With the Kingdom — hospital loan · Reported agreement on a Saudi Fund soft loan of US$50 million for a 150-bed hospital (stated separately; whether it is part of the SAR 218 million total is not confirmed). · The Saudi Fund for Development: six concessional loans for five projects totalling more than SAR 218 million since 1985 (the US$50 million hospital loan is stated separately). · Parliament ratified the US$50 million hospital loan (stated separately; whether it is part of the SAR 218 million total is not confirmed). · Ministry of Health · Saudi Fund for Development · Saudi Fund hospital · Health and development finance

  18. 18

    MoHS

    Saudi Fund for Development — 18 Saudi relations

    Official · Published 2025-05-10 · Accessed 2026-10-06

    Cited in: The axes in brief: People & Society · Why does Sierra Leone deserve to be understood? · A long-standing development partner · What this means in practice · The axes in brief: Economy & Investment · The brief · An extended Saudi partnership · What to watch · Roads · The axes in brief: Relations with Saudi Arabia · Saudi–Sierra Leone relations · The developmental dimension · Institutional context · With the Kingdom — Saudi Fund for Development · With the Kingdom — hospital loan · Reported agreement on a Saudi Fund soft loan of US$50 million for a 150-bed hospital (stated separately; whether it is part of the SAR 218 million total is not confirmed). · The Saudi Fund for Development: six concessional loans for five projects totalling more than SAR 218 million since 1985 (the US$50 million hospital loan is stated separately). · Parliament ratified the US$50 million hospital loan (stated separately; whether it is part of the SAR 218 million total is not confirmed). · Ministry of Health · Saudi Fund for Development · Saudi Fund hospital · Health and development finance

  19. 19

    DHSE (18 May 2023)

    Saudi Fund for Development — 18 Saudi relations

    Official · Published 2025-05-10 · Accessed 2026-10-06

    Cited in: The axes in brief: People & Society · Why does Sierra Leone deserve to be understood? · A long-standing development partner · What this means in practice · The axes in brief: Economy & Investment · The brief · An extended Saudi partnership · What to watch · Roads · The axes in brief: Relations with Saudi Arabia · Saudi–Sierra Leone relations · The developmental dimension · Institutional context · With the Kingdom — Saudi Fund for Development · With the Kingdom — hospital loan · Reported agreement on a Saudi Fund soft loan of US$50 million for a 150-bed hospital (stated separately; whether it is part of the SAR 218 million total is not confirmed). · The Saudi Fund for Development: six concessional loans for five projects totalling more than SAR 218 million since 1985 (the US$50 million hospital loan is stated separately). · Parliament ratified the US$50 million hospital loan (stated separately; whether it is part of the SAR 218 million total is not confirmed). · Ministry of Health · Saudi Fund for Development · Saudi Fund hospital · Health and development finance

  20. 20

    State House (11 Nov 2023)

    Saudi Fund for Development — 18 Saudi relations

    Official · Published 2025-05-10 · Accessed 2026-10-06

    Cited in: The axes in brief: People & Society · Why does Sierra Leone deserve to be understood? · A long-standing development partner · What this means in practice · The axes in brief: Economy & Investment · The brief · An extended Saudi partnership · What to watch · Roads · The axes in brief: Relations with Saudi Arabia · Saudi–Sierra Leone relations · The developmental dimension · Institutional context · With the Kingdom — Saudi Fund for Development · With the Kingdom — hospital loan · Reported agreement on a Saudi Fund soft loan of US$50 million for a 150-bed hospital (stated separately; whether it is part of the SAR 218 million total is not confirmed). · The Saudi Fund for Development: six concessional loans for five projects totalling more than SAR 218 million since 1985 (the US$50 million hospital loan is stated separately). · Parliament ratified the US$50 million hospital loan (stated separately; whether it is part of the SAR 218 million total is not confirmed). · Ministry of Health · Saudi Fund for Development · Saudi Fund hospital · Health and development finance

  21. 21

    State House (11 Oct 2023; 11 Nov 2023; 14 Apr 2026); Premier News (Apr 2025); Ajel (6 Jan 2025); Okaz (14 Apr 2026); Awoko (25 Sep 2024)

    High-level contacts & diplomacy — 18 Saudi relations

    Official · Published 2026-04-14 · Accessed 2026-10-06

    Cited in: A long-standing development partner · What this means in practice · An extended Saudi partnership · The axes in brief: Relations with Saudi Arabia · The Saudi link — agriculture · Saudi–Sierra Leone relations · The knowledge dimension · Institutional context · With the Kingdom — Saudi ambassador · Ambassador Saud bin Mushabbab Al-Musa'ed presents his credentials in Freetown, noting the establishment of a Saudi diplomatic presence there. · A strategic cooperation framework covering agriculture, education, technology, research, mining and petroleum engineering. · On National Day, the Saudi Head of Mission cites 100 scholarships and support to Fourah Bay College. · President Bio receives the envoy of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb; Sierra Leone declares its support for «Expo 2030» and for the 2034 World Cup bid. · On the sidelines of the Saudi–Africa Summit in Riyadh, the President meets the Minister of Education, the Governor of the Public Investment Fund and the CEO of the Saudi Fund for Development. · Saudi diplomatic presence in Freetown · Rice and agro-processing · Minerals trade and services · Education, scholarships and training

