Sierra Leone

Since the end of the civil war in 2002, Sierra Leone has been steadily rebuilding physical, social and health infrastructure. However, the challenges of endemic corruption, high youth unemployment, inadequate services, and widespread poverty are still critical impediments to progress.

Opportunities for economic growth lie in supporting agriculture and private sector development, developing eco-tourism, encouraging the return of diaspora professionals, and expanding job creation for youth (more than 40 percent of the population is under 15 years old). Higher economic prospects are predicted for Sierra Leone along with increased returns from foreign investment in mining projects.