  22. 22

    State House (11 Oct 2023; 11 Nov 2023; 14 Apr 2026); Premier News (Apr 2025); Ajel (6 Jan 2025); Okaz (14 Apr 2026); Awoko (25 Sep 2024)

    High-level contacts & diplomacy — 18 Saudi relations

    Official · Published 2026-04-14 · Accessed 2026-10-06

    Cited in: A long-standing development partner · What this means in practice · An extended Saudi partnership · The axes in brief: Relations with Saudi Arabia · The Saudi link — agriculture · Saudi–Sierra Leone relations · The knowledge dimension · Institutional context · With the Kingdom — Saudi ambassador · Ambassador Saud bin Mushabbab Al-Musa'ed presents his credentials in Freetown, noting the establishment of a Saudi diplomatic presence there. · A strategic cooperation framework covering agriculture, education, technology, research, mining and petroleum engineering. · On National Day, the Saudi Head of Mission cites 100 scholarships and support to Fourah Bay College. · President Bio receives the envoy of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb; Sierra Leone declares its support for «Expo 2030» and for the 2034 World Cup bid. · On the sidelines of the Saudi–Africa Summit in Riyadh, the President meets the Minister of Education, the Governor of the Public Investment Fund and the CEO of the Saudi Fund for Development. · Saudi diplomatic presence in Freetown · Rice and agro-processing · Minerals trade and services · Education, scholarships and training

  23. 23

    State House (11 Oct 2023; 11 Nov 2023; 14 Apr 2026); Premier News (Apr 2025); Ajel (6 Jan 2025); Okaz (14 Apr 2026); Awoko (25 Sep 2024)

    High-level contacts & diplomacy — 18 Saudi relations

    Official · Published 2026-04-14 · Accessed 2026-10-06

    Cited in: A long-standing development partner · What this means in practice · An extended Saudi partnership · The axes in brief: Relations with Saudi Arabia · The Saudi link — agriculture · Saudi–Sierra Leone relations · The knowledge dimension · Institutional context · With the Kingdom — Saudi ambassador · Ambassador Saud bin Mushabbab Al-Musa'ed presents his credentials in Freetown, noting the establishment of a Saudi diplomatic presence there. · A strategic cooperation framework covering agriculture, education, technology, research, mining and petroleum engineering. · On National Day, the Saudi Head of Mission cites 100 scholarships and support to Fourah Bay College. · President Bio receives the envoy of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb; Sierra Leone declares its support for «Expo 2030» and for the 2034 World Cup bid. · On the sidelines of the Saudi–Africa Summit in Riyadh, the President meets the Minister of Education, the Governor of the Public Investment Fund and the CEO of the Saudi Fund for Development. · Saudi diplomatic presence in Freetown · Rice and agro-processing · Minerals trade and services · Education, scholarships and training

  24. 24

    State House (11 Oct 2023; 11 Nov 2023; 14 Apr 2026); Premier News (Apr 2025); Ajel (6 Jan 2025); Okaz (14 Apr 2026); Awoko (25 Sep 2024)

    High-level contacts & diplomacy — 18 Saudi relations

    Official · Published 2026-04-14 · Accessed 2026-10-06

    Cited in: A long-standing development partner · What this means in practice · An extended Saudi partnership · The axes in brief: Relations with Saudi Arabia · The Saudi link — agriculture · Saudi–Sierra Leone relations · The knowledge dimension · Institutional context · With the Kingdom — Saudi ambassador · Ambassador Saud bin Mushabbab Al-Musa'ed presents his credentials in Freetown, noting the establishment of a Saudi diplomatic presence there. · A strategic cooperation framework covering agriculture, education, technology, research, mining and petroleum engineering. · On National Day, the Saudi Head of Mission cites 100 scholarships and support to Fourah Bay College. · President Bio receives the envoy of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb; Sierra Leone declares its support for «Expo 2030» and for the 2034 World Cup bid. · On the sidelines of the Saudi–Africa Summit in Riyadh, the President meets the Minister of Education, the Governor of the Public Investment Fund and the CEO of the Saudi Fund for Development. · Saudi diplomatic presence in Freetown · Rice and agro-processing · Minerals trade and services · Education, scholarships and training

  25. 25

    State House (11 Oct 2023; 11 Nov 2023; 14 Apr 2026); Premier News (Apr 2025); Ajel (6 Jan 2025); Okaz (14 Apr 2026); Awoko (25 Sep 2024)

    High-level contacts & diplomacy — 18 Saudi relations

    Official · Published 2026-04-14 · Accessed 2026-10-06

    Cited in: A long-standing development partner · What this means in practice · An extended Saudi partnership · The axes in brief: Relations with Saudi Arabia · The Saudi link — agriculture · Saudi–Sierra Leone relations · The knowledge dimension · Institutional context · With the Kingdom — Saudi ambassador · Ambassador Saud bin Mushabbab Al-Musa'ed presents his credentials in Freetown, noting the establishment of a Saudi diplomatic presence there. · A strategic cooperation framework covering agriculture, education, technology, research, mining and petroleum engineering. · On National Day, the Saudi Head of Mission cites 100 scholarships and support to Fourah Bay College. · President Bio receives the envoy of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb; Sierra Leone declares its support for «Expo 2030» and for the 2034 World Cup bid. · On the sidelines of the Saudi–Africa Summit in Riyadh, the President meets the Minister of Education, the Governor of the Public Investment Fund and the CEO of the Saudi Fund for Development. · Saudi diplomatic presence in Freetown · Rice and agro-processing · Minerals trade and services · Education, scholarships and training

  26. 26

    Awoko (29 May 2026)

    Hajj — 18 Saudi relations

    Media · Published 2026-05-29 · Accessed 2026-10-06

    Cited in: Religious diversity · Hajj and the link with the Two Holy Mosques · The Islamic dimension · Hajj 2026

  27. 27

    Stats SL via Premier News; general reference

    Basic facts — 01/05 Snapshot & Geography

    Media · Published 2021 · Accessed 2026-10-06

    Cited in: From within · The axes in brief: People & Society · Why does Sierra Leone deserve to be understood? · Religious diversity · What this means in practice · Religion · Methodological note · The capital · Balanced reading · The currency · Language · The Islamic dimension · Institutional context · Population — 2021 census · Capital · Area · Currency · Languages · Independence · Regional framework · Religion — Muslims · Independence — 27 April · Languages of everyday communication · Time zone of the capital, Freetown · Organisation of Islamic Cooperation — since 1972 · Share of Muslims — 2015 census · Islamic finance — membership

  28. 28

    Capmad (20 Jul 2026); ECOWAS; State House

    ECOWAS & UN — 04 Regional role

    International · Published 2026-07-20 · Accessed 2026-10-06

    Cited in: The axes in brief: People & Society · Why does Sierra Leone deserve to be understood? · A diplomatic presence · The axes in brief: Economy & Investment · The brief · A regional role · Institutional context · 2026 milestones — ECOWAS summit

  29. 29

    Capmad (20 Jul 2026); ECOWAS; State House

    ECOWAS & UN — 04 Regional role

    International · Published 2026-07-20 · Accessed 2026-10-06

    Cited in: The axes in brief: People & Society · Why does Sierra Leone deserve to be understood? · A diplomatic presence · The axes in brief: Economy & Investment · The brief · A regional role · Institutional context · 2026 milestones — ECOWAS summit

  30. 30

    Reporters Without Borders (RSF) country page; general reference

    Media landscape — 21 Media

    Media · Published 2026 · Accessed 2026-10-06

    Cited in: The axes in brief: Media & Stories · The media landscape · Public broadcasting · Private broadcasting · The press · Digital media · Regulation · Context · Sierra Leone Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC) · Independent Media Commission (IMC)

  31. 31

    Trading Economics; general reference

    Investment framework — 16 Investment

    Media · Published 2026 · Accessed 2026-10-06

    Cited in: A diplomatic presence · Revenue · Institutions · Institutional context · Corporate tax · Goods and services tax · Investment and export promotion agency · National Revenue Authority (NRA) · Investment and Export Promotion Agency (SLIEPA) · National Minerals Agency (NMA) · Rice and agro-processing

  32. 32

    Minister of Trade via Awoko (20 May 2026)

    Trade ministry figures — 07 Economy

    Media · Published 2026-05-20 · Accessed 2026-10-06

    Cited in: General context · The axes in brief: Economy & Investment · The brief · The economy at a glance · The fiscal deficit · Institutional context · GDP — 2025 estimate (Trade ministry figures) · Real GDP growth — 2024 (actual) · Real GDP growth — 2025 (estimate) · Real GDP growth — 2025 (Ministry of Trade estimate) · Fiscal deficit per the Ministry of Trade — 2024 to 2025

  33. 33

    World Bank

    World Development Indicators: Sierra Leone

    International · Published 2026-07-13 · Accessed 2026-10-07

    Cited in: Population · GDP · GDP per capita · GDP growth · Urban population · Population under 15 · Life expectancy · Access to electricity · Internet users

Other countries in the region West